BlarneyQuick Racing - News
March 1st, 2010.
Kieron takes a healthy
lead in the Prediction Competition. Click
here.
February 23rd, 2010
New prediction competition up-n-running.
Click here.
January 2nd, 2010
Happy New Year. Check the Trackdays section
for dates Roger Lyle's
Motorcycle Xcitement Track Days and Racing School.
December
18th, 2009
BlarneyQuick.com
filmed episode 3 and 4 of “Take it to the Track” on
December 17 (Wednesday) and interviewed Roger Lyle
from Motorcycle Xcitement. Rogers company runs
motorcycle Track Days at Summit Point Race Park and
New Jersey Motor sports park. Roger told
BlarneyQuick they are planning on holding 18 track
days between both race parks. For more information
contact MotorcycleXcitement.com.
We are all about taking our
sportbikes to the track. We already have a strong
connection with the Kevin Schwantz Superbike School
and now feel we have a new partner with common goals
in endorsing Roger Lyle’s Track Day organization.
BlarneyQuick’s “Take it to the Track” will be
filming at Summit Point at some of Motorcycle
Xcitement Track Days early in 2010. We are looking
forward to working with Roger and his crew.
December 11th, 2009
Kieron Journal 23
online, check the Journals tab.
December 10th, 2009.
BlarneyQuick Garage
Studio just finished filming the first two episodes
of "Take it to the Track". This is a brand new
Motorcycle Racing news TV Show. This has been
years in the making, so a big thanks to the
production crew. The first show will air
Christmas week, stay tuned for actual launch date.
Latest episode being filmed December 16th. For
pictures click
here or check the Media
tab.
December 10th, 2009.
BlarneyQuick are off
to the Kevin Schwantz School again in 2010.
The BlarneyQuick GSXR750 will be tearing up the
famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway in August 2010.
All Schwantz School dates can be found on the
Trackdays tab.
November 11th, 2009.
Sean wins the 2009
Prediction competition. Click
here for final table.
November 7th, 2009.
The last lap of 2009.
Click here.
October 27th, 2009.
Sean takes a healthy
lead in the Prediction Competition. Click
here.
October 19th, 2009.
Kieron Journal 21
online along with loads of new pictures in the Media
section. Pictures from KSS 2009, Indianapolis
MotoGP and a recent track day at Summit Point.
May 06, 2009.
Young Has Portion Of Finger Amputated, Will Try To Ride At Infineon
Raceway
By David Swarts, ©Copyright 2009,
Roadracing World Publishing, Inc
Click here.
May 02, 2009.
Updated: AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Race One At Barber Decided By 0.666
Second
©Copyright 2009, Roadracing World
Publishing, Inc
Click here.
March 14, 2009.
Spies (Yamaha) does Qatar double at Losail,
Laverty takes first ever win in Supersport
World Superbike has found a new King.
The America AMA Champion is proving how special his talents are. He
looks very comfortable on the all new Yamaha R1. What is so impressive
is Spies has never seen these tracks before and yet has taken the first
two Superpoles. I have a sneaky feeling Bayliss is glad he retired,
after seeing this young lions first two outings. It is a long season and
much can happen. The immediate players seem to be Haga and Biaggi, also
on new bikes. Biaggi looks very smooth on the all new Aprilla and Haga
looks lose on the Ducati. All I know is this the series for me.
Yamaha's WSBK rookie rider Ben Spies
took a spectacular double win in the second round of the Hannspree FIM
Superbike World Championship at the Losail circuit in Qatar. The 24
year-old Texan powered to his third win in the opening four races,
dominating both today's 18-lappers and twice finishing ahead of Noriyuki
Haga (Ducati) and Max Biaggi (Aprilla), who were classified second and
third to make up identical podiums.
Race 1
Poleman Spies made his attack six laps
from the end, and immediately pulled out a gap that allowed him to
administer his lead until the flag. There was a great scrap for the
runner-up slot between Haga and Biaggi, with the Japanese rider getting
the nod. For Aprilia it was their first podium since returning to WSBK,
and the Italian manufacturer's competitiveness was confirmed by fourth
place for Shinya Nakano. Fifth went to Carlos Checa (Hannspree Ten
Kate), the first Honda rider to the flag, who managed to hold off the
attacks of the determined British duo of Shane Byrne (Sterilgarda
Ducati) and Tom Sykes (Yamaha World Superbike). Troy Corser scored an
encouraging ninth place for BMW, while Kawasaki notched up their first
points in this year's championship with a 14th place for Broc Parkes.
Max Neukirchner (Suzuki Alstare) and Michel Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox) had
disappointing races, both riders crashing out.
Ben Spies (Yamaha World Superbike):
"It was an extremely tough race, I had an OK start and when I got to the
back of Nori and Max, we were all very strong on separate parts of the
track. I was lacking a little bit off the last corner and it was very
hard to make the pass, but once past, I put my head down and was able to
keep it clean for the win despite a couple of mistakes."
Noriyuki Haga (Ducati Xerox):
"It was quite hard at the end, I got a good start and after a few laps I
was able to pass Max on the straight. A few laps more and he passed me
again and it was difficult for me to catch up. I pushed on the last lap
and did it and was very happy with the result."
Max Biaggi (Aprilia Racing):
"I tried to keep up and have a good rhythm without losing concentration.
We have a new bike and every session we try to improve, but it's not
easy to win right away. These guys did a great job, I rode very hard and
today I was comfy, both front and rear, and looking good."
Results:
1. Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF R1 36'06.304 (160,93 kph); 2. Haga N. (JPN)
Ducati 1098R 1.893; 3. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 2.168; 4. Nakano S.
(JPN) Aprilia RSV4 12.061; 5. Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 12.597; 6.
Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 12.971; 7. Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1
13.570; 8. Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR 19.306; 9. Corser T. (AUS)
BMW S1000 RR 19.388; 10. Laconi R. (FRA) Ducati 1098R 20.981; 11. Haslam
L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 21.164; 12. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR
21.994; 13. Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 22.917; 14. Parkes B. (AUS)
Kawasaki ZX 10R 27.218; 15. Hill T. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 31.602
Race 2
Spies also went on to take the win in
race 2, confirming himself and his Yamaha to be the strongest
combination in this early part of the season. This time the Texan had a
different strategy, taking control in the early laps of the race and
then gradually pulling away. Behind there was another terrific scrap for
the runner-up slot between Haga and Biaggi, and once again second place
went to the Japanese rider, who holds on to his points lead in the
table. Ryuichi Kiyonari (Ten Kate Honda Racing) scored an excellent
fourth place, but was unable to get in amongst the podium battle. Fifth
place went to Sykes, while Neukirchner just got the edge over Nakano in
a photo-finish. BMW made a major leap forward with Corser running fifth
in the early stages, both the Australian and Xaus scoring top 10 points
finishes. Michel Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox) had a day to forget with a
second DNF finish in two races.
