After the seventh round of the Superbike World Championship at the Nürburgring last weekend, Troy stayed behind for a lap or two of the famous ‘old Nürburgring racetrack - the Nordschleife. The twenty-three kilometre track in the Eifel is considered the toughest and most demanding purpose-built racetracks in the world, but anybody can go round - either by bike or car - by paying a small fee.
Troy was lucky enough to meet an experienced car driver, Gareth Lloyd, who has raced at the Nordschleife many times, and was taken round the track in a BMW M3 CSL - a lighter, faster version of the M3 coupe. After 33 left and 40 right turns at high speed, Troy was impressed.
“That was an awesome experience. It was really good to go round such a track with somebody who knows what they are doing and where they are going! Gareth knows the track like the back of his hand and that’s important when you’ve got blind, uphill corners approaching! There were lots of cars and bikes on the track most of the time, but there had been a crash just before one of our laps, so we were able to go out straight after it had all been cleared up and have a clear track in front of us. That was a blast! Thanks to Gareth for taking me round and then letting me have a go in his car! He’ll be welcome at any Superbike race, if he wants to come along.
I got home on Monday evening and got lots of calls and messages about my plans for 2009. For sure, I am talking to various people, but I haven’t signed with anybody for next year yet, despite what the papers say. Don’t worry though, I’ll let you know my plans when they are all done and dusted.
See ya,
Troy"
