Cal Crutchlow has branded this weekend's round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at
Mallory Park as ‘make or break' as he bids to break down Shane Byrne's dominant lead.
Crutchlow is one of only three riders to have won a race this season, but his two triumphs pale into comparison alongside Byrne's seven, results that have contributed to him falling 86-points behind his rival.
Indeed, while 14 races remain on the calendar, the extent of Byrne's advantage this year has led Crutchlow to consider rounds 11 and 12 as the most crucial for his title aspirations.
“It is a very important round for me,” he admitted. “It could make or break the Championship. Ideally, I could do with a race win or a double to pull in as many points as possible. I'd like to be up there and I can't see any reason why not. If I can take the fight to Shakey and the Ducatis then I'll do that.”
Despite the extent of his task, the HM Plant Honda rider is nonetheless confident as Mallory Park also doubles up as his home circuit.
“I like Mallory as a circuit and it is my home round,” he explained. “It's not a long lap so it always makes for good, close racing, plus there are lots of passing places and it is great for the fans as they can see most of the track.”
