Cal Ready To Put A Smile On Irish Eyes

[Posted 15.06.07]

RIZLA SUZUKI’S Cal Crutchlow will make his debut Superbike appearance in the Republic of Ireland this weekend when he visits Mondello Park near Dublin for the sixth round of the Bennetts British Championship.

Cal enjoys tight, twisting and demanding circuits and Mondello Park fits the bill for him perfectly. The 2.176-mile long track boasts fast and slow corners of all descriptions, including positive and negative camber, hairpins and fast sweeping turns.

In 2006 the races at Mondello Park were cancelled due to flooding in a May deluge. A month later in June this year and after drainage work at the circuit, the outlook is good for the races.

“Mondello Park is the sort of circuit where you always seem to be cranked over through corners – just the way I like it,” enthused Cal. “I was on pole position in the Supersport class last year and never got a chance to race. I’m looking forward to making my Superbike debut this weekend and hope I can make Irish eyes smile with a good result or two.”

Rizla Suzuki’s Chris Walker has never raced at Mondello Park but recently enjoyed a track day at the venue on a road going GSX-R1000 to learn his way round. He has also benefited from a test at Donington Park late last month when he found extra pace that he aims to put to good use in Ireland.

Stalker said: “Riding round Mondello Park on a road bike was good fun and helped me learn the track layout. I’m hoping that we can find a good base setting early on and then I can concentrate on fine tuning and getting the most from my Rizla Suzuki. We are certainly in good spirits after the test at Donington where I was able to gel with the bike and make quick lap times.”

Due to its plethora of corners, Mondello Park is one of the best places for overtaking and to watch the racing, whilst also being the slowest circuit on the calendar for the Superbikes, with an average speed less than 80mph. Superbike racing starts at 1245 on Sunday, June 17th, and will be shown on ITV1 from 1500 and on Sky Sports Xtra at 1900 on the same day.