So who'll be doing what then?

Going on what happened last year, and little snippets I've picked up from the paddock so far, here's the pre-season form guide...

Si Tomlinson	A blistering end to the 98 season and start of the 99 season must make him one of the favourites for this year.
Nick Wiles	Always smooth and consistent, now has a fast bike in the shape of Rik Ballerinis old one. Watch him as he gets used to the bike.
Charlie Entwhistle	Spent last year campaigning a 43hp TZR, and still didn't finish last. Now the bike is sorted out, he'll be up there if the luck holds.
Kevin Burton	Spent 7 years racing LCs and MZs, so knows all about full contact racing. The bike is an unknown quantity at the moment.
Neil Ronketti	Wobbling round at the back again, same as last year.
Scott Allaway	Always fast, hard to pass, and harder to stay in front of. If he stays on the bike, he'll be in the points.
Katie Morgan	Complete unknown at the moment, but hopefully will get the chance to stamp on a few male egos.
Darren Marshall	First season for the 16 stone ex-bodybuilder. I've seen the size of his biceps, and I'm not beating him. Using one of last years fastest bikes.
Pete Fishwick	Finished last season getting stronger with each race. Possible top 3 if he can build on that kind of form.
Paul Little	Riding the machine that carried Phil Rollason to 2nd in last years championship. Has a major weight advantage over most of us too. Watch him fly.
Ben Gilbert	Can get from zero to the 3rd pint in 12 seconds. Not actually racing this year, but part of the tour so he can come along to the end of season party.
Clive Larrett	Didn't really figure too prominently in last years tour, but is well capable of springing surprises. Has ridden everything, and raced most things. Vastly experienced.
Nigel Hewitt	Spent two years on LC250s, so will probably die of shock when he gets on a bike that handles.
Charlie Blackmore	First season aboard a Taymar prepared TZR for the perennial LC campaigner. Well capable of taking the honours this year.
Paul Ling	Vastly experienced and quick TZR racer. Undisputed master in wet conditions, and the bike is well sorted.
James Mead	Return to the Tour for James who came second in the 97 championship to Mark Walford. Devestatingly fast on his day, and not one to give up a place easily.
Paul Hogan	Just taken the lap record at Snetterton, so must be regarded as one of the favourites for this year.

And the mystery round is...

This years two mystery rounds are to be held on..... 26th and 27th June at Lydden. So, this years line up now becomes:

If you haven't let me know yet what rounds you wat to play your joker in (Simon and Nick...) let me know before the season starts else I'll pick a random round where you DNF and award you double zero points. (Well, I've got to give myself a chance somehow)

Give us yer money

Please please please please please... If you haven't paid me yet, can I have your tenner as soon as possible? I'm running out of favours at work when it comes to printing and paying for the postage for this lot. (And besides, I need a new pair of tyres). Ta.

Look mum! I'm on telly

As with last year, some of this years tour rounds will be video'd by Bob Keen of BKVP sport. Bob is a top chap, and the videos he produces are excellent. To this end, and because he'll sell us cheap copies of the vid at the end of the series, he's sent me some BKVP sport stickers to patch up any holes you've already worn in your fairings. Anyone who has seen the quality of last years video will tell you just how well produced and shot they are. Well worth having. Last time I spoke to Bob he was planning on coming along to the rounds at Brands, Lydden, Snett and Mallory, and the places to crash for instant fame are Clearways, Chessons, Corams and Gerards. Give him a wave on the way past. The winner of the series also gets a free vid.

P.S. If you want Bob to make a personal video of your season, give him a call on 01233 626024.

Hic... Burp

As with last year, we'll have an end of season barbie and piss-up at the Lord of Lydden meeting. This will be held at Lydden (oddly enough) on the weekend of 25th/26th September. I'll supply the food and beer with whatever money is left from the kitty. Just make sure you all get there before Ben.

TZR Tour hits the streets...

And now for something completely different - I'm toying with the idea of getting some TZR Tour merchandise (T-shirts or something) done. If there's any interest, I'll pursue this and let you know what the plan is. Let me know if you're interested, and what you're interested in, and I'll make enquiries from there.

...and the internet

TZR Tour on the 'net! Yes, blinking and groping our way blindly into the endless mire of mediochrity and banality that is the internet, the TZR Tour can now be found at http://www.neil.nu/tzrtour/tour99.htm. (In case you're reading this on the internet and wondering why I'm bothering to mention this, I can put your mind at rest. This newsletter is also printed and posted to people).