World Superbike Ducati team rider Steve Martin swapped his WSB 998 for a
CRF450 Tuesday night.
The Supermotard Riders Club of Australia had a practice night at the
Grand Prix Training Centre in the north Melbourne suburb of South Morang
last night. Considering the amount of rain in the previous few days
there was a good turn out of riders in the first of what will become
regular practice sessions at the Melbourne karting circuit. A freshly
laid dirt section become pretty slick after a bit of rain earlier in the
day and made the pace pretty slow in the first few sessions. The berms
were particulary useful and well built and and plenty of new riders came
along to try out Supermotard under lights on a race circuit for the
first time. St Johns ambos are there just in case and although some did
their best at using their services they had a quiet night.
One notable rider to attend the mid-week practice session was Steve
Martin who is currently running 5th in the World Superbike Championship.
Martin is home for a couple of weeks between WSB races and came out
Motarding last night for a bit of practice and rear wheel sliding fun.
While he wasn't putting too much at risk early on, once the track dried
out a little he started to have some fun lighting up the rear tyre of
his Honda CRF450 on the way out of the 2nd gear bitumen corners. This
isn't the first time Steve Martin has tried Supermoto, he also had a
bash last year at Shepparton and came away with the overall win for the
day on the same Honda CRF450R prepared by Matt Olle from Peter Stevens.
SRCA's next event at Sth Morang will bo on Tuesday night 6 May 03 after
the crusty demons have finished their media committments,yes thats
right, crusty is coming. The track will be available for SM practice
5.30pm - 9.00pm and if you are a SRCA member its only $35. You need a
competition lic or you can purchase a temporary MV recreation lic.
SRCA will be conducting these practice nights to introduce new riders
and to develope riding skills on a regular basis once a month on Tuesday
nights so pls keep in touch. A qualified coach will be on hand for one
to one tuition at no extra cost. MX or dirt track riders who are looking
to try SM can run with their MX bikes and SRCA can arrange a loan of
leathers if required.
For more information about these practice nights or anything Supermoto
in Australia get onto www.supermotard.net.au the home of the Supermotard
Riders Club of Australia.
Regards,
Nick Selleck
Secretary - SRCA