Blog: Substitute racer

Mr Neeves is away racing his long-term GSXR1000 in France; therefore I’ve taken his seat in the Bracken KTM 660 cup. He didn’t need to ask me twice, I nearly bit his arm off, but on reflection I may have bitten off more than I can chew.
I had a quick spin around the car park on the race bike yesterday and the KTM is far more vicious than I first thought. On top of that I can’t even start it, which is obviously going to be a problem (see video link below). Brands Hatch isn’t my favourite track and a very long drive from my home in East Yorkshire.
However there’s no pressure, I just promised Michael I’d give it back to him in one piece. I’ve got a skeleton pit crew consisting of my brother, Mark, expert spanner man and lee, van driver and provider of entertainment and larger. We are heading down on Sunday night, camping over at Brands then racing on Monday. Who said this job was glamorous, sleeping in the van with two other men!
If you’re racing or in the area pop round to the van and say hi. Cigarettes, alcohol and food are always welcome. Oh did I mention I don’t have a paddock girl! The weather looks like it will hold and it should be a good day out with some good, close racing. Hopefully I can deliver the bike back to Michael in one piece.