Ben Spies (Yamaha World Superbike):
"Nori set a really good pace the first few laps. We were lacking just a
little in acceleration and it was hard to race with him, but I put my
head down and closed up, kept the same rhythm and passed him. It was a
better race for me than the first one because I could concentrate on my
lines, but it's going to be hard making up points on him if he keeps
finishing second. It was a perfect weekend, they're not always going to
be like that but we'll take them when we can."
Noriyuki Haga (Ducati Xerox):
"I am really tired but happy for the result in race 2. When Ben passed
me, I tried to stay with him but he is very fast. In one second he was
going to 100 metres so I could not catch him! We made a good job, and I
am leading the championship. Today, for me, Ben is ten years younger
than me so that's why I lose!"
Max Biaggi (Aprilia Racing):
"It was a great race, we confirmed our potential and the feeling we have
on this track, which has always been good to me. I think the bike works
well, we still have to improve but we are very pleased with the result.
For sure we know these guys are a little bit quicker, they run hard and
deserve what they did, but I am confident to improve during the season
and get some good points."
Results:
1. Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF R1 36'02.126 (161,241 kph); 2. Haga N. (JPN)
Ducati 1098R 1.274; 3. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 1.622; 4. Kiyonari
R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR 1.845; 5. Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 5.117;
6. Neukirchner M. (GER) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 9.512; 7. Nakano S. (JPN)
Aprilia RSV4 9.514; 8. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 12.621; 9. Corser T.
(AUS) BMW S1000 RR 13.842; 10. Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 13.884; 11.
Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 13.888; 12. Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R
14.913; 13. Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 15.762; 14. Laconi R. (FRA)
Ducati 1098R 15.920; 15. Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 19.565
Points
(after 2 of 14 rounds): 1. Haga 85; 2. Spies 75; 3. Neukirchner 40; 4.
Biaggi 38; 5. Haslam 36; 6. Sykes 32; 7. Laconi 30; 8. Rea 30; 9. Nakano
27; 10. Kagayama 25. Manufacturers: 1. Ducati 85; 2. Yamaha 81; 3. Honda
51; 4. Aprilia 41; 5. Suzuki 40; 6. BMW 27; 7. Kawasaki 2.
FIM Supersport World Championship
The second round in Qatar saw the
crowning of a new talent in World Supersport. Thanks to a perfect
slipstreaming dash to the line, Eugene Laverty (Parkalgar Honda) scored
his first win in the category. The Irish rider held off the attacks from
reigning champion Andrew Pitt (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) to take the
win. Former points leader Kenan Sofuoglu (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) only
finished fourth after making a mistake at the final curve, which opened
the door for Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha World Supersport) to gain his first
WSS podium. Seven Hondas placed in the first ten positions, including
the Veidec Racing and Hannspree Althea machines of Robbin Harms and
Matthieu Lagrive in fifth and sixth. Garry McCoy took the ParkinGO
Triumph 675 to an encouraging seventh place, while Joan Lascorz could
only manage thirteenth with the Kawasaki. Massimo Roccoli (Intermoto
Czech Honda), Phillip Island podium finisher Anthony West (Stiggy
Racing) and Barry Veneman (Hoegee Suzuki) made up the top 10.
Results:
1. Laverty E. (IRL) Honda CBR600RR 37'06.285 (156,595 kph); 2. Pitt A.
(AUS) Honda CBR600RR 0.063; 3. Crutchlow C. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R6 0.625;
4. Sofuoglu K. (TUR) Honda CBR600RR 0.711; 5. Harms R. (DEN) Honda
CBR600RR 5.200; 6. Lagrive M. (FRA) Honda CBR600RR 5.233; 7. McCoy G.
(AUS) Triumph Daytona 675 9.538; 8. Roccoli M. (ITA) Honda CBR600RR
9.551
Points
(after 2 of 14 rounds): 1. Pitt 40; 2. Sofuoglu 38; 3. Laverty 36; 4.
Crutchlow 29; 5. West 23; 6. Lagrive 15; 7. Roccoli 15; 8. Harms 12.
Manufacturers: 1. Honda 50; 2. Yamaha 29; 3. Triumph 15; 4. Kawasaki 11;
5. Suzuki 9.
Haga (Ducati) and Spies (Yamaha) kick-start new
WSB careers with wins at Phillip Island
What a great Start to the World SBK 2009 season. Loads of fresh new
faces, two new manufacturers and a new Superpole Qualifying System. The
weather was cool and breezy at Phillip Island, but conditions remained
dry for some exciting racing. BlarneyQuick webmaster Sean de Fraine
picked Ben Spies to win the championship and I picked Noriyuki Haga. So
a pretty solid start from the pundits. The Supersport championship saw
the Hannspree Ten Kate Honda’s of Sofuoglu and Pitt finished one/two.
Noriyuki Haga (Ducati Xerox) took his
1098R to the win in his first race for the factory Ducati squad in the
opening round of the Hannspree FIM Superbike World Championship at
Phillip Island, Australia. The Japanese rider got the better of German
Max Neukirchner (Suzuki Alstare) on the final lap to score his 34th
win. The second race saw a sensational maiden triumph for WSB rookie Ben
Spies from Texas, who took his Yamaha R1 to the win over Haga. The
Australian Round of the championship was watched by a record 69,300
spectators, 6% up on last year's figure.
Race 1
The first race, declared ‘wet', was
held on a totally dry track, and all riders opted for slicks but a few
drops of rain did fall in the final stages. The potential of the K9
Suzuki GSX-R was confirmed with third place for Yukio Kagayama, who
finished ahead of Michel Fabrizio on the second Ducati Xerox machine.
