Neevsey's blog - Morello MRO Powerbike Championship

Updated: 24 November 2014

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Morello MRO Powerbike Championship – Round 1.

In less than 24 hours the 2009 racing season kicks of for me. I can’t believe it’s here already. It seems only yesterday I crossed the finish line at the last round of the R1 Cup at BSB, but it was way back in October. Time flies.

But this time tomorrow I’ll be competing in the Morello MRO Powerbike Championship at Brands Hatch with Bemsee. I’ve been racing with them since 1989 and they celebrate their 100th birthday this year. That’s even older than me!

Last year was a tough one and I ended up doing 22-race meetings, which burned me out by the end of season. This year, I’m just sticking to this championship and I’m better prepared and more fired up than ever.

I pulled the rip cord a bit at the end of last season and put on over a stone, but I’ve been training and dieting since December and am fitter now than ever. I’ve done lots of MCN testing over the winter, so I’m bike fit and my trusty 2007 Yamaha R1 is in fine fettle.

I’m now back on Dunlop Ntech slicks after a year away from them, which performed superbly when we tested at Brands a few weeks ago. The suspension is spot-on, and the freshly rebuilt engine (by Bob Farnham) is singing. I’ve got pal and National Superstock racer, Steve Mercer on-hand to give me some Brands track tips over the weekend, so I’ve got no excuses.

If you’re around over the weekend (it’s supposed to be sunny tomorrow, but rainy on Sunday) comer and say hello. I’m in garage 27, Yamaha R1 number 5.

Neevesy

By Michael Neeves

MCN Chief Road Tester - Neevesy’s been an MCN Road Tester since 2002. He’s reviewed everything from mopeds to Rossi’s Yamaha M1, and plenty in between He covers tens of thousands of miles a year on the world’s roads and racetracks in his role with MCN, and when he’s not working he’s still on two wheels, racing both modern and classic superbikes for a variety of teams. To cement his position as one of the most influential motorcycling journalists on the planet, Neevesy spent many years as an Elite Instructor at the Ron Haslam Race School, based at the famous Donington Park race circuit. He regularly presents videos on riding tips and road safety, working alongside the likes of Highways England to deliver a strong and consistent message.