NEC Bike Show Special

Couple of big questions on everyone's lips yesterday: has Rob McElnea got the cash to run two superbikes in BSB and if he has, who is the second rider?

Walker is a solid bet for McElnea even though most think he is past his best, but he will be a good mentor for Supersport signing Dan Linfoot. The Scunthorpe team boss will need to find at least £30,000 in wages to secure a rider like Simon Andrews or Michael Laverty.

MSS Kawasaki boss Nick Morgan was very guarded about his Superbike plans for 2009 but reckons he will be running a two-man team. Time might be running out for the Essex man as the remainder of the top riders seem to be gravitiating towards Hydrex Honda.

Morgan did confirm, however, that he will be running youngster Jess Trayler on a ZX-6R in the National Superstock 600 series.

Stuart Easton was seen chatting with Hydrex boss Shaun Muir and crew chief Mick Shanley on more than one occasion yesterday but I didn't see Jentin Yamaha's Bernie Toleman at all.

After having some dramas actually getting into the show as he had the wrong pass, Simon Andrews was seen hovering around lots of stands, deep in thought, but not actually having a in-depth chat with anyone...

Scott Smart wasn't seen at all but rumours were flying around Smartarse was at home washing his hair (singular).

New Honda signing Glen Richards was seen everywhere but on the Honda stand apart from the times he was scheduled to be.

Leon Haslam was doing his best to hurt himself before his next set of winter tests in Kyalami in the middle of next month, taking part in lots of sideshows including mini-motos races.

New Relentless Suzuki signing Ian Lowry will take part in a university study to help with his fitness over the winter. Lowry's boss Philip Neill wants to see more concentration on the Irishman's training over the winter.
Congratulations to John Laverty who got married earlier today to long-term partner Leona Divine at a ceremony in Toome, Northern Ireland. Stuart Easton does the dirty deed tomorrow.