Spies, who started from pole, ended up on the gravel at the second turn,
but returned to the track to finish just outside the points in
sixteenth. Max Biaggi, second on the grid with the brand-new Aprilia
RSV4 machine, finished in eleventh place. The other rookie manufacturer
BMW, also had a positive debut after Troy Corser recovered from the
fifth row to finish eighth, the Australian setting fastest lap of the
race.
Race 1 : 1. Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R
34'22.631 (170,677 kph); 2. Neukirchner M. (GER) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9
0.032; 3. Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 5.347; 4. Fabrizio M. (ITA)
Ducati 1098R 6.587; 5. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 8.491; 6. Haslam L.
(GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 8.523; 7. Laconi R. (FRA) Ducati 1098 RS 09 8.766;
8. Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 11.589; 9. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R
11.721; 10 Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 11.761; 11. Biaggi M. (ITA)
Aprilia RSV4 12.609; 12. Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 19.096; 13.
Rolfo R. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 24.149; 14. Hill T. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR
27.416; 15.Nakano S. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 28.173; 16. Spies B.(USA) Yamaha
YZF R1 28.235
Race 2
The second encounter was all about Haga vs Spies as the Yamaha rider unleashed the R1's potential. The duel went
on until a few laps from the end when the Texan pulled out a slight
advantage and powered to the flag. The runner-up slot put Haga, who
turns 34 tomorrow, into the lead of the championship on 45 points.
Britain's Leon Haslam (Stiggy Racing Honda) had a great race for the
final podium place, beating the two Ducatis of Règis Laconi (DFX) and Fabrizio
to the line. The group also included Biaggi, who ran third for much of
the race; on the final lap however the Italian slid off into the gravel,
recovering to finish fifteenth. However Aprilia, on their return to SBK
after six years, are already looking a competitive force.
Race 2 : 1. Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF
R1 34'20.457 (170,857 kph); 2. Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 1.286; 3.
Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 4.213; 4. Laconi R. (FRA) Ducati 1098 RS
09 4.490; 5. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 6.045; 6. Neukirchner M.
(GER) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 9.947; 7. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 10.174;
8. Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 12.100; 9. Rea J. (GBR) Honda
CBR1000RR 12.742; 10. Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 20.061; 11. Xaus R.
(ESP) BMW S1000 RR 24.854; 12. Nakano S. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 25.192; 13.
Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 27.162; 14. Hill T. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR
29.737; 15. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 30.036; 16. Rolfo R. (ITA)
Honda CBR1000RR 38.458
Points (after 1 round of 14): 1. Haga
(Ducati) 45; 2. Neukirchner (Suzuki) 30; 3. Haslam (Honda) 26; 4. Spies
(Yamaha) 25; 5. Kagayama (Suzuki) 24; 6. Fabrizio (Ducati) 24; 7. Laconi
(Ducati) 22; 8. Rea (Honda) 18; 9. Smrz (Ducati) 16; 10 Sykes (Yamaha)
12 etc. Manufacturers: 1. Ducati 45; 2. Yamaha 31; 3. Suzuki 30; 4.
Honda 27; 5. Bmw 13; 6. Aprilia 9.
FIM Supersport World Championship
Kenan Sofuoglu (Hannspree Ten Kate
Honda) won a superb opening World Supersport race in a three-way sprint
to the line. The Turk, 2007 champion in the category, took the flag
ahead of Australian riders Andrew Pitt (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) and
Anthony West (Stiggy Racing Honda). Honda, winners of the mid-range
Supersport category for the last seven years, begin the new season with
four CBR-RR machines in the top 4 places, with fourth going to Eugene
Laverty (Parkalgar Honda) of Ireland. For 24 year-old Sofuoglu, the win
is his eleventh in the series, while Honda celebrate their 63rd win out
of 117 Supersport races. The Yamahas, which looked good in qualifying,
finished fifth in the hands of Cal Crutchlow and seventh with Fabien
Foret, who raced with a partially dislocated right shoulder following
his crash on Saturday. Spain's Joan Lascorz made his debut for Kawasaki
with an encouraging seventh place. The new Triumph 675 also had a
positive start, with Gianluca Nannelli finishing tenth and Garry McCoy
fourteenth.
Results : 1. Sofuoglu K. (TUR) Honda
CBR600RR 33'42.156 (166,18 kph); 2. Pitt A. (AUS) Honda CBR600RR 0.060;
3. West A. (AUS) Honda CBR600RR 0.153; 4. Crutchlow C. (GBR)Yamaha YZF
R6 1.097; 5 Laverty E. (IRL) Honda CBR600RR 1.098; 6. Aitchison M.
(AUS) Honda CBR600RR 3.631; 7. Foret F. (FRA) Yamaha YZF R6 5.023; 8.
Lascorz J. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX-6R 9.540.
Points (after 1 round of 14): 1.
Sofuoglu (Honda) 25; 2. Pitt (Honda) 20; 3. West (Honda) 16; 4.
Crutchlow (Yamaha) 13; 5. Laverty (Honda) 11; 6. Aitchison (Honda) 10;
7. Foret (Yamaha) 9; 8. Lascorz (Kawasaki) 8.
We would welcome any comments and let
us know who your favourites are.
Martin Finnegan Trophy
" I am a member of
the Martin Finnegan supporters club. I know how much you held Martin in
your thoughts so I decided to send you this message. The club have
created a trophy in Martin's memory which will be presented for the
first time at the Isle of Man TT in 2009. It will go to the fastest man
to lap the TT mountain circuit during race week.
The trophy weight 3 stone and is a full replica of Martins famous flame
helmet cast in bronze. I attach some photos for you to see and other
information can be got from our website
www.finn45supportersclub.com.
I thank you for the kind words you printed about our hero on your site
and wish you all well in the future.
Regards
Colm. "
 
Vito Racing - BlarneyQuick KSSS friend Vito Candela returns to
racing. Click
here for Vito's story.
Pete St John - one of Ireland's greatest song writers is pictured
with Mrs Finnegan by her favourite photo of her son. The photo was taken
just before Martin Finnegan's tragic accident. Pete St john
presented the Finnegan family with a song to honour Martin. We at
BlarneyQuick would like to thank Pete for this gracious gesture and hope
that the memory of Martin will always be remembered in this song.
June 11, Sammy Miller TT Parade lap
Former trials master
and road racer goes in a wee bit deep on the Ducati Parade lap on the
Island last Friday...in true trials fashion - no feet down.
Click
here
for pictures.
