One of the main themes for this years Suncity Group Macau Grand Prix, is the high amount of newcomers set to take on for the first time, Asia’s sole pure roads event.
Unquestionably one of the most high profile debutants is TT Privateers champion Davey Todd.
Brotton’s Todd who’s enjoyed a quite tumultuous season of roads competition, made a quite momentous debut for Macau GP suitors Penz 13.com in September, at Germany’s most famous roads course Frohburger Dreieck.
Instantly gelling with his new S1000RR BMW steed, the laid back, highly respected Englishman took the spoils in the second Open Superbike race.
Photo by Mark Corlett
Extremely naturally talented, ambitious, determined, there’s no doubt that he’s capable of making a striking Macau debut, same applies to fellow BMW Motorrad mounted competitor Phil Crowe.
Thundersport GB front runner Crowe has in recent International roads tenures quietly impressed with his application, pace and race craft.
Nearing the fabled 130 mph lap mark at TT 2018, his Macau GP debut sees him pilot his trusty Handtrans JCR Racing backed steed.
Photo by Nick Wheeler
Joining Crowe, Todd as S1000RR BMW mounted event debutants are fellow seasoned International roads exponents Rob Hodson (JGH Racing), Daley Mathison (Wepol Racing by Penz 13.com), Craig Neve (CN Racing) and former Junior Manx GP victor Andy Dudgeon, who’s VRS Racing mount features a quite distinctive light, dark blue colour scheme.
Photo by Kelvin Wong
Event stalwarts Dafabet Devitt Racing has an enterprising next gen rider line up, as they join forces with Armoy Supersport victor Paul Jordan and Junior Classic TT winner Dominic Herbertson.
The hugely popular Herbertson, ZX-10RR Kawasaki steed features lead sponsorship from none other than Celtic Football Club, a ground breaking, major new sponsorship initiative for pure road racing.
Overseas newcomers set to tackle the unrelenting Macau GP course for the first time, are Martimotos backed Raul Torras Martinez and rising IRRC star Erno Kostamo.
Photo by Robby Repsol
Markka Racing’s Kostamo who’s set to be the first racer from Finland since Eero Hyvarinen in 1985, to compete at Macau, candidly recently spoke about upcoming his maiden road racing venture outside of Europe.
“Macau GP is one of the greatest real road races in the world. In 2007, when I was racing in Spain with Ajo Motorsport, I thought my career was at it’s peak, and at that time I never even dreamed of racing in Macau.
Eleven years have passed along with one decision to quit racing, so it’s great to see that my career is still advancing.
I know I have the pace to succeed, but given the speciality of the track, it’s better to head out without any specific goals, and concentrate on safe riding. Upping the speed in a safe way comes only with experience.”
Words by Stevie Rial