Peter Linden was on fire at his home circuit at Linkopings this weekend, (13/14th August). With three wins and a second place, (two wins on the XR69 and one on the Yamaha TZ350), he dominated his categories in the 29C temperature. The TZ races were close run things with big competition from Thomas Grandell on his ISR and Knut Holte, both on larger machines, each staying close in the early stages, but then fading when fitness counted. The XR69 races were actually closer, but with Linden setting fastest laps, both Magnus Mossberg and Jimmy Wyren were topped by some 7 seconds at the flag.

Big thanks go to the team, the sponsors, especially Conti, (whose tyres in the hands of Linden set fastest laps in both races) and to the 57th Arsracet race organisers, who did a great job. 10,000 spectators can’t be wrong. ! We shall be back…….

Fraser Scott (3rd June 1935 – 7th June 2022) was on two wheels for a lifetime. From his younger scrambling days into this millennium his enthusiasm for two wheel sport never diminished.
Fraser’s involvement with our team, 2004-2010ish was timed perfectly – we were desperate for funds to run competitively in the World Endurance Championship and his help was significant.
A born innovator, a fine engineer, a character and a thoroughly nice chap.

What a smashing legacy. Rest in Peace ‘Mr Scottoiler’

Peter Lindén and Tony Rees made a great retro-pairing, after last riding together at the Oschersleben 24hrs some 20 years ago.! It was fantastic to meet up with Tony, Vicki and Damon after all this time, and it clicked like it was yesterday.

The pair qualified in an excellent fifth position (amongst the new ‘Evo’ class bikes which are intended to be formally introduced in 2023) with Peter Lindén declaring himself fit to start. Peter’s recovery from his double knee replacement has been truly remarkable, allowing him to run across the track at quite a reasonable pace.

The start of the dry warm race (Team Force in Pole) was unremarkable with Lindén handing over to Rees in 4th position after 45 minutes. By now, Roadrunner had retired with a broken cylinder stud and Taurus had dropped to last. Rees went well (his first classic endurance event), staying out of trouble and riding steadily before handing over to Lindén, still in 4th position after 90 mins. By half-race distance the team were lapping at second position pace and were gaining steadily on 3rd. However, at 2 hrs and 10 mins it was all over when Peter Lindén stopped with a broken 4th driven gear. A shame about the result, with the rostrum a real prospect, but an absolutely super race meeting.

Congratulations to Team Force on another fine win.

Thanks to all our sponsors, team and supporters – sorry we couldn’t repeat the Mettet result !

Next up, Navarra in early August quickly followed by Peter on home turf on the XR69s and TZ350s in Sweden.

Pictures courtesy of Alain vande Craen

At Paul Ricard, Peter Linden will be partnered by NZ superbike star Tony Rees. Tony last rode for the team at the Suzuka 8hrs in 1999, having previously raced at the Spa 24hrs and Oschersleben 24hrs with the Phase One. Since then, Tony has pursued a highly successful racing career in NZ, including twice winning the NZ superbike championship and relevantly, the Robert Holden Memorial event. Tony and wife Vicky are in Europe for three months to support their son Damon Rees, who is racing in the BSB series. To say that we are looking forward to racing with Tony again is an understatement.! Who could wish for a better pairing – the return of the Linden/Rees partnership. !

Phase One Endurance entered a team of Ant Hart and Peter Linden for the opening 4 hrs classic race of 2022 and came home with the winner’s laurels.! The Mettet story was one straight from the text book.

Ant Hart’s start was perfect (old tin knees Linden cannot run anymore), and he completed a 65 minute stint like an endurance expert. Peter’s opening one hour and 20 minute session was also gem.

By mid-race we were at a safe second position, one lap behind the leader (64, the Belgian OW31) and one lap ahead of number 1 (the Kawasaki ZXR750 of Pascal Ettel. There were 33 starters.

We pushed hard in the latter stages, out-pitting no 64 by 14 seconds on their final stop and pounced when they had engine problems. Phase One Endurance finished the race 3 laps ahead at the flag. A very big thank you to all our team members and sponsors for helping to achieve this first win of the year !

The Paul Ricard 4 hrs race is next on June 11th.