June 8, Isle of Man TT updates
SUZUKI DOMINATE SUPERBIKE TT
Team Suzuki Press Office - June It was an all Suzuki podium in the TT
Superbike race on the Isle of Man with Aussie Cameron Donald taking
his first ever Mountain Circuit victory, his Relentless Suzuki team
mate Bruce Anstey following him home in second place and former TAS
Suzuki pilot Adrian Archibald in third - a clean sweep for the K8 TAS
Performance-prepared GSX-R1000s.
This also maintains TAS Racing's 100% record at the TT with every
rider on their books, since Norman Brown, making a trip to the top
step on Glencrutchery Road.
Guy Martin was the early race leader but Donald was relentless in his
pursuit of the Lincolnshire rider, taking over at the front on lap
four when Martin retired at Sulby. Both Relentless Suzuki riders
circulated together from as early as lap three and when they
eventually crossed the line at the end of six laps and 226 miles of
racing, they were only separated by 10 seconds at the head of the
field.
Donald also recorded his fastest ever lap around the 37.73-mile
Mountain Circuit on lap six with a time of 17 minutes 30.84 seconds at
129.256mph. In pursuit of Donald, Bruce Anstey also recorded a sub
18-minute lap with a speed of 129.207mph.
Cameron Donald:
"It just hasn't sunk in yet but it's great to have won my first TT -
all thanks must go to Philip, Hector and the whole Relentless Suzuki
team for the big effort. I'd also like to thank James Thompson from
Moto Direct who did a great job with my AGV helmets today. When John
McGuinness dropped out, I thought, 'there goes the first Fireblade -
this is my big chance.' I could see Bruce at the end of the straights
then I got to follow him out after the first pit stop. I sat behind
him then got past at Cronk Y Voddy. On my second stop the boys told me
I was leading and to keep it smooth. I kept getting P1 +10, P1 +10 so
I didn't need to drop the hammer. Bruce came back past at Ballygarey
on the last lap and really went for it but I hung in through Glen
Helen. He put his foot out to me just before the 11th Milestone to
come past and lift the pace. I was coming over the Mountain on the
last lap thinking, I wish my dad was here to see this, and I was also
thinking about big Martin Finnegan - I was tearing up in the helmet.
My Relentless Suzuki was superb today and the Pirelli tyres were
faultless - I'm just rapt."
It was a good day for Suzuki at the Isle of Man, as the GSX-R1000
swept the Dainese Superbike TT podium. The Australian-born Cameron
Donald was the Superbike victor, claiming his first career TT win.
Joining the TAS Suzuki rider on the box was teammate Bruce Anstey in
second, with Adrian Archibald finishing third. The two riders expected
to duel for the TT win, Honda's John McGuinness and Guy Martin, had to
settle for DNFs, retiring from the races due to mechanical issues.
Martin, who is still yet to score a TT victory in his career, got his
race started with a scorching 129.103 mph lap on his Hydrex Bike
Animal Honda. As for McGuinness, the 13-time TT winner only turned one
lap before his CBR1000RR pulled up lame. With his lead rival out of
contention, Martin but his head down and turned the fastest lap of the
race at 129.54 mph on Lap 2.
Everything was going good for the Englishman until Lap 4 of the 6-lap
contest, when he also pulled in with tech problems. A third
front-running contender, Yamaha's Ian Hutchison, also was forced in
with mechanical issues.
The dwindling field left things wide open for the TAS Suzukis, who
were both blistering fast with a pair of 129 mph laps on the day.
Anstey did his best to catch his Aussie teammate, but Donald would
have none of it and managed to keep teammate in second.
Anstey may have had to settle for second but feels confident for
Friday's Senior TT.
"I didn't have a great first lap, then when Cameron came past me I
knew it would be difficult to make any time back up," said Anstey.
"The bike worked well and I had no issues with the Pirelli tires -
everything worked superbly. I had a bit of a go on the last lap and I
could see where Cameron was strong, but to finish second in a one-two
for Relentless Suzuki in a Superbike TT is really good. I'm confident
of a good run in the Senior next Friday."
As for the third-place rider, Adrian Archibald, the AMA Racing Team
Suzuki rider managed to dice his way up from ninth to fourth by Lap 3
and held his position behind Anstey all the way to the end.
Robinson Concrete Honda's Gary Johnson ended up being the highest
finishing CBR in fourth. Meanwhile, easily marking his 100th career
120-mph TT lap, Ian Lougher was the fastest Yamaha in fifth, one
position ahead of Kawasaki's Ryan Farquhar.
Honda riders Keith Armor and Daniel Stewart took up the seventh- and
eighth-place positions. Suzuki's Carl Rennie was ninth, with AIM
Yamaha's Steve Plater rounding out the top 10.
In the second race of the day, Honda's Nick Crowe and Mark Cox took
the Sidecar TT win. The winning duo took the checkers over the
Suzuki-equipped John Holden and Andrew Wrinkle, with newcomers Tim
Reeves and Patrick Farrance surprising all by taking the final spot of
the rostrum.
Other Sidecar surprises, much like the Superbike TT, included who
didn't finish the race. One of the perennial sidecar favorites,
Dave Molyneux and Daniel Sail retired after stumbling off the start
line with mechanical problems. Also fighting with technical gremlins,
Klaus Klaffenbock and Christian Parzer gathered a DNF.
The TT schedule now takes a day off, with the Scottish Life
International TT Superstock Race taking place on June 2. The second
Superbike contest will run June 6 in the Dainese Senior TT Race, where
the front-runners will try and break the 130 mph mark.
Bruce Anstey:
"I didn't have a great first lap, then when Cameron came past me I
knew it would be difficult to make any time back up. The bike worked
well and I had no issues with the Pirelli tyres - everything worked
superbly. I had a bit of a go on the last lap and I could see where
Cameron was strong, but to finish second in a one-two for Relentless
Suzuki in a Superbike TT is really good. I'm confident of a good run
in the Senior next Friday."
Philip Neill - Team Principal:
"To have three TAS Performance-prepared bikes on the podium is a
phenomenal achievement for my father and myself, and more importantly
for every member of the team, from the lorry drivers to the engine
builders. I'd like to offer a big thank you to Suzuki and Relentless,
and of course our loyal sponsors, Putoline Oil, Beacon Security and
Pirelli. They've been with us for seven years and we have also added
the likes of Leo Vince from Italy who are over the moon with this
result. I'd also like to thank Johnny Towers from Moto Direct who has
kitted our riders out with the best safety equipment available in
Arlen Ness and AGV for this season.
