By First and foremost, wishing everyone involved in the pure road racing fraternity, a Happy New Year.
Looking towards to the 2023 roads season, I am tipping Peter Hickman to quadruple his TT wins tally, which currently stands at nine.
The world’s fastest road racer, competing again in FHO Racing colours starts for countless fans, the favourite for Superbike, Senior, Superstock triumphs.
Don’t discount though fellow roads ‘Aliens’ Dean Harrison, Michael Dunlop, Conor Cummins all eager for big bike successes.
I am also tipping reigning National Superstock Champion Davey Todd, to join the TT winners’ circle.
Same notion applies to the Crowe brothers Ryan & Callum.
Added predictions Internationals wise include Lee Johnston taking the Supersport class spoils during the North West 200.
Looking towards the Irish nationals’ scene, expect the likes of BE Racing/RK Racing’s Michael Browne, Ballymoney’s Darryl Tweed, Michael Sweeney to all excel.
Expect as well Barry Davidson to crack the 100 Irish road race wins mark. Fingers crossed the Ulster Grand Prix returns and hopefully the insurance issues facing Irish road racing improve.
IRRC wise, strong contenders for series honours will include reigning Champion’s Vincent Lonbois and Marek Cerveny, Jorn Hamberg, Macau GP front runners Erno Kostamo, David Datzer, Lukas Maurer.
Keep an eye as well on rising talents including Erwan Bannwart and Sweden’s Markus Karlsson.
I must end this article by wishing a special thank you to all the great photographers who have taken pics for Road Racing News throughout 2022, Steve Rial, Rod Neill, Mark Corlett, Nick Wheeler, Derek Wilson, Michael Wincott and Tommy Vennard.
Additionally, I must also thank the marshals, organisers, volunteers, selected fellow press, event sponsors and the fans, aficionados, who keep the truly magnificent, incredible, unparalleled sport of pure road racing, going.
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
