Tark
24-08-2005, 09:19 PM
It is with regret that RiOT Racing today announces the departure (hopefully temporary) from the team of 20-year-old MRO Powerbike rider, Mark Talbot. The parting is an amicable one and the reason is simple: lack of funds.
Like almost all teams racing at national level, RiOT requires a financial contribution from its riders towards the season’s budget. As Mark was finishing his apprenticeship as an electrical engineer during the first half of 2005, it was agreed to accept a portion of his payment up front with the remainder to be paid by mid-season. Despite his best efforts, Mark was unable to raise the outstanding balance leaving both parties with no other option than to separate.
It comes just as Talbot was beginning to get to grips with the team’s GSX-R Suzuki: a ninth-paced finish in the eighth round of the Powerbike series at Snetterton was an indicator that better results were just around the corner. His wild-card ride in the sixth round of the European Superstock 600 Championship at Brands Hatch saw him racing on the world stage for the first time.
“I’d like to thank everyone at RiOT for giving me the opportunity to ride at both National and International level this year” said Talbot, “there’s no way I could have achieved that on my own. Obviously, I’m disappointed that the results on the Gixxer didn’t start coming a bit sooner, but there’s no doubt that being on a larger bike and in a high-profile team has brought my riding on.” Asked about his plans for the future he replied: “I’d like to stay on the 1000’s, either in the Powerbike or Superstock classes, although the R6 Cup is pretty tempting as well.”
“There’s no hard feelings about this,” was the verdict of RiOT boss Jorge Vairinhos. “It’s a fact of life that to go racing you need money and if there’s no money there’s no racing – sadly it’s that simple for both riders and teams.” He continued: “If enough capital can be raised, Mark can still complete his season with us. Although the team is starting to prepare for next year, which will probably necessitate the sale of the bike, its available to be raced for as long as we have it.”
RiOT Racing will continue to field rider Ricky Chadwick in the MRO SuperTwins class and will be in action for Rounds 11 and 12 of the championship at Cadwell Park this weekend
Like almost all teams racing at national level, RiOT requires a financial contribution from its riders towards the season’s budget. As Mark was finishing his apprenticeship as an electrical engineer during the first half of 2005, it was agreed to accept a portion of his payment up front with the remainder to be paid by mid-season. Despite his best efforts, Mark was unable to raise the outstanding balance leaving both parties with no other option than to separate.
It comes just as Talbot was beginning to get to grips with the team’s GSX-R Suzuki: a ninth-paced finish in the eighth round of the Powerbike series at Snetterton was an indicator that better results were just around the corner. His wild-card ride in the sixth round of the European Superstock 600 Championship at Brands Hatch saw him racing on the world stage for the first time.
“I’d like to thank everyone at RiOT for giving me the opportunity to ride at both National and International level this year” said Talbot, “there’s no way I could have achieved that on my own. Obviously, I’m disappointed that the results on the Gixxer didn’t start coming a bit sooner, but there’s no doubt that being on a larger bike and in a high-profile team has brought my riding on.” Asked about his plans for the future he replied: “I’d like to stay on the 1000’s, either in the Powerbike or Superstock classes, although the R6 Cup is pretty tempting as well.”
“There’s no hard feelings about this,” was the verdict of RiOT boss Jorge Vairinhos. “It’s a fact of life that to go racing you need money and if there’s no money there’s no racing – sadly it’s that simple for both riders and teams.” He continued: “If enough capital can be raised, Mark can still complete his season with us. Although the team is starting to prepare for next year, which will probably necessitate the sale of the bike, its available to be raced for as long as we have it.”
RiOT Racing will continue to field rider Ricky Chadwick in the MRO SuperTwins class and will be in action for Rounds 11 and 12 of the championship at Cadwell Park this weekend