2009 MPS Racing team
By TMX Archives on 15th Jan 09
MPS Racing, the Yorkshire-based enduro team has finalised its line-up for 2009.The team is the only British-based outfit contesting the World Enduro Championship (WEC) series.Now in its ninth year, the team, headed up by Mick Seward, is intent on building on the success that it has achieved in previous years. Team riders have previously won British and European championships plus major awards in UK events, including the GB Cross-Country (GBXC) series.
As well as organising the team's activities, former road-racer Mick he raced in the TT and Manx GP from 1980 to 1990 will ride in some events both in this country and in Europe this season.
We strong support from UK Husqvarna distributor, Husky Sport, the MPS team has announced continued backing from Motul Oils, Gaerne Boots, Nau helmets, Pro Grip, Renthal, SIS Energy Products and The Sign Shop.
The team will be headed by Si Wakely, who will again campaign a Husqvarna TE450 in the E2 class. As last year's British Champion, Si will be intent on retaining that title as well as working on improving on his 2008 WEC performances.
At the GP of Wales last July Wakely secured a podium finish and is looking forward to similar results in other WEC rounds during the coming season.
Wakely will be joined by East Anglian, Aston Bird, who will make his debut in WEC competition.
Aston enjoyed considerable success in 2008, winning both the ACU Eastern Centre Motocross Championship and the ACU Eastern Centre Enduro Championship. He aims to capitalise on his motocross background and use his speed in the special tests to good effect.
The third team member, Gavin Houson returns after a frustrating 2008 season when he was plagued with injuries.
Now completely fit, Gavin will compete on a Husqvarna WR125 and is aiming at a successful 2009 season.
Enduro is an unpredictable sport and none more so than the WEC. Despite this, the Seward and his teamsters team feel that they are well placed to deliver a good performance in 2009.
Mick Seward, ever cautious, feels that Si Wakely, who has demonstrated his ability to beat multiple world champions, will show the consistency to achieve the overall result that he deserves. Newcomer Bird has the determination to surprise many established competitors, while Houson will ease himself back into competition by concentrating initially on British Enduros and the GBXC series, and as the season progresses, on selected World and European rounds.
Having sampled the 2009 Husqvarnas, the riders have expressed their satisfaction at the improvements made over last year's models. Reliability, competitive performance and excellent handling have always been Husqvarna's strong points, but despite this the factory has managed significant small changes.