Karl Harris fell victim to a horrific crash at the second round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, at Thruxton, Hampshire today (April 20).
The Rob Mac Racing Yamaha Superbike rider was hit by a flying Superbike after fellow competitor, Tom Sykes highsided at Seagrave. Karl was hit in the face by the 170 kilo Superbike travelling in excess of 120mph.
Relatively unscathed, Karl escaped serious injury, suffering from cuts and bruises to his face, knees and ankle. The 27-year old Yorkshireman had proved his ability throughout the practice and qualifying sessions, having topped the time sheets twice in free practice.
Karl had mounted a determined attack on the leading pack at the beginning of race two, moving the Pirelli-shod Yamaha YZF-R1 up to second position before being forced wide and off the track on lap four. He rejoined in 7th and managed to claw his way back up the field and put himself back in to contention for a podium position before being hit by the stray Superbike.
Race One had not proved any more successful for Rob Mac Racing. A mechanical problem forced Karl to retire out of third place at the end of lap two
Rob Mac Racing will now move onto round three of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Oulton Park over the May Bank Holiday weekend (May 3-5).
Rob McElnea, Team Principal:
"First, we are just concerned for Karl's welfare, he has bounced back from a horrifying crash and will no doubt be very sore for a few days. We have definitely been down on our luck this weekend. Race 1 ended prematurely with a mechanical problem that put Karl out of the race whilst he was in a podium position. Our focus was on the second race. Karl put in another strong performance before being pushed wide off the track, rejoining then getting knocked off his bike by a flying Superbike a few laps later.
We will put this weekend behind us and move on to Oulton Park confident in the fact that we are strong in qualifying and have a great race pace. The whole team have worked so hard and do not deserve the bitter taste that we have all been left with. Karl continues to inspire us all, his genuine approach to the job in hand is faultless, lets hope he has the day he deserves at the next round."
Karl Harris: "I'm gutted. I don't feel too bad to be honest apart from very sore knees and one of my ankles. I haven't really taken it all in yet but I do look like I was boxing in Vegas with Calzaghe! I'll be back with a vengeance for Oulton Park, looking for those results we are working so hard for."
BSB Race 1 Result:1) Byrne
2) Crutchlow
3) Rutter
4) Haslam
5) Camier
6) Sykes
7) Ellison
8) Andrews
9) Easton
10) Laverty
DNF Karl Harris (Rob Mac Racing Yamaha)
BSB Race 2 Result:1) Crutchlow
2) Byrne
3) Rutter
4) Camier
5) M Laverty
6) Easton
7) Ellison
8) Sykes
9) Martin
10) McConnell
DNF Karl Harris (Rob Mac Racing Yamaha)
Championship Standings:1) Byrne - 45
1) Crutchlow - 45
3) Rutter - 32
4) Camier - 24
5) Sykes - 18
