Well, this morning a little bit of history was made when 17 year old Elena Myers rode the Suzuki GSVR Grand Prix bike at IMS. After a hesitant start when the bike cut out on the first lap, the test went well with Elena giving it the berries down the straight, exceeding 300km/h in the process. The net is already awash with pictures and the American Road racing World magazine has published a full report online.
Elena Myers laps Indy on the Suzuki
Watching this kid and listening to her talk, it’s hard to believe that she’s so young and yet so unspoiled by the media attention. She should, and I think WILL, go a long way.
Tonight (well, actually tomorrow, our time) the hard work begins for the teams with FP1 & 2. With Honda in full flight at the moment and Yamaha gasping in their wake, Lorenzo and Co will be hoping that that engine upgrade they were promised will deliver some extra, much needed performance. 125cc practice begins just before midnight our time.
If your memory goes back past the Noughties, then you will remember when the name Laverda stood for expensive and desirable Italian motorcycles. Sadly the 90’s version of the marque left a lot to be desired compared to their forebears and the name has sunk like a stone. However, there are still enthusiasts out there who remember and love their SFC’s and the Jotas (including a solid core here in Oz) and this example must rate as one of the best.
A genuine low-mileage Jota, read it and weep.
Here’s John Hughes on one at Oran Park in 1977. That very complex 3-into-i-into-2 was one of their Archilles heels in racing.
And, while we’re talking about old bikes, there is a growing trend happening where people rescue old Japanese bikes from the scrapper (usually bikes that don’t deserve it anyway) and turn them into cafe racers. I guess that’s the way it has always been, but anyway, here’s an example of what can be done..
