Steve Plater joins AIM Yamaha for British SBK 2007

Raceline Photography
By blue2bikes
February 3 2007

Steve Plater will be riding for the AIM Yamaha team in the British Superbike series and will also take part in the Isle of Man TT races. Steve, who has never ridden at the Tourist Trophy in a race, has ridden the circuit on a road bike - and although this will be his rookie year he should do well.

As you will probably remember, Steve took the Macau Grand Prix victory away from stalwart Michael Rutter last year, aboard an AIM Yamaha. With Michael announcing his return to the Island after a long break, due to other commitments, will Steve be able to finish ahead of Michael or will Michael exact his revenge on Steve?

Steve has yet to announce officially which races he will be entering at the TT, but it would certainly not come as any surprise should he enter the Superbike and 600 races. Steve took the win from Michael at the NorthWest 200 road races last year, as well as Macau, so Michael will want to show that he has lost none of his will to win.

They are both excellent road racers, and the TT will be the perfect place to see both riders in action. Michael will certainly be the favourite to outdo Steve, with his experience of the mountain circuit standing him in good stead. The mountain circuit has undergone some changes for this year’s racing, especially at Brandish Corner. Formerly a 2nd gear corner, it has now been widened and banked, making it a 5th gear corner.

With John McGuinness, the present TT lap record holder, also taking part, I feel sure that the first ever 130mph lap will be on the cards. This is the Centenary year of the TT, and it is looking like it will undoubtedly be the best TT for many a year. Enjoy.