From a press release issued by Crescent Suzuki:

Reynolds says Suzuki’s GSX-R1000 is the bike to beat in BSB 2004

DOUBLE British Superbike Champion John Reynolds will ride for Suzuki in British Superbikes in 2004 and says the GSX-R1000 is the bike that’s able to take him to the series title.

“The Suzuki GSX-R1000 will be the bike to beat in 2004,” explains JR. “That’s why I am so happy to have signed again for Crescent and Suzuki GB and look forward to starting the new season with the strongest package on the grid.

“I believe the GSX-R1000 was the bike to beat in 2003 right from the start. As an all-round package it is the fastest Superbike I have ever ridden. During the coming winter months Crescent, along with the Suzuki factory, will be working on making it even better for the 2004 season. This is the bike that can take me to my third British Superbike title, no question.”

JR finished a clear second in the 2003 Championship despite breaking his collarbone at the very first round at Silverstone. He missed out on any points at the first round and spent the next four rounds riding injured. After his collarbone healed, he took the series by the scruff of the neck and outscored everyone in the second half of the season, finishing with four wins and 12 podiums to his credit, not to mention a pole position and runners-up spot in Brands Hatch WSB.

“Continuity is important in racing and this will be my third year with Suzuki,” said JR. “I know the team and the bike very well and I am confident we will be faster everywhere we go next season.”

The 38-year-old Nottingham rider is a fans’ favourite and is already looking beyond 2004. He said: “People ask if this will be my final season but that’s not the way I am looking at it. My aim is to win the Championship for Suzuki in 2004 and then return to defend it in 2005.”

Crescent Suzuki boss Paul Denning is convinced that the combination of JR and the GSX-R1000 will be a threat for the title in 2004. He said: “John has helped us to develop the GSX-R1000 from a showroom bike into a world beating Superbike racer. His determination and will to win was proven to us all when he rode through the pain barrier with his injury and never gave up until the last chequered flag of 2003. And it’s only made him hungrier for victory. This is the very strongest bike and rider line-up possible in 2004 for Suzuki.”

Suzuki GB’s General Manager Nick Barnes said: “Suzuki GB has every confidence that the Crescent-prepared GSX-R1000 can compete at the very highest level in Superbikes. Add to that the super fast John Reynolds as our first choice rider with more experience of this bike than anybody else in the world and you have a combination that is going to be difficult to beat. If John hadn’t been injured in 2003 he may well have lifted the title. We’ll be giving him all our support in 2004 to go one better and bring the Championship home for Suzuki.”

JR will ride the official Suzuki GB/Crescent GSX-R1000 in British Superbikes in 2004. The first round kicks off at Silverstone on March 28th 2004. A team mate to ride alongside JR in 2004 and the team’s title sponsor will be announced soon.

Editorial Note: Reynolds’ teammate in 2003, Yukio Kagayama, is in Japan, still recovering from a badly broken pelvis.