JOHN REYNOLDS has declared there will be no let up in his charge to the British Superbike title.

The Rizla Suzuki rider, champion on two occasions previously, has won fives races this season and heads to Croft at the weekend looking to add to his tally.

Warning his rivals that he was looking to build on, not consolidate, his 73-point lead at the top of the standings, Reynolds said: "We are certainly going in the right direction and will be out there looking to win both races.

"There is no thought of riding just to consolidate my position in the championship. There is no time for complacency. We are working hard, testing all of the time."

So far this season seven different riders, representing five manufacturers, have found themselves on top of the podium and the chasing pack of Honda's Michael Rutter, Kawasaki's Scott Smart and Suzuki's Yukio Kagayama will be aiming to close the gap.

"I'm not surprised by the level of competition," said Reynolds. "It has been tough and hard all year so the challenges will keep coming.

"Everyone is riding better as the year has progressed."

Reynolds has raced at Croft previously and is hoping this relative familiarity will help him at the weekend.

"That was back in 1998 and I took a second place and a victory, so I have good memories of the circuit," he said.

"Except that on that occasion it was a soaking wet and cold day.

"Hopefully, the weather will be better this time around and I am gunning for the same result or better."

Reynolds' team-mate, the aforementioned Kagayama, was quickest in testing when the Superbikes came to Croft last week and he hopes to maintain that form this weekend.

The Japanese rider broke the lap record and recorded the fastest time of the day, according to the Rizla team's unofficial timing.

"It was not so bad a day at the office," Kagayama said afterwards.

"This is a fast circuit with some tight turns and this suits me.

"This is the first time I have raced against other riders when we are all learning the track from new and I am happy to be fastest.

"What matters is next weekend and I want to be the fastest to win both races."

* After injuring himself at Brands Hatch and Mallory park, Kieran Clarke will not be competing at Croft.

According to reports the Superbike rookie's injuries are taking longer than expected to heal and he has been advised to take some extra time off to aid his recovery.

Published: 12/08/2004