It’s been a big 2018 for the Rowe Racing Team!

 

Everything will almost have come full circle as Royce goes in for his final surgery next week to remove the rod from his femur and screws from his knee, putting him back onto a gopher for the start of 2019.

 

A blog post from one year ago, almost to the day, shows Royce in the same gopher making his way around Mallala. It mentions our preparation for the racing year ahead, which will be repeated this summer.

PIC: Royce slowly relearnt how to get his knee down after returning to racing earlier this year

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Following that slow start, we had a great turnout for the annual Manx GP fundraiser night. All enjoyed the engaging speakers and banter between old mates. We’d again like to thank all those that attended.

 

April’s Easter Mac Park meeting saw Royce’s first return to racing after his fateful Isle of Man crash. It didn’t take long for him to get back into the swing of things, winning almost every race contested.

 

Over 2018, there has been many hours put into testing and development of the Triumph. The bike is in a much better place, but after the planned strip down in the months to come, there’ll be more testing and practice to come.

PIC: The team put many hours into testing at many different tracks over 2018

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The Ducati also performed well all year, as expected. Royce had a blistering finish to the year, resulting in his 2^nd place overall in the Limited Championship.

PIC: The Ducati performed well all year, as did Royce’s new Furygan leathers and FÜSPORT boots

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Since our last blog post, there hasn’t been any racing as such, but Royce took part in a parade lap at the Adelaide Motor Sport Festival on part of the old Formula One track.

 

He was offered a ride on Neil Watson’s 1937 350 and 500 Velocettes, which was a great blast from the past.

PIC: Royce doing his best Stanley Woods impersonation

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As for the rest of 2018, we’ll fit one more track day at The Bend in this Sunday before Royce’s surgery, then hopefully see a fast recovery as Manx GP 2019 is on the horizon.

 

Reflecting over 2018 next to the Christmas tree, sipping his lactose-free eggnog, Royce said, “Being back in the saddle throughout my comeback year has been awesome fun. It’s relieving to be back up to speed to where I was pre-crash.

“I’d like to thank all my sponsors for supporting me and I can’t wait to show everyone what I’m made of back at the Manx in 2019.

“Have a Merry Christmas everyone and keep ‘er lit!”

 

Again, none of this would be possible without our generous sponsors.

PIC: “One photo, then I’ve gotta get back to this rebuild” – Rowe Racing Team Principal, Moddey

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We’re back on track in February for Round One of the South Australian Championships. Until then, have a great festive season – may your tyres be warm and rides be long!