56th Macau Grand Prix November 19, 2009 Free Practice One: 1. Michael RUTTER (Kawasaki), GBR, 2:31.459 2. Thomas HINTERREITER (Yamaha), AUT, 2:31.939 3. Rico PENZKOFER (BMW), GER, 2:32.059 4. Mike BARNES (Kawasaki), USA, 2:33.496 5. Ian HUTCHINSON (Kawasaki), GBR, 2:34.265 6. Gary JOHNSON (Yamaha), GBR, 2:34.297 7. Conor CUMMINS (Kawasaki), GBR, 2:34.751 8. Jeremy TOYE (Honda), USA, 2:34.885 9. Luis CARREIRA (Suzuki), POR, 2:35.715 10. John McGUINNESS (Honda), GBR, 2:35.863 15. Mark MILLER (Suzuki), USA, 2:37.047 22. Scott JENSEN (Suzuki), USA, 2:45.005 More, from a press release issued by Jennifer Sierzega, on behalf of Celtic Racing: Celtic Racing Accepts Offer to Race Macau GP Winter Garden, FL (November 18, 2009)–Celtic Racing completed their first practice in Macau in preparation for this weekend’s GP event. This marks Celtic’s first appearance and their rider Mark Todd Miller’s 9th showing. ” Our team had been recommended for this event, so we got the bike shipped out and accepted the offer,” notes Barry Gilsenan ( team owner). The California based rider, Mark Todd Miller, who retired from AMA Racing, stays active in the Isle of Mann, and the Macau Grand Prix. His best finishes in Macau include (2) 4th (1) 3rd and (2) 6th placements. Miller completed his first practice and his debut on the Celtic machine placed in 15th. The afternoon will conclude with their first qualifier of two. The team feels confident for a strong result. Special thanks to Orient Express in this effort. More, from a press release issued by Hydrex Honda: HYDREX IGT HONDA AIMING FOR ANOTHER WIN AT MACAU The Hydrex IGT Honda Superbike Team has arrived in Macau for this Saturday’s 43rd Macau Grand Prix hoping for a repeat of last year’s winning form on the 6.12km Circuito Da Guia. For 2009 the team, run by SMR (Shaun Muir Racing), is fielding two riders; 2008 winner Stuart Easton and former Macau GP winner and TT legend John McGuinness, both riding SMR Honda Fireblade 1000cc Superbikes. For the Macau event, established SMR sponsors Hydrex and Red Torpedo are joined by IGT – International Game Technology – the foremost manufacturer of casino gaming machines in the world. Stuart Easton, “it’s really good to be back at Macau, especially running with the #1 plate. I’ve had a fantastic year in BSB with the SMR Hydrex team and it’s great to be coming here on the bike I’ve helped develop and ridden all season. I’ve now had a year working with the team and the support I get is second to none so I’m feeling really good and I’m sure I can deliver the Macau result that the team deserves.” John McGuinness, “SMR is a first class team and I’m really pleased to be riding for them at Macau this year, there’s no other team I rather be with. The bike is really sorted and is ideal for the conditions at the Guia circuit so I’m confident of being a front runner. The Macau GP is one of my favourite races and I’m really looking forward to the weekend.” Shaun Muir, Team Owner, “having had our best year ever in the British Superbike Series it’s great to arrive here in Macau with the team in such a positive frame of mind, especially returning as last year’s winners. The bikes have proved really competitive throughout the season and both our riders are previous Macau winners, John in 2001 and Stuart last year. We’ve had terrific support from our principal sponsors, Hydrex and Red Torpedo, so there really is every reason to feel confident about the days ahead!”