“Racing at Snetterton is going to be nuts. We can’t wait to get stuck in and see what we can do. Everyone in the crew knows what we are capable of. So let’s have it!”
– Keith Flint
The season’s action is coming thick and fast now for Team Traction Control as they return to the exciting arena of British Superbike Racing after spending the last few weeks at the prestigious endurance events of the North West 200 and the Isle of Man TT.
Round 3 of the British Superbike Series takes place at Snetterton race track. This fast and flowing circuit is a real favourite with the riders, after undergoing a facelift in 2011. Now one of the longest tracks on the UK calendar, Snetterton has evolved but kept many of it’s famous elements.
Superbike Return
Steve Mercer spent the last month racing his heart out on the long endurance road circuits, so this return to a much shorter Superbike Race circuit will be a big adjustment but one in which he relishes:
“The first two rounds of the BSB were very early days for the team,” Steve reveals. “Since the second round we have done a lot of endurance racing and we have learnt so much. I’m going to Snetterton with the aim of winning the Supersport Evo class. I podiumed in that category in both the first two BSB rounds, so it’s time to take the tops step. I will be disappointed with anything else but a win.”
Training Hard
Whilst the TTC crew were out at the Isle of Man their other rider James Rispoli has been training hard and getting ready to make an impression in the main Supersport series at BSB:
“Since the last round of the series we have fitted a test in at Cadwell Park. That went really well, we managed to improve my settings on the bike and I think it’s made a big step forward.” The 21 year old from Florida who was 2012 AMA Champion added. “I’m doing a lot of learning at these tracks, they are all new to me. However Snetterton is a track that I’ve had some pre-season testing on. I’ve done around 150 laps there compared to just 20 laps on some of the other BSB tracks.”
Looking Forward
The Team are hoping for some great results of course but are also looking forward to continuing to enjoy the great support from the racing fans.
Since the very first race this season, it’s been obvious that TTC has a great following: Prodigy front-man Keith Flint has presented a very professional team and his popularity and knowledge for motorcycle racing is obvious. Team principal Paul Bolwell is so pleased by the immediate support the guys have received:
“It’s so brilliant to be at the races and have fans wanting to wear our colours, and want Steve and James to get good results. It makes all the hard work worthwhile,” he says. “Keith wanted this to be a professional set-up and a serious contender. His passion and enthusiasm for racing is infectious. The fans love seeing him here with his crew and riders.”