The Biker Place

I think I now have enough distance to put 2008 into perspective and we are far enough along to let you know what will be happening in 2009 so here goes.

2008 was planned as a learning year for Rowan and as such we entered the season with no clear goals just to get as many circuits under our belts and get an idea of where we should look to for 2009. Row tried out an Aprillia superteen bike in Nov 2007 and told me that he hated it because it was too big, heavy and “soft” so we purchased the little 80cc Metrakit which was then stripped and re-built ready for 2008. The MRO agreed to let the Metrakits compete in their superteens series after Row gave a sign of things to come by being one of the quickest superteens at their track day in late Feb.

Spring was highlighted by Row running in 1st place for three laps at his first race ‘proper’ race meeting with NGRRC at Pembrey and walking off with three trophies including newcomer of the meeting, he also impressed at MRO Donnington by riding from 18th on the grid through to 6th before sliding off at Coppice, by the end of Spring I was starting to believe we were onto something!

Summer brought Row’s first class wins at Cadwell and Snetterton and a clear lead in the NGRRC F125 championship, he actually lead from the second round onward we therefore sacrificed the MRO to concentrate on NGRRC. It also brought an off at Silverstone at the fast 1st bend and the biggest off so far at the Old Hairpin Donnington, luckily apart from a few bruises Row was fine and showed no hangover from the off’s. By now all thoughts of this being a learning year were forgotten! we also applied to try out for Red Bull Rookies although we thought we had slim to no hope of being selected and were very surprised when we were asked to attend the selection day’s at Adria.

Autumn and Row’s lead at NGRRC was being whittled away by the lads who were now getting their bikes and riding sorted, Row had to be happy with 2nd and 3rd places and had to learn restraint to bring points home. Row was by this time over riding the little Metrakit and I had constant comments about chatter and lack of power from the boy. Red Bull Rookies proved to be a great week and the whole family were so excited when Row managed to qualify for the final round in November. By now I had excepted Row as the real deal, he was proving fast and consistent and was now able to come back after a practice/race and pretty much tell me what bike set up was needed.

End of season had Row the NGRRC F125 champion but also disappointment when he failed to get selected for the 2009 Red Bull Rookies cup.

So some thoughts from me. As I am sure you can appreciate I am VERY proud of Rowans achievements so far; the money and hard bloody work Amanda and I have to put in is all worthwhile; the race positions don’t matter as long as he is enjoying himself. I do suffer from very bad nerves when Row is racing so to those who have come to watch I can only apologies if I seem short or pre-occupied, I only really relax once we are home, then the build up starts for the next meeting. Row has had some very positive input from people in the industry which is great but I have been at pains to make sure he keeps his feet on the ground; yes he had a great year but 2009 will need to be better. In a way it was good that Row failed at RBR it was his first knockback in a sport which is cruel. But boy did we have some fun in 2008!

A big thanks to all those who helped in whatever way during the year we really do appreciate it.

So on to 2009.

I was hoping to have a big song and dance about this but I need to get this out before rumor and hearsay spreads, photos and press stuff will have to wait.

Rowan is the official TIGCRAFT Works rider for 2009 – what does this mean? well TIGCRAFT are building a GPmono for Row to ride in the GP3 class at Thundersport, the bike will be of GP125 size but will have a KTM 4stroke single cylinder engine TIGCRAFT are also keen for Rowan to compete at British Supermono rounds which will be running alongside the MRO in 2009. Full spec of the bike will be released once the bike is completed.

It will be a learning year (where have we heard that before!) for Rowan as he will need to adapt to the superior power, speed, handling and adaptability of a ‘proper’ GP bike, we will take each ride as it comes.

We also have the TZ125 which has been supplied by FAB-Racing, this one will be used at selected NGRRC rounds and for when(if) the TIGCRAFT is not available, the bike is quite old and has not been raced for some seasons so this winter it is being refreshed and brought up to date.

Rowan will also be competing at BSB GP125 after September (when he is 14) we should be able to take in the last two rounds of BSB all being well. Dependant on how the season develops Rowan has asked to have another go at RBR.

As far as budget goes we are nearly there with the following on board.

TIGCRAFT – for taking Row on board.

The Tuning Works – Will be stepping up their involvement, cheers Sean.

Scott Leathers – Will be doing Rowan’s Leathers at reduced cost, cheers Jim.

We still have room for more support as Miller racing will be bearing the cost of fuel (truck and bike), tyres (which will be significant in 2009) and race entries, so please if you know of anyone who can help please put them in contact.