ADSS 97’s long run of finishes in FIM Endurance World Championship 24-hour races ended at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps last month – but the Dunlop Superstock Trophy squad is already looking ahead to the September’s Bol d’Or.
The Kawasaki-powered team from the United Kingdom had started and finished five 24-hour EWC races in succession. But a reoccurring technical issue meant its challenge in the 24H SPA EWC Motos, round two of the FIM Endurance World Cup, from 16-18 June was over after 10 hours of high-speed action at the legendary Belgian track.
Team Manager Craig Watson explained what went wrong: “Issues with fuel tank caused Levi [Day] to get stranded out at turn 15. We replaced the fuel tank, replaced the fuel line, sent Platty [Chris Platt] out and with four laps to go on his stint, the same issue again so we’ve now done three fuel tanks, three fuel lines. It’s not safe to continue so unfortunately, for the first time in six 24-hour races, we have retired, game over. We’re upset and emotional.”
ADSS 97’s Spa DNF was in complete contrast to its fine seventh-place finish among the Dunlop Superstock Trophy contenders in the season-opening 24 Heures Motos in April where Stefan Hill joined team regulars Platt and Chris Walker. The Spa event marked Australian rider Day’s EWC debut with ADSS 97.
The Bol d’Or marks the third and final round of the 2023 FIM Endurance World Cup for Superstock bikes and takes place at Circuit Paul Ricard in southern France from 14-17 September.
Meanwhile, the FIM Endurance World Championship for Formula EWC machines continues with the 44th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race in Japan from 4-6 August.
Original Source [ FIM EWC ]
