Karl Harris Interview
I met Karl Harris at the Yamaha launch day at Laguna in Maidstone, Kent in July. Laguna already have Triumph, Suzuki, KTM and Kawasaki, they had a free BBQ laid on for everyone and Karl Harris was there all day promoting the Yamaha range.
Karl seemed in good spirits signing autographs for fans waiting to see him.
I had heard Karl was a friendly guy but also known for being one of the toughest in the British Super Bikes Championship. I was to learn that he speaks his mind about all areas of racing, the season so far and the controversy of the Airwaves Ducati's dominance.
If you had never met Karl Harris before, when you did, you would never place him as a Motorbike racer but more as a middleweight Boxer or Rugby player. That physique must come from spending most of his youth in Motocross - no less than 13 times British Champion!
SEB - The first half of this season hasn't been the best for you. What have you changed to get back on track?
KH - The tyre set up just wasn't right on the bike and it took us some time to sort it out then we had engine problems. It just seemed like it was one thing after another.
SEB - What is your view about the suggestion that some tracks, within the BSB Championship are too dangerous considering the speeds the modern bikes go and recent accidents?
KH - I think it's rubbish, if you were to take the hill out from Cadwell Park it still would not stop the accidents. Unfortunately, accidents do happen in every sport, we all know the risks and we accept them but don't think about them.
SEB - What's your opinion on the accident you had with Tom Sykes (Rizla Suzuki) it looked from the TV pictures to be a close one?
KH - That was started by Leon's (Haslam) pass on Tom, it was far too late. Leon's back wheel clipped Tom's front wheel and sent Tom off. Tom's bike hit me full in the face. So you could say I ate a Rizla.
SEB - So with that in mind, do you agree with the disqualification of Leon for dangerous riding?
KH - Oh Yes definitely anything that makes riders responsible for their actions, will help the sport. It was ridiculous at the beginning of the season; riders were taking risks and making some silly moves. To be fair, we all try the odd move that may not come off but at the beginning of this season it was mad!
SEB - What do you think about the domination of the Airwaves Ducati Team and the claims they have an unfair advantage?
KH - The Motorbikes used in the BSB Championship are supposed to be exactly the same as the ones people can buy. The Ducatis aren't, they are not the same as the ones being sold around the country. That's why Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki are struggling to keep up. The bikes we ride, anyone can pick the exact same bike up today.
SEB - At Brands Hatch Tom's engine blew up dumping oil all over the track. There seems to be a lot of that happening more than usual. Is that because the teams are pushing the bikes to the limit?
KH - Yes that's exactly my point. For all of us to keep up with Shakey (Shane Byrne) the teams are having to push the engines until they blow up.
SEB - The last meeting at Mallory Park on 29th June you had a mixed time. You were DNF in the first race and 5th in the second. Are you happy now with the set-up of your Yamaha?
KH - Yes that's right I stalled the engine on the line in the first race, which was a bit of a nightmare. I had a problem with the tyre pressure in the front so kept running wide and then the radiator gave up so the engine overheated. In the second race I got an awesome start from the second row and just kept going. The bike felt better and I finished 5th.
SEB - You seem happier and more settled with this Team than last year, is that right?
KH - Yes definitely, it was hard work last year. We had a problem with the tyres and did more development work on the bike. It was tough going.
SEB - You've had better results in the wet races in the past. Do you enjoy the tougher conditions?
KH - To be honest No, I'm praying for dry this year as every time it's rained my confidence has been smashed as well as my body. At Donington in the practice session I crashed twice and my confidence took a hit too. I do believe we've got the bike set up to win races now. I have got to get my confidence back up, get back to the way I was riding at the beginning of the season.
SEB - How long are you signed with Yamaha?
KH - I'm signed for Yamaha for this year. I'm not thinking about next season just yet. I want to get some good results and start talking later in the season. My confidence is building in the bike and myself for the second half of the season.
SEB - What is your favourite track?
KH - I don't have a particular favourite but I enjoy riding at Cadwell Park and Brands Hatch.
SEB - Do you ride a bike on the road?
KH - No not usually, I try to keep the riding to the track. I may ride now and again, I'm riding down to Donington as a mate is doing a track day but no I won't be joining him just supporting from the sidelines.