"What can I say about Cameron? He continues to astound us with his
results and we must remember - he was not expected to win here this
week. He was unlucky not to pick up his first win at the North West
200, but to put his name on a famous TT trophy in only his second year
on a Superbike is astounding. He has stuck to the plan we set for him
over the winter and it has paid dividends.
"Bruce has recorded another phenomenal result and it's great to see
him back on a Superbike TT podium. He is one of the best riders around
at the TT and it would be nice to see him fulfill his ultimate
ambition of a Superbike win. I'm also very pleased to see Archie back
where he belongs as he's been part of the furniture at TAS since 2003.
He may be running his own team this year but we are as much behind him
as we ever were and everyone in the team is delighted for him."
2008 Dainese Superbike TT Results:
1 Cameron Donald (Suzuki) 01 47 05.89 126.826
2 Bruce Anstey (Suzuki) 01 47 16.66 126.614
3 Adrian Archibald (Suzuki) 01 48 37.97 125.034
4 Gary Johnson (Honda) 01 49 12.67 124.372
5 Ian Lougher (Yamaha) 01 49 31.38 124.018
6 Ryan Farquhar (Kawasaki) 01 49 35.70 123.936
7 Keith Amor (Honda) 01 50 34.50 122.838
8 Daniel Stewart (Honda) 01 50 35.73 122.815
9 Carl Rennie (Suzuki) 01 50 57.00 122.423
10 Steve Plater (Yamaha) 01 51 07.34 122.233
2008 Sure Mobile Sidecar TT Results:
1 Nick Crowe/Mark Cox (Honda) 59 22.80 114.372
2 John Holden/Andrew Winkle (Suzuki) 59 42.24 113.751
3 Tim Reeves/Patrick Farrance* (Suzuki) 01 01 07.84 111.096
4 Phil Dongworth/Stuart Castles (Honda) 01 01 10.68 111.011
5 Nigel Connole/Dipash Chauhan (Honda) 01 01 46.90 109.926
6 Douglas Wright/Stuart Bond (Honda) 01 01 50.57 109.817
7 Gary Bryan/Robert Bell (Yamaha) 01 02 36.68 108.469
8 Tony Elmer/Darren Marshall (Yamaha) 01 02 40.93 108.347
9 Roy Hanks/Dave Wells (Suzuki) 01 02 48.08 108.141
10 Greg Lambert/Sally Wilson (Honda) 01 02 54.60 107.954
SUPERSPORT TT
Flying Kiwi Bruce Anstey, who is
suffering with flu symptoms and was forced to retire from this morning
Superstock race, has taken this afternoon Junior Supersport race one
win in fine style leading on time and on the road - and broke Guy
Martin's lap record putting in a 125.372mph on his second circuit.
Relative rookie Steve Plater had a
storming last lap to take second place away from John McGuinness whose
steering damper broke early on and he struggled to make the bike turn
and keep a line.
Plater made most of his time up over
the Mountain section, taking third from Keith Amor between the
Grandstand and Glen Helen on lap four. He then set about chasing down
McGuinness and went into second at the Bungalow and held it to the
line, putting in a 124mph lap in the process.
Anstey, who has given Relentless
Suzuki its third win from three starts, said: "I wasn't even going to
go out on the 600 after this morning, but I was given the fast bike so
I had to. I just went out, got my head down and really enjoyed
myself."
His win means the southern hemisphere
has taken all three wins so far this year.
Guy Martin had his second mechanical
fault of this year's festival, breaking down at the Highlander on lap
one. Conor Cummins broke down at Windy Corner.
ANSTEY DISQUALIFIED !
Less than 3 hours after finishing what
he thought was in an excellent second place, Lincolnshire's Steve
Plater was awarded the win in the first Relentless Supersport race
after original race winner Bruce Anstey was sensationally
disqualified from the race results. Anstey had dominated proceedings
on his Relentless by TAS Suzuki to 'win' by over 20 seconds but the
exhaust cam measurement was found to be illegal to that what was
homologated and, in scenes reminiscent of 2006 when Ian Hutchinson
was excluded from the runners up spot, the Kiwi was taken off the
results sheet and the win awarded to Plater.
Thus, the AIM Racing Yamaha rider, the
best newcomer of 2007, took a fairytale first ever TT win by 3.39
seconds with John McGuinness and Keith Amor giving Honda second and
third spot on the podium.
With the morning mist having
cleared, conditions were perfect for racing but there was drama
almost as soon as the race had begun with Guy Martin again out of
luck, the Hydrex Bike Animal Honda rider reported as having pulled
in at the Highlander. This mattered little to Anstey though and at
Glen Helen he was 1.7seconds to the good with Ian Hutchinson going
well in second ahead of McGuinness, Ryan Farquhar, Amor and Ian
Lougher. Morning race winner Cameron Donald was down the order in 12th
but Anstey was charging ahead and he ended the lap a stunning 12
seconds clear. A flying Amor relegated McGuinness to third with
Farquhar, Hutchinson and Lougher filling the top six places.
Anstey was in a class of his own at
the front of the field and it showed on the 2nd lap as he
broke Martin's year old lap record with a speed of 125.372mph to
extend his lead even further. Ahead of McGuinness on the road, the
38-year old had the race sewn up and he duly completed the 4 laps
for what he though was his 7th TT win. All eyes
subsequently fell on the battle for second with Amor and McGuinness
exchanging places on a number of occasions before the 13-times
winner edged ahead.
However, the Morecambe man was
suffering from a broken steering damper and no sooner had he seen
off the challenge of Amor, then he had to keep an eye on Plater.
With oil on his visor and screen, McGuinness was almost powerless to
respond and Plater, seventh on the first lap, turned a 10 second
deficit into a 3.39 second advantage at the chequered flag. Teammate
Hutchinson's bad luck continued with a 2nd lap retirement
whilst there was also disappointment once more for Conor Cummins who
retired at Windy Corner on the third lap whilst in seventh.
