HM Plant Honda at Thundersprint 2007 Every year the Thundersprint attracts top class riders from all over the world but for 2007 the event moves up a gear as it plays host to the HM Plant Honda factory team with riders Ryuichi Kiyonari and Jonathan Rea. Thundersprint organiser Frank Melling said: “We’re delighted to welcome one of the world’s top Superbike teams to the Thundersprint for a relaxing weekend away from the pressures of their normal race schedule. “Ryuichi and Jonathan will be having a play on their Superbikes in the Motorcycling Personalities class along with a host of other celebrities. We want the team to have some fun and meet as many fans as possible on their first visit to the Thundersprint. “As with all Thundersprints, the HM Plant Honda team will be located in the paddock which has completely unrestricted access. Fans will be able to get up close to the factory bikes, talk to technicians and meet the riders socially. In fact, the Thundersprint will provide a unique opportunity to meet one of the world’s great race teams on a personal level.” HM Plant Honda Team Manager, Neil Tuxworth, said: “I have heard so many positive things about the Thundersprint and in every way it really is a unique event. Although we are all professionals, and work with racing motorcycles for a living, we are also bike enthusiasts at heart so the chance to be surrounded by so many great motorcycles from the past, and 100,000 enthusiastic spectators, is just too good to miss. “We’re really looking forward to meeting the team’s loyal supporters and making some new friends too. We will be available all day to talk racing and bikes.” 2006 British Superbike Champion Ryuichi Kiyonari is equally enthusiastic. Ryuichi said: “I have heard that the organisers turn a small town into a massive race event in just one night and I am really looking forward to taking part in something so different. “Riding on a 400m long track in the town centre will be completely unlike anything I have done before but it sounds like a lot of fun. “The most important thing for me is to enjoy the weekend and meet as many fans as possible. I am really looking forward to the whole experience.”