Bears Ducati Formula 1 Race Team
Press Release
BEARS F1 Race Team Dominates Season Opener
Today's Date : 14th February 2001
In a stunning display of sheer class The Bears F1 Racing Team swept all before it, in the season opener at Sydney's Eastern Creek International Raceway.
In a total of five legs, teamates John Lyons, Peter Hinton, and Maurice Rissman streeted the field to be leading the championship 'one/two' at the end of the meeting. '97 National Champion, and dual 6- hr Champion John Lyons hurled his ageing 888 Superbike, around the course, besting later tackle in three of the five heats.
"I love this bike" smiled the affable champ,"..but I don't think I can ride it much harder, the 996s are nipping at my heels, its a great result though!"
Lyon's teamate, Peter Hinton, was first in two, and second in three. "The 996 is getting faster all the time, and I'm understanding the bike better, it was great fun dicing with John, giving the bike its first wins, we've been doing this stuff together since '96, but when that flag drops, I know I'm in for a race!..and that's just how we like it!" laughed Pete.
Maurice Rissman finished a creditable 6th,on the day, after falling and recovering to gain vital points. The newly upgraded rider was philosophical, " I'd like to be up with the guns, but patience will garner the positions, in the mid to long term, its fun riding with these two though, 'cause there's so much to learn".
The Team not only one/two-ed in the racing, they lead the championship in the same fashion, the finishes were the stuff of "daring do"; the closest slipstreaming on the day, with the current Bears F1 National Champion Peter Brown (Budget Rent-a-Car 996 SPS),3rd. Former World Champions, Phil Read,( Honda, MV ); and Barry Sheene ( Suzuki ), were present, riding in other classes. "It's a wonderful start to our year, and having two greats, watching the fun, is an inspiration, we've gone home with ten trophies! Thanks to our generous Sponsors; BMC; Systemcraft; Da' Vanti Developments; Castrol and Ducati, we can capitalise on this excellent start and challenge hard for the Championship." said a smiling Mal Cherlin,
Team Manager.