INDEPENDENT Supermoto racing outfit SR Off-Road are officially the ‘best independent team in the world’ following a solid display in Northern Ireland on Sunday (11 September 2005).
The Derbyshire-based team moved up to No. 9 in the World in the Supermoto S1 (650cc) class, placing them within striking distance of corporate-backed teams from Aprilia, KTM, Husqvarna, Husaberg and TM.
Rider Sam Warren, of Belper, finished eighth in the first race of the meeting at Bishop’s Court near Belfast, but suffered in the second race, coming off a slippery track that took left four other riders without a finish.
But Warren’s performance in the first race was enough to secure ninth in the world for SR – putting the team officially in the top 10 in the Supermoto World in only their first World Championship season.
“So far this year has been fantastic, said SR Off-Road owner/manager Mick Spencer.
“Our game plan now is to look for a top five finish next year, top three the year after. We’ve proved we’re good enough to put a team together to win the world championship, all we need is the right backing,” he added.
Now Mick is looking for serious sponsorship money and has launched a website (http://www.sroffroad.co.uk/) to help promote the team.
“Sam’s a match for anyone in the world on the corners, but Bishop’s Court track has a couple of very long straights and Sam’s bike lacked the power it needed there. We’re making improvements all the time, but we’re up against some very well-funded quality opposition,” explained Mick.
Added Warren: “I’m a little disappointed about the weekend. Our qualifying and race pace were a lot faster than before and I wanted to get a top six finish.
“It’s not often you only finish one race out of two and move up the points standings, so that’s a big bonus. I know that if we can get the right backing for next year, we’ll be up there!”
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