January 23, 2013
Published on tags: Superleague
Kernow Sport has been pretty quiet for news regarding their 2013 Superleague driver line-up. They are now ready to reveal all.

Wicks (Team Manager): "2012 was a mixed bag. It taught us a lot going ahead into 2013. We now have the ability to produce and upgrade our own engines, under the Krevder brand name, and we seek to build on last year and achieve more. I fully believe that the talented and enthusiastic team we have assembled for this season will really allow us to keep up on the R&D front, score plenty of points and improve our position from last year."?


It had been assumed by nearly everyone that Team Manager Mark Wicks would continue driving duties at Kernow for a second successive year, his 10th active season at GPVWC since 2002, when he began his career 119 Grands Prix ago. So it was something of a shock when he announced; "This year I will be stepping down from race duties, in fact I won't even be a regular test driver. This was a hard decision to make. I'll keep myself ready for an emergency role should I be required at short notice. I've had a very long career as a race driver here but, for 2013 I need and deserve a sabbatical to concentrate solely on managing the squad, as my performances last year hit me hard; they weren't good enough. I'm not retiring as I'm sure I'll be back at some point and might even be needed to race a few times this year. When everyone arrives in Melbourne it'll be the first time since 2005 that I've not been on the grid to start a season."?

After a stunned minute of silence from the press, focus turned to who would be driving for Kernow and replacing Wicks in the process.

"I'll start off by announcing our Test Driver. He's been a regular face around GPVWC for a while now, and raced for Kernow last year in our Supercup team. Scott Bennett will be fulfilling the role of reserve driver.

"Next, revealing the driver of car number 15. He's a new face around this circus but I'm sure you'll all make him feel very welcome as he settles into the league. From Ireland: Mark Johnston.

"And now, the driver of our number 14 car, the seat many of you thought I'd be filling myself, will be driven by Steve Verloy, from Belguim.

"I'd like you all to welcome them to the Superleague grid. They're fine guys all of them and looking forward to challenging the rest of you. So there you have it boys and girls, our drivers for the season: Steve Verloy, Mark Johnston and Scott Bennett. We'll see you all tomorrow in Valencia for the opening test."?