The Yamaha World Supersport Team head to the USA this week leading the World Championship as they get ready to race at the Miller Motorsports Park for the first time. The Supersport championship did not join the World Superbike teams when they raced at the Miller circuit last year. Whilst being new to most of the circuits so far this year has not proved to be a disadvantage for British rider and WSS rookie Cal Crutchlow, this does put him on a level playing field with the other riders as they are all new to the track. Rival Kenan Sofuoglu is the only exception to this as he raced World Superbike here last year.
Crutchlow arrives at Miller leading the championship with a margin of 13 points on Honda rider Eugene Laverty. Team-mate Foret left Kyalami with a DNF and no points after crashing out of third position in the African race and sits currently in 8th position as he prepares to tackle the US circuit for the first time.
“I’m really excited about racing at the Miller track,” said Cal Crutchlow. “South Africa was a really tough race, I tried as hard as I could but just couldn’t close the gap on Eugene once I got clear of the pack. He’s now the biggest threat for the championship at this time so I really want to go out there and work hard with the Yamaha team this weekend and hopefully win the race. We’ve still got some things to work out on the bike but we’re getting there.”
“I was really disappointed not to finish on the podium at Kyalami,” said Fabien Foret. “It was an avoidable mistake on my behalf and a lesson learnt. I’m putting it behind me and intend to continue with my race pace now I’m back on form and want to be at the front this weekend and in the points.”
Wilco Zeelenberg, Yamaha World Supersport Team Manager
“South Africa could have been better for us but in the end the target was finishing on the podium and we nearly did with both riders. It was a difficult first three or four laps and Cal missed out on being connected with Eugene at a crucial time. Eugene seems to be the main rival now for Cal to beat to stay ahead in the championship. Salt lake is a new one for the Supersport championship, it’s a fast track, and as we saw in Monza our engine is good on fast circuits.”
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