by Russell Atkins
British Superbike star rookie Cal Crutchlow has spoken of his excitement about his deal with reigning double championship-winning outfit HM Plant Honda for 2008 describing it as both a privilege and an honour.
Crutchlow who made it a double celebration as the news was announced on his 22nd birthday rode for Rizla Suzuki during his maiden BSB campaign, impressing as the season wore on and taking to the rostrum in the last round at
Brands Hatch. He then went on to triumph in the prestigious Race of the Year at
Mallory Park a week later, adding his name to an illustrious roster on the weekend that marked both his final outing in turquoise and the anniversary of his Rizla debut.
It's such a privilege to be even considered for the [HM Plant] ride, let alone get the job, the Coventry ace enthused to
Crash.net Radio. I had three great years with Honda when I rode for the Gary Ekerold team, and that was the key for me. They're such a good manufacturer, gave us such a lot of support and took me to the British Supersport Championship last year.
To now be riding for the twice championship-winning team is an absolute honour. I can't wait to get on-board both the bike and the team, and have a go at such a fantastic opportunity to win the title.
The 2006 BSS title-winner will be paired up next year with fellow young gun Leon Haslam, a contender for the laurels in each of the past two seasons. Following the departure of 2007 champion Ryuichi Kiyonari and runner-up Jonathan Rea from the HM Plant fold, Crutchlow knows both will be expected to perform right from the word go.
I'm very much looking forward to working with Leon, asserted the man who once had a Coventry City FC training contract in front of him on the table. He's a good friend of mine and I think we'll work well together. If someone had said to me in the paddock who's one of the riders you'd really like to work with?' I would have said Leon.
