DARREN Barton heads for Donington Park tomorrow knowing that a place on the podium will be enough to take the British 125cc title.

And he's every reason to feel confident - for the likeable Hoddlesden racer has the best track record of anyone in this year's series.

In a 12-race championship spanning seven months, Barton, who rides a Honda for the Colin Appleyard Racing/Helphire Bike Assist team, has been on the podium nine times.

And that consistency has enabled Barton, winner of the 125cc title in 1995 and 1997, to go into the final race of the year with an nine point lead over second-placed Steve Patrickson.

The highly-motivated Barton finished second to Chris Burns in last weekend's penultimate round at Brands Hatch - and was dissatisfied with the outcome.

Despite qualifying in pole position, he just missed out on the top spot after an exciting scrap with the RCD Motorsport of Burnley rider.

"I don't enter a motorcycle race to finish second," he said.

"Obviously I was disappointed not to win, particularly having started on pole. The set up of the bike wasn't just right and the weather didn't help.

"It was a drying track, but in the early stages it was a very tight dry line round the back of the circuit.

"Perhaps with the Championship in mind I just erred on the cautious side a little.

"Overall though, I was delighted to extend my lead, and I'll be raring to go at Donington."

Carl Fogarty will be making a special guest appearance at Donington tomorrow.

The newly-crowned World Superbike champion is scheduled to make a lap of honour on his Ducati before taking part in an autograph session with fans in the pitlane, and crowning the British Superbike champion.

"I owe it to all the fans who have kept me going this year," he said.

The meeting starts at 9am, with Fogarty appearing from 11am.

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