The Team has pulled out all the stops and will enter two bikes at Spa.!
Stéphane Mertens and Ian Simpson will run under the team's normal number four and Peter Lindén and Hugh Brasher will use the specially granted number one plate for the race.
Both bikes are identical and both teams are capable of winning. Sweatshop Phase One has a fantastic record at the iconic Spa circuit, with rostrum places in each of the last three races....but no wins. !
Well, not since that fantastic 24hrs race in 1993 when Steve Manley, Simon Buckmaster and Doug Toland left the rest of the field for dust.!
Its anybodies guess how this race will pan-out, but with two potential race winning teams, the chances of scooping that elusive prize are certainly improved.
Since the team's fine 2nd places at Paul Ricard and at Mettet, several mods have been completed, most notably the ultra fast gear change-over, a new lighter action clutch and new fairing tops without oil cooler slots. Each should show benefits at Spa.
Spa has traditionally been the most popular meeting of the season and we can see no reason for numbers to drop....the grid for the 4 hrs race is certainly as strong, and maybe even stronger than normal. But, will it still be the most popular? It will be difficult to top the fantastic turnout at Paul Ricard and looking forward; the Classic Bol, again at Paul Ricard, but this time as part of the WEC meeting, should be sensational.
The growth in this classic endurance scene is certainly showing no signs of abatement.........
See you at Spa next weekend. RB
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