UPDATE ON STEVE PLATER Although Woodhall Spa racer Steve Plater is still suffering problems with his injured left arm and hand he is still managing to keep himself busy and involved in motorcycle racing. Along with GP motorcycle legend Alan Carter the former British Supersport champion was guest of honour at the two day Carol Nash Classic Bike Winter show which took place at the Newark Showground venue and proved to be a resounding success with the large crowd that attended the event each day. Steve commented: “The show was a resounding success with lots of people checking out the bikes and attending the interviews each day. I really enjoyed meeting the fans and spent a lot of time chatting and posing for photographs. “It was good to be able to attend the show, especially as it was in Newark where my personal sponsor UK Waste Solutions is based.” Despite his ongoing hand injury Steve took part in the Bol d’Or and Le Mans 24 Hours races with the Monster Energy Yamaha Austria World Endurance team (YART) where the team finished in third and seventh places respectively. He also attended the Isle of Man TT races where he was invited to take part in the parade lap of past winners. Steve was on the island working as a commentator for the ITV4 television coverage that went out every night of the festival and was asked by Honda to ride the TT Legends Fireblade in the Arai parade lap during race week. Plater, a former winner of both the Senior and Junior TT jumped at the chance to return to action around the 37.73-mile mountain road course and said: “It was awesome to be back in the saddle riding the TT course. I got a great reception from the crowd who cheered me as I rode past. I have to give a massive thank you to Honda for giving me this unique opportunity to take part in the festivities; I really enjoyed myself out there.” He is currently in Spain at the Almeria race track where he is running the Focussed Events track days. Although this is his last visit prior to the Christmas break Steve will return to Europe in late January for the first of many visits as he is to run all the Focussed Event track days in Europe during 2013 and will also be one of the many top instructors at the circuits. Once back in the UK next week Steve is to return to the hospital for two more operations on the hand to realign the ligaments, the outcome of which will determine his plans for the 2013 race season. Finally on December 27 Steve will round off his year by attending the British Indoor Arena Flattrack Cup event at Allington near Grantham where due to his operation he will be unable to ride but will attend to give his support.