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RACE REPORT - MACAU GRAND PRIX 2004
Well the 38th Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix has been, run and won. I
finished second in the 2004 Supersport class. For those who are
unfamiliar, The Macau Grand Prix is a massive motorsport event held
on the island of Macau, found on the border of mainland China
approx 1 hour ferry ride from Hong Kong. The circuit is a layout
through the city and totally made up of public roads running along
the waterfront and winding it’s way between casinos, hotels and
buildings. With nearly no run-off this Armco lined track is the
ultimate challenge to ride.
This was my fourth visit to Macau and although this is an extremely
dangerous circuit, the excitement and thrill of the whole Grand
Prix carnival lured me back once again. Macau incorporates the
final round of the world F3 Car Grand Prix, Formula (Renault) World
Touring car and the motorcycle GP. So it’s non stop action on the
track for four days.
The weekend began on Thursday with our first two unlimited
sessions. I was riding the same CBR600 RR that I campaign in the
Asian Championships for XG Jao China. Macau Supersport run the same
rules as world FIM 600 Supersport and my bike is set up for the
Asian Superstock class so Thursday’s sessions were spent fitting
some additional performance parts to compete against the super fast
world spec bikes we were up against. Ending the day in second place
I was happy as we were improving each time out. Friday our one 60
minute timed qualifying session went well. With about 5 minutes to
go I put my head down and post the fastest time of the session and
returned to the pit confident of having pole position.
Unfortunately for me, Callum Ramsey on the Triumph TT600 just
pipped my time on the last lap of the session bumping me back to
2nd position for the race.
Saturday, and they were perfect racing conditions for the 15 lap
event. Now there is one thing that makes Macau unique and that’s
the start. It’s a mass start with the Supersport field starting
amongst the Superbikes, which can make it hard to get clear of the
slower Superbikes that drag you off on the first two straights,
then slow you up once you enter the tight hilly sections. In
previous years I have used this to my advantage but not this time.
My drive off the line was good but as I entered the first sweeping
left hand turn, a Superbike ahead turned in on my line giving me no
choice but to roll off the throttle. This was only for a moment,
but enough to be swamped by bikes along the next straight. A big
breaking move into the tight turn 3 enabled me to claw back some
spots but the Triumph ahead of me had been able to put almost 10
Superbikes between us. Over the next 10 laps I had the most
frustrating ride. I can remember battling through 1000cc machines
in the tight turns only to be passed back by them on the three long
straights. Meanwhile Callum on the TT600 with a clear track ahead
was pulling away.
By about lap 10, I finally got clear and began chasing Callum down
whos gap ahead was about 14 seconds. Although my Honda lacked
outright top speed on the tuned factory Triumph, it was handling
great around the street circuit and I set some consistently fast
times. I ended the race in second place only 1.8 seconds behind the
Triumph and I set the fastest Supersport lap of the race by almost
a full second from the practice session.
So that was another Macau and although I was disappointed not to
retain my Macau crown from 2003, I was happy to leave another year
unscathed and will be back again in 2005!
Overall the weekend was fantastic. Having the opportunity to catch
up with many of the riders I have become mates with over the years
at Macau and sharing the track with top factory riders such as John
McGuiness and Michael Rutter in this very unique race.
Cameron Donald #86
19th and 20th November in Macau
This weekend Cameron Donald will defend his 600cc Supersport title
at the 38th Macau Grand Prix, riding for his Chinese team XG
Jao.
Cameron has won this race twice (2001 & 2003) and is looking
forward to riding the track again.
There is some tough competition in this year's entry list. Factory
teams from Japan and the UK will make for some exciting
racing!
Cameron landed in Macau on Monday morning and will be working with
his Japanese mechanics throughout the week to ensure his bike is
ready for the competition.
Format is as follows:
Friday 19/11/04 - Qualifying Session
Saturday 20/11/04 - Race Day
Stay tuned for update and results!!
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