by Barry Russell
Macau GP Press Conference
If you are a race fan suffering withdrawal symptoms after the MotoGP, World Superbike and most other race seasons have finished, then 2010 has one more treat in store for you from 18-20th November.
This weekend many of the world’s best road racers are arriving in Asia’s gambling Mecca for a few days of acclimatisation and fun before engines get fired up in anger early on Thursday morning for the first practice session. The fun begins with a charity karting event tonight (Saturday), which will no doubt be followed by clubbing and gambling as jet lag keeps the 22-strong European contingent awake until the early hours of Sunday.
The Macau GP is an extraordinary event in many ways, starting with its location. This tiny Chinese outpost is a weird mixture of glitz, glamour, cheese and sleaze with some beautiful heritage that remains from its Portugese colonial history. With gambling being both illegal and a national pastime in mainland China, it is little wonder that casino revenue here far exceeds that of Las Vegas. It is also unusual for having cars and motorcycles at the same event. While there is enormous prestige for the car racers at Macau, their races often degenerate into twitchy processions behind the pace car, as crashes on narrow parts of the circuit cause blockages that can take several laps to clear. The bike race is always thrilling.
The entry list is headed by Stuart Easton, who has been the class of the field for the last two years with wins on the Hydrex Honda. This year he is on a Paul Bird Kawasaki, partnered by fellow Scot, Keith Amor, who won the 600cc category in 2008 and has had a great 2010 road race season. Other previous winners are Isle of Man legend John McGuinness on a Honda and six-times Macau winner, Michael Rutter, who will again ride for AXA Ducati. Australian star Cameron Donald will be looking to upset Britain’s traditional dominance on the TAS Suzuki. It is also good see four local riders from Macau and Hong Kong.
There are no novices at the Macau Grand Prix. The entry list is packed with the talent and experience needed to master the 6.2 km (3.8 mile) Guia street circuit and may contain some surprises. Last year I was in the main grandstand with a posse of friends and most of the cries of “Who the hell is that guy?!” were aimed at Englishman Gary Johnson who got amongst the factory riders and almost snatched a podium on his Suzuki, finishing fourth behind Ian Hutchinson and 16 seconds ahead of Michael Rutter, no less. Johnson arrives after a strong season in British Superbikes: he finished third in the hard fought EVO championship, taking three wins and 10 podiums. I was in contact with Gary earlier this week and he is very fired up for this year’s race.
So buy yourself a ticket or check your local TV schedules and get yourself one more shot of bike action with the last great motorcycle race of 2010, the Macau Grand Prix.
