Cal Crutchlow is to fly out to Japan to continue testing ahead of his maiden appearance in the renowned Suzuka Eight Hours at the end of the month.
Crutchlow last tested for the Moriwaki Honda team back in early June but will conduct an additional three-day test around the legendary Suzuka circuit before competing in arguably the most arduous motorcycle race in the world.
Joining the likes of Johnny Rea and Leon Haslam in flying the British flag, Crutchlow admits he is looking forward to the experience of racing in such a famous event.
"I have three days of testing in Japan then a few weeks back here then I am back out to Japan for the Suzuka Eight Hour for the Moriwaki Honda team," he said. "I think it will be a hard race but it is a good experience for me.”
In addition, Crutchlow will also be appearing at the Goodwood Festival of Speed but, for the moment, he is concentrating on his Bennetts British Superbike campaign.
Having moved back up the second place in the overall standings, Crutchlow admits it will be difficult to catch runaway leader Shane Byrne now, but he is determined not to give up.
"I think it will be hard to close the lead to Shakey but I am going to keep plugging away and if I am not beating him and winning then I need to be right behind him. I want to take it to him in the second half of the season. I am looking forward to
Oulton Park as it is a great circuit and I am going for two wins there."
"It is good to be second in the overall standings and to be the top Honda rider; I am looking forward to the rest of the season. I have been consistent so far this year and the only three times I have not been on the podium it hasn't all been my fault, with the crash at Oulton Park for example. Every other race this season we have been up there."
