The HM Plant Honda rider has won a dozen times this season, but a couple of tumbles have proved costly to him and, with the second and third places scored last time out compounding his problems, the pressure is on him now. He has to go all out for victories, nothing less will suffice, but even then he has to hope that Lavilla is beaten further back down the finishing list if he is to overcome the 13-point deficit.
And there is unlikely to be any help forthcoming from his Honda team-mate Michael Rutter, who is destined to finish third in the rankings for the second time in three years after seeing his own hopes of taking the title for the first time slip out of his grasp with three tumbles in as many rounds, which left him with painful arm and shoulder injuries.
Nevertheless, Rutter is keen to sign off a disappointing campaign on a winning note, while in the Airwaves Ducati garage, Leon Haslam is also keen to end his season on a high.
Around them, there is certain to be determined challenges coming in as riders and teams begin to consider options for next season, John Reynolds, who hands over the number one plates at the meeting is determined to give Rizla Suzuki a victory, as is Haydon, while in the Virgin Mobile Samsung Yamaha team Sean Emmett needs a strong finish, while Tommy Hill chases a second victory of the season.
Scott Smart is keen to impress aboard the Vivaldi Kawasaki, while both Hawk Kawasaki riders Glen Richards and Dean Thomas are overdue success. Aiming to embarrass them all is British Superbike Cup winner James Buckingham who is hungry for more successes in his pursuit of a factory ride for next season.
Around the two Superbike races, there is all to play for in a busy support race programme. Leon Camier looks set to take the Metabo British Supersport crown, taking a 22-point lead over Craig Jones into the final action, while it could hardly be closer in the British 125cc Championship in which James Westmoreland, the winner of three of the last four races, leads the defending title holder Christian Elkin by a single point.
