So everyone knows that there are things you can say on Live Television, and things you can’t say on Live Television, and most people know that F#CK isn’t one you should say on Live Television… Well not my Team Boss Mandy.

With German being Mandy’s language of tongue, even doing an interview in English is an achievement in my book, so you can forgive the bloke for letting the F word fly at slightly inappropriate times here and there. Especially when you’ve got an Aussie on the team who uses it pretty often…. Sorry Mum…. But Eurosport aren’t so forgiving.

In the funniest Live Le Man’s Eurosport TV coverage I’ve ever seen, Mandy got up into the commentary box for a few words of wisdom about the race. The interview was going great as Mandy colourfully explained the ins and outs of the race, some of the strategies involved, and even some of the behind the scenes action that goes into every race…. Until he was asked about the new Kawasaki Racing Team comprising of Plater, Giabanni and Mazeuocos.

Mandy openly explained “We knew they would be tough this year, but that Mazeuocos is really f$#king fast.”

Well, I can only imagine the look on the faces of Clive McNeil and Roger Bernett, but Mandy told me it looked similar to someone who was about run up the ass of a car.

He then heard the foreign voice in his headphones (someone in control of the broadcast in some station far away) telling the interviewers “Tell the guest he can’t say f#ck on air please.” Can you imagine it? I’d have lost it, and pissed myself right there. Luckily McNeil’s experience at the microphone jumped in to pass it off with a giggle, and a subtle change of subject.

It has understandably been a topic we’ve taken the piss out of Mandy on since.

Lately I’ve been keeping busy trying to earn a few bucks while I’ve got this gap in between the races.

"and now I will be taking any requests"

As I mentioned in my last column, I’ve been teaching at Moto Academy Race Schools which has been really good, although I had one student try some backflips through a gravel trap at the last one. He didn’t like that much, neither did his new Aprillia Mile…. Bet his missus was impressed. The schools are getting better each time I do one, and I’ve proved to be pretty popular amongst the punters. On the 21^st of June I’m scheduled to do a high performance course with the Austrian Motorcycle Police Force! This ought to be a laugh. I wonder what those BMW’s handle like?

On top of that, Amy and I are still working at the Pub whenever we can. The locals are starting to get used us too, and most of them just order in English now…. Thank god. It’s still hard work though for the money, and Amy reckons for the amount of blokes that perv on her tits all day, the tips could be better too.

"watch as I get more foam than beer into this glass"

It’s pretty amazing how many people think I’m rolling in doe, racing all over the world, but the fact is we are doing it hard. Racing has changed and without the sponsorship dollar behind you, it’s a struggle to get by. I’ve just been lucky to have had the support from companies like Joe Rocket and Shoei this year, who without I wouldn’t be here. I’ve also had two new sponsors agree to come on board with me recently, but I’ll announce them officially very soon.

There’s been a few things flying around about the Suzuka 8hour coming up, and some of it does sound exciting. I was told yesterday who will be joining Me and Igor for the race, and although I can’t say anything yet, I think he’ll prove to be a good choice and an asset for the race. Just a shame Seb can’t make it.

I also heard that another Aussie Jamie Stauffer may be making the trip to Japan for the race, so that will be good to see.

I reckon it’ll be the turning point of the season, and could prove to be the race that gets us back on track. I really hope we can win a few points back on the guys in front to get back into this championship. We’ll be trying hard that’s for sure.

Until next time,

Ciao for now,

Damo.