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RACE WATCH
Spencer/Yamaha GP deal set
Despite reports to the contrary, Freddie Spencer’s deal to ride a Frenchbacked Yamaha during the 1993 500cc grand prix season is 100 percent secure.
Reportedly, Fast Freddie’s deal with the Christian Sarron-managed team was contingent upon securing a main sponsor for the season, but a source close to Spencer informs us that the French government has guaranteed the team’s backing for 1993, and that a sponsor-perhaps a French TV network-will be found.
The deal is a good one. Spencer will receive the same top-line equipment as 1992 World Champion Wayne Rainey, and will work closely throughout the season with Yamaha Japan on engine and chassis development. He has already tested a prototype of the all-new “Big Bang” Yamaha engine, as well as a new chassis, and is adamant about 1993 not being a learning year for him.
“The desire to race and win never left me,” Spencer said, “only the physical ability to compete on an equal basis was gone. Now, I’m physically and mentally ready to compete for the championship again. My goal is to be 500cc world champion in 1993.”
Fast laps and tumbles at Daytona test
Last December, all five major U.S. roadrace teams tested new bikes and tires at Daytona. Quick man for the week was Fast By Ferracci’s Pascal Picotte, who went 1:51 Bat on the Ducati Superbike.
Two-time World Superbike Champion Doug Polen never got a chance to beat that time due to a nasty spill that left him with a badly separated shoulder. Polen will have the shoulder operated on, but should be ready for the season opener in Phoenix.
Vance & Hines’ Jamie James also crashed, crushing a knuckle, but he' should also make Phoenix. Colin Edwards, who will team with James, ran consistent 1:54 lap times, respectable considering this was his first ride on Superbike.
The Commonwealth Honda team will soldier on with the same RC30 Superbikes as last year. Says Crew Chief Ray Plumb, “We’ve really got our work cut out for us.”
The big surprise of the week was the performance of Team Muzzy Kawasaki’s Miguel DuHamel and the brand-new Kawasaki ZX-6 supersport machine. Fitted with nothing more than race tires, an exhaust system, a jet kit and an aftermarket rear shock, DuHamel’s ZX-6 broke the unofficial Daytona 600-class lap record and was 4 mph faster than the fully developed, Commonwealth Honda CBR600s of Kipp and Smith.
The Yoshimura Suzuki team of Thomas Stevens, Donald Jacks and Britt Turkington also had good results, especially Turkington, whose lap times aboard the new liquidcooled GSX-R750s were every bit as fast as those turned in by Russell during last year’s 750cc supersport race.
