The elite Irish Team Back Racing/Specials Ireland had been selectively assembled by Austin Donohue, Specials Team Manager & Roger Maher. Roger who had previous experience in World Endurance raced alongside fellow Irish Road Racers Damien Mulleady, Hilton Hinks and in reserve John Walsh and a full back up support of 30 technicians, collectively know as the pit crew. Two Yamaha R1 1000cc bikes were specially built to World Super Bike Specifications, one been used for practice and the other been used for the gruelling race itself.



FIM Endurance World Championship Le Mans 24 Hour is one of the fastest, most thrilling courses in the world and is extremely competitive as during the course of the 24 hours the riders are tested in all areas and pushed to their limits reaching speeds of up to 310kph(185mph), with engine noise piercing the air as a constant reminder of the sheer power that they are fighting to control as the pit crew who operate under extreme pressure have to refuel and change tyres in under 7 seconds, this must be done at least 23 times in the course of the race.



The rules are simple, one bike from each of the 60 teams participating must complete the 4,180km/2,590 miles over 24 hours and of course it remains the title that every aspiring team dreams of winning.
With the diversity of track and weather conditions throughout the race, the back racing/specials team were subject to the ultimate test of overall ability and endurance for riders, bikes and pit crew.
To the astonishment of the Le Mans race organisers and fellow competing teams, The Back racing/Specials Ireland team qualified to start the race in 52nd position.
After hanging on for the entire 24 hours, they came 9th in there class and 33rd overall out of 76 that qualified to race.



This was an all time first in not only Irish racing history but Le Mans history also that a team who never raced the circuit before could get on so will in the finishing line up.