The number 13 is considered unlucky, but for Scotsman Roger Bennett it might be the number that could change his fortunes at this month's 35th Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix.
Bennett is known as the 'best rider not to have won Macau' but the 39-year-old veteran could finally nail the race that has eluded him as he competes in Macau for the 13th time - with a better racing machine.
'Though 13 is considered unlucky, I'm not that superstitious. I'm riding number eight, which has been very lucky for me at Macau, and I believe eight carries good feng shui,' said Bennett who will ride a factory-built Reve Red Bull Ducati, the same machine that John Reynolds raced to glory at this year's British Superbike Championship.
'I don't mind being labelled as the best rider not to have won Macau. In a way, it's a compliment, but I'd rather be 'the rider who has had the most attempts before he actually won'.'
Bennett also likes his chances this time around having finished second in Macau in 1996 and fourth in 1997. If he finally wins in Macau, it will also give him an ideal birthday present as he turns 40 two days before the race on November 17.
'Yes, I'm confident about my chances this time. The Ducati is a proven winning machine and the Reve team won the British Superbike Championship this year.
'I tested it at Oulton Park, a British Championship circuit, last Saturday, and found it really easy to ride - smooth power delivery, plenty of top speed, and very good handling through the turns and over the bumps - ideal for Macau. I am also very fit and injury free at the moment, despite approaching my 40th birthday, along with several other British Superbike riders.'
