Crutchlow: 2008 Was a Revelation

HM PLANT Honda’s Cal Crutchlow believes his British Superbike season was a revelation despite being pipped to the runners up spot by teammate Leon Haslam.

The 22-year-old was the most improved rider in the paddock moving up the rankings from ninth last year to third this season.

Crutchlow finished the campaign with 318 points – 39 adrift of rival Haslam – picking up two wins and appearing on the podium in half of the 24 races.

And the HM Plant ace, who will race in the World Supersport category next year, insists he will be sad to leave the domestic competition behind.

“I will have some great memories of this season,” Crutchlow, who won the British Supersport title in 2006, said.

“To have the best improvement in the whole of the Superbikes was very pleasing and shows what a great year I’ve had.

“I feel like I have really come on as a rider and the fact that I am a bit disappointed with a season where I have improved so much and won two races and been up there in so many more shows how my attitude has changed.

“I was up there challenging in every race and I’ve really enjoyed every meeting.  I’ve got a little bit of mixed emotions because I’m excited about my new challenge but I’m also sad to leave my team behind.”

Crutchlow roared out of the blocks at the start of the British Superbike campaign winning two of the first six races.

Established as a real championship contender the 22-year-old continued to take the fight to Shane Byrne and had a healthy 37-point cushion in second place going into the last five meetings of the year.

But the Honda rider’s dream season hit the buffers at Knockhill in round eight and thereafter he struggled to recreate his early season heroics.

And the Coventry star believes his downturn in fortunes was caused by lady luck deserting him when he needed her most.

“I didn’t ride as well as I could in the back end of the season but I also was a bit unlucky with my bike,” he added.

“At Cadwell Park in round nine my bike let me down and then in the last race at Brands Hatch I had trouble with my rear tyre which didn’t help.

“But it’s been a good year and I’m confident I can perform well in the World Supersport next year.”