Karl Harris has established himself as the man to beat following the first day of free practice for the final round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at
Brands Hatch
The Rob Mac Racing Yamaha rider looked set for the top spot in the first practice session only to be usurped by Leon Haslam in the final minutes, but his lap of 45.993secs this afternoon ensured he wouldn't be bettered this time.
The only rider to slip beneath the 46secs mark, it was Harris' turn to edge Haslam, the HM Plant Honda rider less than a tenth adrift around the short Indy configuration of the Kent circuit.
Home favourite Shane Byrne clung onto the third best lap, ahead of Cal Crutchlow, who was fourth best despite suffering a fall at Druids towards the latter stages.
Michael Rutter clawed his way to the fifth best time, followed by Leon Camier, James Ellison and Tom Sykes, while Michael Laverty and Billy McConnell once again rounded out the top ten positions.
Of the Cup runners, Gary Mason was once again quickest in 13th overall, although he was pushed hard by his rival for the runners-up spot in the standings, Martin Jessopp. The Riders Racing Honda man was 14th fastest.
