Steve Blackney in 2010
Aug 16th – Dubai based Brit duo, Steve Blackney and Alan Boyter set up their pits today at the famous TT circuit for the Manx GP on the Isle of Man. Steve last took part in the ManxGP Senior race in 2010 where he performed admirably clocking a personal best top speed of 146mph and a lap average of 106.6mph.
Steve is better known in Dubai for his multiple Motocross titles, he holds nine Middle East Open Motocross Championship titles and has raced UAE Desert Challenge for the past ten years, with a best result of 10th in 1997.
As if that wasn’t enough he’s competed admirably the Australian Safari Rally in Aug 2007 with Gecko Team Honda. Recently Steve has changed terrain to circuit racing on asphalt rather than off road, and is also a regular competitor in UAE National Sportsbike Championship in Dubai, he has been preparing himself for his Island return since 2010.
Pits all ready and set up complete with UAE flag
“To be honest the 3 of us are sitting in our digs this evening feeling quite numb. Our journey started on Tuesday in Dubai and here we are on Thursday in the Isle of Man, we have only seen 3 hours in a bed and we have used planes, trains, tube’s, hire cars, hire trucks, ferry’s and more hire cars and to get here. Trying to recall what has happened and in what order isn’t quite clear but the good news is that we are on the island, our pit is set up and we are raring to go. The bad news is the R6 has developed a fuel leak around the fuel pump, but confidence is high on completing the repair with no further issues.”
Steve Blackney with Alan Boyter and Grant Wagstaff
“Tomorrow we have to sign on, attended briefings, ensure we have sorted the bikes fuel leak and then set about stripping and rebuilding it to ensure it will pass first scruteneering on Saturday…followed by the first practice,” commented Alan Boyter.
Steve will be racing a fully prepped Yamaha R6 from ‘Ducks Cross racing’, a team regularly seen on the National Endurance Circuit in the UK. His team mate will be Grant Wagstaff who was at the Manx GP last year coming ninth overall.
Steve is joined in Isle of Man by his Dubai team mates at vendetta racing, UAE Sportbikes flying Scotsman Alan Boyter, off-road team mate and fellow motocrosser, Jason Socket.
From all the team at www.CircuitproDigital.com we wish Steve, Alan and Grant the best of luck.
Catch up with the Vendetta Racing team on Facebook here.
Links to Steve’s reports and results in 2010 here.
More info about the Manx GP and live timing updates can be found here:
Schedule – http://www.manxgrandprix.org/racepro.html
Manx GP Official sites – http://www.mgpfestival.com/
http://www.manxgrandprix.org/
