The PRL/Moto-Hub squad are good to go for TT 2023, running Wilmslow’s Sam West and America’s quickest Manx GP competitor Chris Sarbora on newly acquired BMW’s.
Well and truly established as one of the TT’s new breed of ambitious, rapid racers, former Privateers Championship runner-up West goes into TT 2023, aiming for an upturn in fortunes around the unparalleled Mountain Course.
An incident during Monday evening’s practice session of TT 2022 practice week, curtailed chances of gaining first rate finishes, joining the very exclusive ‘130 Mph Club’.
Determined to finally crack the 130-mph lap mark, West’s latest TT expedition sees him due to race a brand-new S1000RR BMW in the Superstock, showpiece Superbike, Senior races.
Commenting about this topic, he stated:
“I’ll be riding the roads again on the new BMW, many riders have switched to Honda recently but the new BMW has some great features and I think for a privateer it is definitely the best overall package.
Continuing my privateer efforts with the PRL team is the best way for me to achieve some 130mph laps and hopefully move my way up the leader-board a bit.
PRL has a great team HQ now at Moto-Hub so we’ve got the best workshop you could imagine for the race bikes.”
West added:
“I’m lucky to have some sponsors who have dug really deep to help after last years’ bike was destroyed by fire, but we are still desperately looking for help with the teams’ running costs for both myself and Chris.
With the budget being blown on replacing the bikes, we’re struggling to find funding for the tyres & fuel at the road races. If anyone would be interested in helping with a set of tyres or fuel then please do get in touch.”
Team-mate Sarbora, a recent Daytona 200 participant, like West is alongside the TT also aiming this year for North West 200, Southern 100, Ulster Grand Prix (pending event taking place), Macau Grand Prix race stints.
Top of the list goals wise though for Sarbora, is becoming the quickest American racer in TT history.
Speaking about this ambition, the Texas based racer who is joining the 1000cc TT rider ranks for the first time, stated:
“I am really looking forward to this years’ TT. I’m aiming to become the fastest American to ever lap the Mountain Course, an honour that has been held by Mark Miller since 2012.
With BMW power built and supported by Moto-Hub, I’ll have the best chance possible of achieving my goal and making history.”
Photo’s courtesy of Sam West
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
