Bayliss to Swap 2 Wheels for 4
After months of speculation as to what 3 time World Superbike Champion and Ducati hero, Troy Bayliss, would do with his spare time following his retirement at the conclusion of the 2008 season we now have our answer. The reigning World Champion is set to race a V8 Supercar in the Australian Championship.
Bayliss, 39, confirmed that he will test with Ford’s Team Vodafone on May 14th. If successful he will compete this year in selected endurance rounds of the championship including at the famous Bathurst circuit with a shot at a full season in 2010.
Bayliss clearly still believes he has the right stuff to jump back on a Ducati 1098R and win this weekend at Losail but will leave that to new signing Noriyuki Haga. He seems to acknowledge that his success in 2 wheeled motorsport is not necessarily a license to be competitive in 4 wheels but is up to the challenge.
“I have no regrets about retiring from Superbikes. I am sure I could hop on a race bike at Qatar and pull off a win – I would find that very easy,” … “But it’s something I don’t want to do. “As far as cars go it is a completely different story. There are many obstacles to overcome. “But I like to jump over obstacles.”
Based on precedent, Bayliss should be fast but might find it difficult to be routinely competitive. Fellow Australian, 1987 World 500cc GP Champion, Wayne Garder, also went to V8 Supercars following his retirement from motorcycle racing but failed to make a big impact on the sport.
link: Bayliss locks in trial with V8 team
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