It has been a frustrating start to the 2009 season for all at Aztec. We worked hard through winter on new engine developments and new chassis designs which all being well we will see in the latter half of the 09 season.
We were all set to have our newly signed and very talented rider Ed Rendell off to a flying start from round 1, but lady luck has dealt us some difficult hands so far. A pre-season test saw the bike and Ed in a big crash only 1 week before Round 1 leaving us all unsure if Ed and bike would be ready in time. Thanks to Ed's passion, dedication and the fantastic support
we enjoy from our Technical Partners we were able to have bike and Team ready for Brands. An extra special thanks must go to Fabrication Techniques, Blackstone Tek and our bike livery and paint specialists Silverstone Paint Technology for the extra special efforts at such short notice to make attending round 1 possible.
Round 1 saw great results for the Team with us walking away in the points all be it with engine gremlins still lurking. Ed did a cracking job all weekend placing us 11th in the Championship.
Round 2 at Oulton Park brought a glimmer of hope to all in the Team with Ed having to start from the last spot on the grid ( P39 ) and racing in a shortened race all the way to P10. Gremlins struck again with 500 Yards to go on the last lap which sadly left Ed and us all gritting our teeth.
On reflection we were overjoyed with the weekend
as we now know that we have a strong package and just need to put the engine gremlins to bed to show true potential. The new control fuel had shown no initial issues during dyno testing, but on track tests and races proved this a very different issue. Chatting to fellow competitors it became very clear that most of the 125 GP competitors had similar issues which left us all somewhat relieved and pointed to a clear fuel issue. We had 3 weeks to do some more development work to see if we can address the gremlins.
Round 3 for us has been another huge step forward with Ed's confidence growing each day and another big step forward for the Team. It would seem that we have managed to resolve the engine gremlins (touch wood),
with Ed turning in our best qualifying position to date and showing some real potential. The Team is gelling very well with Bike and rider now a stronger package.
All we need to do now is get to the chequered flag.........
We all looking forward to the next round at Thruxton to see if we can continue to improve
our form. Thanks must go to Jean for keeping
us all fed and watered during the Race meetings.