You see, I did pay attention to those French lessons in High School. In French politics the Press was referred to as the Fourth Estate. In order it was the 4th most important group of society, behind the King, the Church and the nobility.
And, as of this morning, I am a temporary member of that august institution, receiving by email the confirmation of my Press Accreditation for the World Superbike round at Phillip Island the weekend after next. This will give me access to the pits and the paddock and hopefully afford me the opportunity to speak to and interview many of the top riders and officials for Jim Race and Jules Cisek’s Motopodcast internet radio broadcast. My sincere thanks to these gentlemen for allowing me the privilege and to Ed Haazer for putting my name forward to them when he got back from the IC a couple of weeks ago.
In other WSBK news, Aussie Josh Brookes has been parachuted into the Crescent Suzuki squad to replace the injured John Hopkins next weekend. Brookes, a proven performer at the top level at PI, should slot straight in as he presently rides for the TAS Suzuki squad in the BSB. Eager journalists are already combing the calendar to see if there are any impending clashes between BSB and WSBK in case Brookes is required for a longer period of time.
In not-so-good news, Marc Marquez has confirmed that he will miss this weekend’s Moto2 test session at Jerez as he continues to battle with his recovery from eye surgery. The next available test will be at Portimao in March.
With thanks to SCE Photography, the on-track photography team at Phillip Island, this….
First practice session, Island Classic, Thursday. Ed arrived a little too “hot” at T4 trying to outbrake Jimi Mac. Haaaaaard on the brakes saw him nearly take to the escape road…well held, Ed.
Finally, thanks to the always-interesting visordown web site, this very interesting interview with Kiwi, Simon Crafar on what’s wrong with racing and how he’d fix it. Well worth reading.
