Motorcycle Around The World

TeapotOne is the story of Bruce Smart's epic 74,000 miles, 54 countries in 442 days, solo & unsupported motorcycle around the world, to keep a promise. From 1st October 2012 to 14th June 2014, Bruce Smart rode a Suzuki GSX-R1000 74,000 miles around the world, solo and unsupported, through 54 countries to keep a promise he made his mum before she lost her battle with cancer. There were ups, there were downs, highs and lows, but one aspect shone through, the overwhelming friendship and support shown from almost everybody he met around the world.

From Europe to South East Asia, Russia to Australasia, South America to the USA and Canada, almost everybody he met opened their lives and homes to a complete stranger, and the journey grew and grew.

The entire RTW adventure was caught on film, from issues with motorcycle shipping, to the most dangerous road travelled, this travel blog, or travel vlog, is a documentary you just can't miss. This short promo is just a slice of the adventure, the whole series is available here on YouTube, just subscribe to the TeapotOneVids channel. The book is now available via amazon at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Live-Your-Li...

The Grizzly Ride out Invitational 2018

Every year, we cross the mountains and ride with a group of friends to celebrate the end of winter. This is what we call the Grizzly Ride. a film by Sebastien Zanella.

GT4 European Series Jean and Sancinena complete remarkable comeback to clinch GT4 International Cup glory for CMR Alpine

Pierre-Alexandre Jean and Pierre Sancinena produced a remarkable comeback performance to clinch victory in the inaugural GT4 International Cup, steering their #36 CMR Alpine A110 to top spot in the main race despite starting 18th on the grid.

The duo began the event in perfect style when Sancinena topped Friday’s opening practice at the Bahrain International Circuit, but it seemed that their hopes had disappeared when a puncture prevented them from setting a representative qualifying time.

This placed the #36 Alpine at the back of the grid for both qualifying races, leaving the Championnat de France - FFSA GT4 France regulars at a serious disadvantage. They looked to be back in the fight after a superb run to second in the opening qualifying race, only to be disqualified for a technical infringement.

A fourth-place finish in the second qualifying race kept the French squad’s hopes alive, but starting from 18th in Saturday evening’s main event meant they still had significant ground to make up. The clear favourites for the win were Milan Dontje and Nicolaj Moller-Madsen, who started from pole position in their #5 Phoenix Racing Audi R8 LMS after taking both qualifying race victories.

Dontje faced competition into turn one from Matt Nichol-Jones (#10 Academy Motorsport McLaren 570S) and the #39 3Y Technology BMW of Gilles Vannelet. The Audi held the lead and Dontje edged away during the opening stint, while the #36 Alpine moved into third spot with Jean at the wheel after quickly rising up the order during the opening stages.

Jean was some nine seconds shy of the lead as the 20-minute mark approached, but the CMR squad were brought back into contention when the safety car was deployed to remove the stricken #38 SportsCarBoutique Porsche Caymen.

This bunched up the field and when racing resumed the Alpine was quickly on the attack. It took second spot when the #10 McLaren stopped for its driver change and was right on the tail of the #5 Audi when Dontje pitted to hand over to Moller-Madsen.

The extra time on track proved crucial for Jean, who stopped soon after to hand over to Sancinena. The Frenchman exited the pits narrowly ahead of a charging Moller-Madsen, who locked up into turn one as he tried to overhaul the Alpine.

This gave Sancinena a chance to stretch his legs and the #36 machine began to build an advantage over the #5 Audi. The hard work had been done and the CMR crew celebrated a tremendous comeback win as Sancinena crossed the line 5.677s clear of Moller-Madsen.

The reigning GT4 European Series champions took runner-up spot, narrowly missing out on their second major honour of 2018. Third place overall and victory in the Pro-Am class went to the #39 BMW of Gilles Vannelet and Enzo Guibbert, who delivered an excellent showing to finish only 9.337s shy of the victorious #36 Alpine.

Am victory went to the #250 RHC Jorgensen/Strom by MarcCars entry of Daren E. Jorgensen and Brett Strom, who emerged from a highly competitive class to snatch top honours in Bahrain. Jorgensen handled the first stint and handed over to Strom, who completed the job for the American outfit with an advantage of some 16 seconds at the chequered flag. 

The winning drivers celebrated their achievements under the lights on the podium, bringing the inaugural GT4 International Cup to a successful conclusion. It also closed a landmark GT4 campaign in fitting style and hinted and bigger things to come in 2019.

