MOVERS and SHAKERS FOR 2008 - PAR HONDA AND MOLSON KAWASAKI
October 15, 2007
Day two of MOTO’s “movers and shakers” on who’s where in 2008.Today it’s the turn of Molson Kawasaki and PAR Honda both have had serious presence in the British paddock over the years and both have made a few changes for next season. PAR HONDA PAR Honda for the last few seasons have been far and away the biggest team in the UK, topping nearly twenty riders in all classes across the board, but in 2008 the team has shrunk and will concentrate more on quality rather than quantity. Ashley Greedy is staying and competing in the Maxxis, World and under 21 championships, Ashley will be gunning for the British under 21 title and will be a serious challenger for the crown. Ray Rowson has come onboard and that’s got to be one of the best signings of the year, Ray is a determined and a all action rider and will compete on both the 450f and 250f PAR machines – which ever class Ray decides to race, he’ll be challenging near the top five in the Maxxis this year for sure. Jordan Rose makes a return to Honda after unsuccessful season on the KTM team; Jordan needs to perform this year and with the backing of PAR it certainly is his best chance to show that he is a talented rider. Jordan could pull a few surprises in the World’s and a top six place in the Maxxis is beckoning. MOLSON KAWASKI With out doubt Molson are gunning for glory and they have two riders who could do it next year in both the Maxxis and world championship. Steven Sword has had a nightmare last year of so, but put that aside and 2008 could see Swordy back on top of the Maxxis MX2 podium – its going to be close battle with fellow team mate Gareth Swanepoel but these two are looking like the top two – come September 2008 we will find out. A top five placing in the worlds for Sword is not out of his reach and Gareth could slip into the top three – it’s going to be a very interesting year for Molson for sure. Then they have the young French rider Gautier Paulin, Gautier is the current European champion and is only 17 years old, may take a season to get used to the Maxxis but expect a comfortable top ten finish.
TC will be on the 450F in 08 Molson’s only MX1 rider will be Tom Church, Tom is looking forward to the change and could well be the one to watch on the bigger green machine. It’s a new challenge for him and could find himself in the top three in the Maxxis and top ten in the world come the final rounds.
All these riders will be on full factory machines so the season is looking rosy all round. Check back for tomorrow's “Movers and Shakers” when we will be reviewing CAS Honda and Relentless Suzuki.
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