Event Absentees:
There is various notable absentees from the 27 strong entry list for the Suncity Group Macau Grand Prix, including Michael Dunlop, Dean Harrison, Conor Cummins and Glenn Irwin.
Four times North West 200 winner Irwin, had received an offer to compete on Penz 13.com’s YZF R1M Yamaha steed but elected to turn down the opportunity due to commitments with another manufacturer.
2018 IRRC Superbike Champion Danny Webb, who placed fourth in last year’s Macau GP, is another notable absentee, having recently parted company with Rico Penzkofer’s Penz 13 squad.
Rider/Team Moves:
This weeks action at Macau looks set to mark Davey Todd’s final roads outing with the Penz 13.com team.
IRRC Superbike series winner Todd tipped by some to sign for the factory Honda Racing squad, is keen to secure a deal with a team that will allow to sample BSB events, in the run up to the International Road Races in 2020.
16 times TT winner Ian Hutchinson, competing this week under the Team Milwaukee with SMT banner, piloting World Superbike spec S1000RR BMW machinery, like Todd looks set for pastures new in 2020, moving on from a two year stint with Honda Racing.
It’s not clear as to what the Bingley racer’s plans for 2020 are but one things for sure he’s certain to attract no shortage of offers, given his stature, proven real road racing record.
Michael Rutter – Life Of A Racer:
It’s 21 years since Michael Rutter claimed his first of eight Macau GP triumph’s, 25 years since he first competed around the iconic Guia Circuit.
Recently an autobiography titled Life of A Racer, details Rutter’s career in full, from the various great moments, to the challenges, to the tough times, to the character building times.
A full review on the 270 plus page book is coming up soon on Road Racing News, not to be missed!
Title Sponsors:
There is always different sponsors on teams machines at Macau, mostly from local companies like MGM who are providing title sponsorship for the Penz 13.com and Bathams Racing outfits.
Peter Hickman’s Bathams Racing mount also features the Bremont brand, new supporters XITE Energy and of course the Smiths Racing logo.
Photo by ID
The immaculate Paul Bird Motorsport Ducati’s like the Penz/Bathams BMW’s also have sponsorship from outside UK shores in the form of the Tak Chun Group, who’s branding features strongly on John McGuinness, David Johnson’s Ducati mounts.
Thursday Schedule:
Reminder to everyone timed practice gets underway tomorrow local time from 07:30 AM and runs through to 08:30 AM.
Time wise in the UK, it’s a late evening’s viewing with live practice beginning online tonight from 11:15 PM – Live timing link is as follows:
https://livestream.com/MacauGrandPrix
Words by Stevie Rial