Pierre-Alexandre Jean, #36 CMR Alpine A110: “We have had a lot going on this weekend! I started the race from 18th and gave the car to my teammate in first place, so my stint was very good. I really enjoyed the overtaking and coming back in this way; for a driver, it is the best. The team did a perfect job and so did my teammate. He made no mistakes and was very quick. I really think that this was our race.”

Daren E. Jorgensen, #250 RHC Jorgensen/Strom by MarcCars BMW M4: “We came to Bahrain not expecting to win; we just wanted to race hard and go for it and it turned out really well. We have an Australian team that supports us and they did a great job as usual. Going hard in practice isn’t always the best thing to do; the main race is where it counts. Our strategy paid off and we couldn’t be happier."

GT4 European Series ; Final entry list confirms impressive grid for inaugural GT4 International Cup at Bahrain International Circuit

The final entry list for the inaugural GT4 International Cup has been confirmed, finalising the gird for this weekend’s event at the Bahrain International Circuit (30 November-1 December).

Staged as part of the Bapco Bahrain GT Festival, the GT4 International Cup brings together competitors from across the globe for a season-ending contest. It joins an impressive programme of racing at the Middle Eastern venue, with the FIA GT Nations Cup and Bahrain Classic Challenge also set to hit the track. 

While an impressive 21-car grid had already been confirmed for the event, a number of drivers remained unannounced. But, with the opening practice session now just a few days away, the complete line-up has been revealed. 

Phoenix Racing has confirmed that 17-year-old rising star Max Hesse will partner the already-announced Gosia Rdest in its #5 Audi R8 LMS GT4. The German teenager has enjoyed a successful 2018 season in touring cars and also made a one-off GT4 European Series outing at Spa-Francorchamps.

The CMR squad will field a brace of Alpine A110 GT4s in Bahrain, and will call upon two familiar drivers to get behind the wheel of its #26 machine in Pierre-Alexandre Jean and Pierre Sancinena. 

There is reason to believe that this pairing can be among the contenders for overall victory in Bahrain. Jean and Sancinena contested the second half of the Championnat de France FFSA GT – GT4 France season together in 2018 and proved extremely competitive, taking wins at Magny-Cours and Circuit Paul Ricard. Given their recent track record, the French duo will approach the event in confident mood. 

The #36 Alpine will see 2008 French GT champion David Tuchbant competing alongside Antoine Leclerc. Both drivers can call upon considerable experience in GT racing and have earned a raft of honours between them, ensuring another strong line-up for the CMR squad.

French outfit 3Y Technology has confirmed the drivers for its brace of BMW M4 GT4 entries. Philip Kadoorie will pair up with Dan Wells in the #37 car, with both drivers racing under the flag of Hong Kong. British-born Wells cut his teeth on the European scene and has since spent several years competing on the Asian continent in single-seaters and sports cars. 

In the #39 BMW M4 GT4, Enzo Guibbert will pair up with Gilles Vannelet. The duo raced together for 3Y Technology at the Magny-Cours round of this season’s FFSA Championnat de France – GT4 France championship, while both come with extensive experience of domestic and international competition.

Finally, Jerome Policand will cap a landmark year for his AKKA ASP squad by driving the #88 Mercedes-AMG GT4 at the Bapco Bahrain GT Festival. The Frenchman, who enjoyed a successful career behind the wheel before turning his attention to team management, will make a return to the cockpit to compete alongside Thomas Drouet. AKKA ASP captured the overall Blancpain GT Series teams’ and drivers’ championships in 2018 and Policand will hope to put the icing on the cake with a strong run in Bahrain. 

Competitors will have an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the Bahrain International Circuit during two free practice runs on Friday, followed by a pair of qualifying sessions later in the day. These will set the grid for two 60-minute qualifying races on Saturday, which will in turn determine the grid for the evening’s deciding 60-minute main race. Both qualifying races and the main event will be streamed live on the official GT4 European Series and Championnat de France FFSA GT - GT4 France websites and Facebook pages.

In addition to the on-track action, the Bapco Bahrain GT Festival will feature a wealth of entertainment to suit all tastes. Stunt shows, live music and acrobatics will be among the many added attractions at the Middle Eastern venue, making for an authentic festival atmosphere.

Indeed, the inaugural GT4 International Cup will provide a fitting finale to a landmark year for the category, which has enjoyed significant growth across the globe. The latest driver announcements add further depth to what was already an impressive field and hint and an epic season-ending showdown in Bahrain.