Harris re-signs with Honda for 2004.

Karl Harris has re-signed for Honda Racing to compete in the 2004 British Supersport Championship. The 23-year-old Yorkshireman will once again ride the all-conquering CBR600RR in the ultra-competitive Supersport class with the same team structure - as this year - in place for next season.

The timing of the announcement is significant - just before the tenth round of the current series at Cadwell Park. This is Honda Racing's local event - the team is based at nearby Louth in Lincolnshire - and Harris can be British Supersport Champion if he wins the round on home tarmac.

Harris and the Honda Racing CBR600RR have proved to be the most competitive package of 2003. The British Supersport Championship has been dominated by the Sheffield star with five race wins, three second places, four pole positions and two lap records.

Harris's high level of consistency is unusual in the class but is a tribute to the team, rider and motorcycle and the way in which they have prepared for the current campaign.

"I am absolutely delighted to have re-signed for Honda Racing again in 2004,2 said Harris, who previously won the British Supersport Championship in 2001. "It's a relief to know what I'll be doing at a relatively early stage. I think it shows how much confidence the team has in me - and vice versa.

"We've put together a really strong package for this season and I know that we'll be the team to beat again next year," Harris added. "I can now concentrate on the job at hand and hopefully go on to win more races, and the championship, before the end of the year."

Honda Racing's Race team manager, a delighted Neil Tuxworth, confirmed the news at Cadwell Park. "We were always confident that Karl would stay with us for a second year but it is good to know that we have our plans in place before the end of the season," said Tuxworth. "There is no doubt that Karl has ridden exceptionally well for Honda Racing this year and we were keen to reward him."

"This is also symbolic of the importance of the Supersport class to Honda Racing," continued Tuxworth. "The CBR600RR is one of Honda's best selling models and one of the biggest sellers in its class. Its success on and off the track emphasises the value of competing in the British Supersport Championship - and winning. I believe that Karl is one of Britain's brightest hopes for future success - especially now that he has re-signed for Honda Racing."