Steve Plater joins GMT for 24-hour races

Steve Plater has joined French-based GMT94 to race in the Le Mans and Bol d’Or 24 hour races in 2008…. and has still got two options to do the full series with other teams.

Steve Plater said: “I’d be in talks with the Kawasaki and Suzuki factory teams to race in World Endurance. Kawasaki couldn’t commit to doing more than two races and Suzuki were dragging their feet and I needed an answer.

“Then GMT were on the phone and I opted to go with them, riding alongside David Checa and Sebastien Gimbert. I’m also first reserve for WSB should either of them get injured.

“Then I’ve got options to do the rest of the World Endurance races with either Phase One or Yamaha Austria. Phase One could include Glen Richards and Warwick Nowland.

“Yamaha Austria will be Steve Martin and Igor Jerman. Both the basis of really good team line-ups.”

Steve Plater is also racing for AIM Yamaha in British Superbikes – but maybe not for the full season.

He said: “I’m doing BSB at least up to the (Isle of Man) TT and then we’ll take stock. The important thing for the team next year is to develop the R6 ready for World Supersport in 2009.

“I may ride the 600 in British Supersport in the second half of the season but I may even do some wild cards. It’s all a bit up in the air but we’re gearing up for 2009.”

Steve Plater may continue racing in 2009 but is already planning to step up to a team management role with AIM.

Ian Hutchinson will do a full season of British Supersport on the AIM Yamaha R6 in2008.