Linfoot to ride at Macau Grand Prix
28-09-2008
(Article submitted by independent source.)
Dan Linfoot's season won't be coming to an end when he completes the final two rounds of the European Superstock 600 Championship as scheduled, in which he currently lies fifth. Shortly afterwards in November, the 20-year-old Knaresborough rider will experience the challenge of "real roads" racing when he enters the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix for the first time.
Located on the south-east coast of China in what was once a Portuguese province, the annual Macau Grand Prix is known for being an international street circuit event in which both car and motorcycle races are held. Former winners around the 3.8-mile course include Kevin Schwantz, Carl Fogarty and Ron Haslam.
Although the idea to enter the event was raised early in the year by the team Dan rides for in the Superstock championship, StoneBaker Racing, Linfoot saw his hopes dashed when the squad later announced they would be disbanding at the end of the season. A trip to the Isle of Man just after the famous TT races had been held only strengthened his desire to try his hand at pure road racing and explore it a possible future career option. Later, whilst following up various options within the British race paddock to secure a ride for 2009, Dan held discussions with leading team manager Rob McElnea and suddenly the opportunity to ride at Macau was back on.
Linfoot will run under McElnea's "Pro Ride" banner aboard a Yamaha YZF-R6 in the Supersport class within the main 15-lap race, which is open to both World Superbike and MotoGP specification machinery. Practice and qualifying begins on November 13th with the race being held two days later on Saturday November 15th.
Explaining his decision to enter a real roads race for the first time, Dan says: "I have always taken interest in the roads, but have never had the chance to do anything about it. My trip to the Isle of Man earlier in the year was a real eye-opener as far as making me aware of how much bigger the sport appears to be over the water. It wasn't even TT week but everything still seemed to revolve around bikes. So for somebody who has been brought up with bikes all his life and wants to make a career out of the sport, I began to see the TT and road racing as another great chance to showcase a rider's talent."
He continues: "Macau will be all about introducing me to real road racing. I've never ridden a motorcycle on a public road before so I have to go there open minded, looking to learn a huge amount and to ride within my limits. I already respect the circuit and whilst I expect to be competitive I am not setting my sights on achieving a podium finish or anything similar. This is going to be my first time away from a short circuit and I think to set above-board targets could impact negatively on me. I hope to gain valuable circuit knowledge for future years and to confirm my belief that real road racing is another avenue I should explore. I am looking forward to the whole experience, especially competing on a new motorcycle and working with the guys from Rob McElnea's team, which I am going to make the most of."
Team Manager McElnea added: "This is a great opportunity for both Dan and myself. The Macau GP is a huge international stage and one I am sure Dan is looking forward to. Dan is refreshing with his outlook to the road-racing scene and sees this event as a great experience, one I am sure he will relish. We are keen to see how Dan performs on our bike and to evaluate his feedback, although we are also mindful of this being his first visit to Macau and indeed his first-ever road race so it is crucial he takes the learning curve step-by-step and enjoys every minute. We will be his pillion riders back at base!"
Sponsors
Team StoneBaker.
The great race at the new Portimao circuit brings an end to our season in World Superbike Superstock 600, with riders Gino Rea and Dan Linfoot.
The season has been a success with Gino third and Dan fifth in the championship standings following three victories and five additional podiums in total. The results have also acted as a stepping stone to the riders for next season, with both securing high profile, career progressing rides for 2009.
Thank you for all of the emails, calls, texts and visits throughout the year. It has been much appreciated.