Plater was delighted with second
but this later became a win at just his second attempt at the TT and
everyone else was shuffled up the order as a consequence of Anstey's
dramatic exclusion. Scotland's Amor dropped back on the final lap
for fourth but this became third for his first ever podium although
events meant he didn't get the opportunity to take his place on the
rostrum. Ryan Farquhar and Ian Lougher weren't too far behind in
fourth and fifth whilst Gary Johnson had another strong ride into 6th
ahead of Mark Parrett, Mats Nilsson, a somewhat lowly Donald,
Michael Dunlop, Chris Palmer and Adrian Archibald.
James Hillier and Jamie Robinson
had great debuts finishing 19th and 20th
respectively, both lapping above 118mph, whilst fellow newcomer
Alessio Corradi also rode well into 37th.
Roger Maher was reported as OK
after an incident at Governors Bridge.
May 20, NW200 results
An emotional Michael Dunlop claimed victory in
the 250 race in Saturday's North West 200, just two days after the death
of his father Robert. "I had to do it for him - I hope my dad's proud of
me," said Michael, who secured his first North West success.
Steve Plater claimed a treble (feature race and both Supersport 600s)
while Michael Rutter took a Superbike win.
Alastair Seeley (Superstock), Michael Wilcox (125) and Oliver Linsdell
(400) also enjoyed victories.
Michael Dunlop edged out Christain Elkin and John McGuinness after
making a late decision to race. His brother William failed to make the
grid for the same race because of mechanical problems with his bike.
Plater clinched the NW 200 feature race victory for the third straight
year after a superb overtaking move on the last lap saw him finish ahead
of Cameron Donald and Rutter. Guy Martin was comfortable in the lead
before being forced out in the third lap. English rider Rutter went from
third to first in a blistering move on the final lap to secure his 12th
North West victory ahead of Martin and McGuinness earlier in the day.
"I got in the slipstream, put my head down and went for it," said
Rutter. "It's just awesome, fanstastic. To win it meant a lot to me and
it was a great race."
Lougher clocked a new fastest lap of 118.416 mph in the first Supersport
600 race before Plater went better with 119.197 in the final lap -
Seeley was second with Lougher third.
Plater, from England, completed his hat-trick with a second Supersport
600 win from Seeley in second and Lougher again in third. "Everyone has
done a fantastic job and I'm already looking forward to next year," said
a delighted Plater.
Wilcox, after four runner-up finishes at the North West, finally secured
a win from Chris Palmer in second while James Ford came in third.
Northern Ireland competitor Seeley came through on the final corner to
pip Bruce Anstey and Cameron Donald in the Superstock class while Martin
ran a new fastest lap of 121:949.
Robert Dunlop's funeral will be held on Sunday.
North West 200 results:
250
1. Michael Dunlop (Honda) 109.516 mph (average lap speed)
2. Christian Elkin (Honda) 109.420
3. John McGuinness (Honda) 109.352
4. Paul Robinson (Honda) 107.437
5. Andrew Neill (Honda) 107.274
Superbike (1)
1. Michael Rutter (Ducati) 122.609
2. Guy Martin (Honda) 122.534
3. John McGuinness (Honda) 122.520
4. Steve Plater (Yamaha) 122.498
5. Gary Johnson (Honda) 121.658
Supersport 600 (1)
1. Steve Plater (Yamaha) 117.723
2. Alastair Seeley (Yamaha) 117.466
3. Ian Lougher (Yamaha) 117.402
4. Ian Hutchinson (Yamaha) 117.364
5. Ryan Farquhar (Kawasaki) 117.340
125
1. Michael Wilcox (Honda) 101.225
2. Chris Palmer (Honda) 101.211
3. James Ford (Honda) 100.473
4. Mark Lunney (Honda) 100.236
5. Marl Curtain (Honda) 100.192
400
1. Oliver Linsdell (Yamaha) 103.803
2. Paul Dobbs (Yamaha) 101.791
3. Les Shand (Kawasaki) 101.733
4. Joe Phillips (Kawasaki) 101.720
5. John Barton (Kawasaki) 101.633
Superstock
1. Alastair Seeley (Yamaha) 121.072
2. Bruce Anstey (Suzuki) 121.023
3. Cameron Donald (Suzuki) 121.003
4. Guy Martin (Honda) 120.953
5. Keith Amor (Honda) 120.941
NW 200 Superbike (2)
1. Steve Plater (Yamaha) 122.475
2. Cameron Donald (Suzuki) 122.429
3. Michael Rutter (Ducati) 122.371
4. Bruce Anstey (Suzuki) 122.355
5. John McGuinness (Honda) 122.338
Supersport 600 (2)
1. Steve Plater (Yamaha) 118.188
2. Alastair Seeley (Yamaha) 118.176
3. Ian Lougher (Yamaha) 118.018
4. Steve Brogan (Honda) 117.718
5. Keith Amor (Honda) 117.709
May 17, 2008
Racing news
BlarneyQuick Racing passes on our best wishes to Robert Dunlop's
family and friends following his tragic death in practice for this years
NW200. Robert will be sadly missed, rest in peace. Click
here
for RTE Sports tribute.
May 7, 2008
Racing news
BlarneyQuick Racing is sad to report the tragic death of Martin Finnegan
one of Ireland’s greatest motorcycle racers. Martin was competing in the
Tandragee 100 in Northern Ireland on May 3 when he lost control of his
JMF Millsport 600 Supersport Yamaha. Martin had just won the Open Race
earlier in the day and was looking forward to the Supersport race.
Fellow competitor Ryan Farquhar reported that he noticed oil present on
Martin’s back tire during the race. The accident also caused injury to
three spectators, one, a women sustained a head injury, but not life
threatening. It is believed they will all make a complete recovery.
As the founder of BlarneyQuick Racing, a U.S.A. company that has strong
connections to Ireland, we of course were huge fans of Irish Road racing
and the Isle of Mann TT. I was introduced to Martin thru Myles Lalley,
who was friends with Eamon Carr. Eamon Carr is good friends with my
father Pete St John, and one day while they were talking; my dad
mentioned something about my new motorcycle web site to Eamon. Eamon
then told Pete about Myles and the next day I was talking to Martin on
his cell phone in Spain while he was testing his new bikes out for the
season. I hope that story of how we hooked up wasn’t too complicated. I
was lucky to be well connected and when I mentioned to Myles that we
were looking to sponsor an Irish rider he didn’t hesitate one second
before he brought up Martin’s name. He called Martin and as I said we
started talking in the next couple of days. Martin was a great guy to
talk to on the phone and he agreed to give me updates for our site on
his racing results. We were trying to come to agreement on financial
sponsorship for later in the season and possibly bring him here in the
future, for a few races in the States. He mentioned to me that he would
love to race at Daytona and a few other tracks, especially in the
Supersport class. We were just starting to form a relationship and get
things going. Martin touched a lot of people in the motorcycling world
and will not easily be forgotten. He handled a race motorcycle with
grace and thrilled spectators with his riding style. We have never seen
a rider wheelie a bike higher, jump further or brake harder than Martin
Finnegan – he was a true master of the roads.
