By South Africa’s at present sole international road racer AJ Venter, had a quite amazing journey to TT 2018, as he overcome many hurdles to compete for the first time at the TT Races.
Prior to Tuesday evening’s Mountain Course competition, AJ had missed Monday’s opening 1000cc timed practice session due to not having a suitable visa.
Yesterday saw this situation come good, as the ever enthusiastic South African at last gained a visa to enable him to travel to the Isle of Man.
Quite remarkably on the same day, AJ travelled over in time to take part in last nights practice session.
Despite having not piloted or even tested the Cookstown BE Racing Suzuki, which he will pilot in the RST Superbike, Royal London 360 Quantum Superstock and Pokerstars Senior races, he lapped at close to the 116 mph mark, to finish a very respectable 53rd on the Superstock time sheets.
Photo by Jim Gibson
Speaking via Twitter, Cookstown BE Racing Team Owner John Burrows, was full of praise for AJ’s heroic performance last evening, he stated:
“Straight off a flight at 5PM then down bray hill on a bike he’s never seen before, and done Just shy of 116 mph lap.”
Stories like AJ’s showcase the obstacles racers from all corners of the world, have to overcome to be able to compete at the most famous road race in the world.
It also showcases the dedication of riders like ex British Supersport Championship competitor Venter, who has the undoubted determination, ambition to wrap up series of notable results at TT 2018.
Words by Stevie Rial
