The first test at Brands Hatch saw a cold start to 2007, provoking some ‘cold tear’ from the trusted Dunlops. However, despite being a shake down test, Richard Norris and Mark Smith Halvorsen matched their race times from last year – and let’s not forget that was a race they won from the front. YPE Engineering has built the team a new ‘spec’ race motor for this year and the new mid range power could be felt immediately – thank you Stuart Johnson.
During the intervening weeks, we agreed on the riders to take on the third berth for the first two races and it really is a mixture of old and new! The team is delighted to welcome Alex Cudlin for the first race at Snetterton, Norfolk on April 9th. Alex at only 19 is proving himself already at the highest level and was voted World Endurance ‘rookie’ of the year in 2006. We feel extremely confident that he will adapt to a new bike, a new team (and a new circuit!) and still deliver the measured pace needed to complete at the sharp end. Following Dave Johnson, Alex will be the second Australian to ride for the team in successive years.
Next is Knockhill on the 29th April, a new circuit for both the UK Endurance Championship and GBmoto. And who better to have in the saddle, than ex-lap record holder and World Endurance Champion – Roger Bennett? GBmoto are delighted that he has been lured out of retirement and feel sure that his professional and knowledgeable approach will once more bolster the teams’ chances. In his first ride for 10 months recently he was straight back on the pace and seems happy with the bikes development.
We have just returned from our second test, held at Snetterton and are happy to report a trouble free run and a good close of race pace. The team focussed on fine tuning and developing the front suspension and both Mark Smith Halvorsen and Roger Bennett were happy with the improved park set up. The nature of the circuit lends itself to testing outright acceleration and top speed. We are happy to report that it seemed we have an increase in both, as both riders got down to competitive race times in cold and very windy conditions.
Now comes the final run in to the first race and three weeks of hard work for the Team manger and mechanics. So come on Barry, Gavin, Kevin, Keith, Trevor and Terry – build us a bike that’s fast as you like, but not to much pace, to finish the race!
That’s all for now folks – more soon