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Pete St John with Martin's bike.
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Pete with Martin's Mother & Father
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My dad Pete St John represented BlarneyQuick at the funeral and spent
time with Martin’s family at the viewing, which was held at his parents’
house in Lusk, which is located in north Dublin. My father is a very
famous writer in Ireland and well know for writing such classic songs as
“ Fields of Athenry ”was very moved by the out pouring of support from
the Motorcycle world and his home town of Lusk. Although Pete was
recognized by many in attendance, he wanted everyone to know he was
there as a fan and to pay his respects to the family. I have seen many
video’s today of Martin’s final trip to his parents house. The hurse was
followed by over 1500 motorcycles from all over the world. The streets
were closed off in Lusk as thousands lined the paths to watch the
procession drive by. My father said he had never seen so many people
emotionally distraught, this was a great loss of a national hero – and
Martin was a hero. He was a great husband and father and just looking
forward to his new found success with his new team . Our condolences go
out to his entire family and friends. Number #45 will always be
remembered.
Jim Finnegans
Closing tribute from Martin's Funeral today.
"My Mother used to say "that what you give away comes
back to you on the treble", well what Martin gave in terms of the
respect he commanded and doing us proud has come back to us a
thousand fold over the last few days.
Today is a very special, but very tragic day, for me
Martin's Da and his Mother Margaret, and all our family, but
especially his darling wife Brenda and precious daughter Rachel.
Today he has brought the village of Lusk to a
standstill, - not his usual style or habit to hold up traffic.
Martin was born in October '79, and as the youngest
of 2 girls and 5 lads he was of course spoiled, - a point he always
denied!. He had to fight his corner to make his mark, and some
would say - "what's in the cat is in the kitten", I was the youngest
of 11! Martin became competitive at a very early age.
As a youngster he played football for Round Towers,
was part of 153rd Lusk troupe, went to Judo with Jack
Dennis another Lusk world champion, and went swimming every Thurs
night. He was a creature of habit always in bed before 10 and up
at dawn, much to the annoyance of Brenda who hasn't had a decent
lie-on since they met!
Biking was to become a passion when he got his first
bike at seven, - a YZ80 to ride on grass from a friend Fran
McGuinness. From this through his involvement with his
brother-in-law Alan Sweetman, he progressed to Moto-X where he honed
his competitive skills achieving success in winning championships.
Now enter Tony Carton – who became Martin's mentor, supporter,
sponsor, boss and a best friend.
Our first knowledge of Martin's road racing intention
was when his Ma accidentally found his Mondello lap times and
licence in a jeans pocket.
His first road race was at Killalane, from then on,
supported by his family, friends and sponsors, he continued with
local national and international events. Every week-end of the
racing season was always a mad panic to get the bikes together, to
load the truck with a weeks grocery shopping,, and head off to the
four corners of the country. Our house for a couple of hours every
week became a "call-centre" as arrangements were made for the
week-end's racing. Inevitably, the old reliables, Uncle Pat & co,
were on hand to pack up. During this time Margaret & I really
should have invested in Eircom shares!
As Martin progressed and was getting more experienced
at road racing, he convinced me, (after he knocked down the old one)
that we needed a bigger garage – We obliged, but it ended up being
just more space for Martin to leave his tools lying about. He could
build and re-build an engine with no bits out of place and none left
over, but he could never manage to get all the tools back into the
box they came out of, much to the annoyance of his brothers and me!
Martin's lorry was always a place where you were
guaranteed a welcome and the craic was always good, friendly banter
was the order of the day. Round Tower Racing became synonymous with
the number 45; Martin Finnegan; Ger; family; and friends. It was a
team where hospitality was in abundance, and the kettle was always
on. However, if Martin was content to have his dinner as a
milk-shake from a drinks bottle, the rest of the crew were not –
real food was their thing – one glance at the lads would verify
this!
It was appropriate that Martin's number be 45 - four
and five – because as a youngster he would not count past the number
5. He had a number book were he would count to 5, but refused to
count the 6 dolls on page 6. He hated anything to do with girls
then, a trait which was to quickly disappear.
Other traits like perfection, diligence, loyalty,
confidence and competitevness developed, he was only ever satisfied
when he was challenged and had completed a task to perfection. He
could turn his hand to anything except gardening – this job he
always delegated – usually to me!
Martin trained in CIE and spent many years under JCBs
in Tony Cartons, and more recently he enjoyed success with his
partner when they opened Xtreme45. He was a genius when it came to
learning new skills and in the last few weeks did a lot of work for
his brother.
They say you are only as great as your friends – that
said, then Martin was fantastic, he has a number of terrific,
close, best friends, salt of the earth lads, who he treasured dearly
and whose company he always enjoyed but even with these he had to
win whether it was squash, cycling or even just jogging at a
training session!
Martin was the baby in our house and always got what
he wanted, and so entered Brenda and their beautiful daughter
Rachel. Martin was the super Dad, he took to changing nappies,
baby-sitting and domestic life with no bother – though it did help
that he lived in a cul-de-sac full of other Finnegans!
Martin was always very proud of and loved Lusk and
the Round Tower, but he loved the Isle of Man – the mountains, the
long stretches and of course the challenge to set goals and targets
and to achieve success. He even named his house "Rhencullen".
Even though many of you here today know Martin the
number 45 racer, most of us know him as plain old – "Marty" – while
you may think he's near perfect and got no bad habits Brenda would
confirm he had a few. He always set goals and aims and many he
achieved, though he rarely got a proper aim at the wash basket!
Over the last few days we've heard many stories of
Martin's antics, some we had heard before and some are new to us,
but whatever memories we have, and you have, they are yours and
ours, to keep forever.
We can't stress enough how grateful we are to the
Supporters Club for the terrific tribute they have paid to Martin in
organising so many bikes to bring him home and today for organising
the guard of honour. This means so much to us.
Brenda, Rachel and all of us Finnegans would like to
thank everyone associated with today, Fr. Joe Mullan PP, Monsg. Dan
O'Connor, Cannon Fitzgibbon, and Martins cousin Fr. Gerard, everyone
in the parish of Lusk, the Community, the ICA, the Round Towers GAA,
The Scouts, Masterphoto, our neighbours, our countless friends, the
Supporters Club, Round Tower Racing, the Fans, the Competitors, the
Photographers, the Marshals, the Medical Crews and all those
associated with the Tandragee 100. the PSNI, the Gardai and all
who've travelled the length and breath of the country to be with us
– THANK YOU.
They say that children are the product of their
parents and that is true – little Rachel will always know how
special she was to Martin and how proud he was of her Mother –
Brenda his beautiful wife. His last words to his girls were – "I
LOVE YOU SO MUCH" –
MARTY WE LOVE YOU TOO – RIDE ON
."
Finnegan death stuns motorcycling
Tributes have been paid
to motorcyclist Martin Finnegan after the Dublin rider's death in a
crash at the Tandragee 100 event on Saturday.
The rider's manager Barry Symmons spoke
of his shock at the tragedy.
"He was a really nice guy who was
well-respected by his peers and someone with a true talent for road
racing," said Mr Symmons.
The rider's wife Brenda and his father
were present at Saturday's meeting organised by the North Armagh Club.
"This year he was really looking
forward to being on top and riding winning bikes," added Mr Symmons.
"He was was doing what he loved and he
was doing it very well.
"He rode the MV (Agusta) for us last
year and at some considerable personal cost (as well).
"It is tragic that this has happened."
Before the accident, Finnegan had
claimed an impressive win in the open race at Tandragee.
"That was his first win on a Yamaha for
quite a long time. He was really on top of things and looking forward to
the rest of the day," recalled Symmons.
Finnegan's fellow-competitor Ryan
Farquhar said after the accident that oil had been coming out of the
Dubliner's bike.
"His back tyre was covered in oil,"
added Farquhar.
The Motorcycle Union of Ireland
chairman Alan Drysdale described Finnegan as "one of the star riders of
recent years".
"It is a tragedy that this has
happened," added the MCUI official.
"It is impossible to make it (the
sport) totally safe.
"A lot of effort went in from the North
Armagh Club.
"The incident that Martin had will be
investigated to see if any lessons can be learned."
Another rider, John Donnan, was killed
in last year's Tandragee event but Drysdale said that it was "too early"
to say if the future of the meeting could now be in doubt.
Former competitor Phillip McCallen said
he knew Finnegan very well and added that "he was really looking forward
to this season".
"I spoke to him a week ago and this
season, for the first time in a few years, he felt he had really
competitive machinery.
"The Tandragee course is near to my
home and I know the club have worked hard to make the circuit as safe as
possible.
"Maybe they need to limit the capacity
to 600cc for the public roads, but we are still seeing a record number
of newcomers taking up the sport and it is still popular with the
public.
"Martin's passing is a terrible,
terrible loss to the sport and it is a dangerous sport, there is no
getting away from that."
In Saturday's accident, three
spectators were also injured, two males and one female.
The woman was taken to hospital with
head injuries but none of the injuries suffered by the spectators are
thought to be life-threatening. The meeting was abandoned after the
accident.
Married father-of-one Finnegan was
competing this year for the JMF Millsport Yamaha team.
All at BlarneyQuick pass their
condolences and best wishes to Martin's family, friends and colleagues.
Kieron had spoken to Martin only days ago as part of BlarneyQuick's
sponsorship with Martyn. He will be sadly missed by all.
Cookstown 100
Ryan Farquhar won the feature race and
the Open event at Saturday's Cookstown 100 road race to be man of the
meeting.
Farquhar edged the main race by 0.9 seconds from Martin Finnegan with
third placed Keith Amor setting a lap record.
The top three order was the same in the Open race but Amor won the
600cc event from Farquhar and Finnegan.
Michael Dunlop won the 250cc race ahead of Darren Burns and Adrian
McFarland and Robert Dunlop took the 125cc class from son Michael and
Nigel Moore.
Gary Johnson and William Dunlop were fourth and fifth in the day's
main race with Johnson also fourth in the Open race after leading in
the early stages.
Adrian Archibald, who had set the fastest time in practice, crashed
out unhurt in the Open class.
Michael Dunlop and Johnson occupied fourth and fifth in the Supersport
600 and Curtin was fourth in the 125cc. Robert Dunlop won that race on
corrected time after coming through from the second group of riders
following mechanical problems in practice. Robert secured his second
victory of the day later on by winning the 250 'B' event on his return
to that class.
Michael Dunlop set a new lap record for the Orritor circuit in winning
the 250cc category.
A rider was taken to hospital with serious leg injuries and a
spectator with a leg injury after an incident in a Support race.
Amor sets Cookstown alight with
performance on a 600 !
Falkirk's Keith Amor set the Cookstown 100 road races alight on
Saturday with some scintillating performances on his 600cc Wilson
Craig Honda around the 2.1-mile Orritor circuit.
Race day saw ideal conditions for the traditional curtain raiser to
the Irish road race season and despite only having the use of his
600cc Honda, Amor opened his account with 3rd place in the Open 1000cc
race. When the Supersport 600cc race came to the line though, it was a
different matter and the Scotsman put in a brilliant performance to
not only lead the race from start to finish but also to better the old
class lap record by over 2 seconds. Even more remarkably, he also
bettered the outright lap record for the circuit, going quicker than
the times set by the Superbike machine of Cameron Donald in 2007.
Keith took the chequered flag at the end of the ten laps to win by a
comfortable 3.848seconds and he came to the line for the feature
Cookstown 100 Open race in confident mood. Fifth at the end of the
opening lap, he soon began to move forward and by half race distance
he was up to third and just a few tenths behind Ryan Farquhar and
Martin Finnegan. Try as he might though, the Superbikes continued to
hold sway with the extra speed along the straights proving crucial and
Keith crossed the line in 3rd place, albeit just 2.34seconds adrift.
However, a lap of 1m24.927s on the 8th lap meant he did have the
consolation of leaving with the outright lap record
Speaking after his day's work, Keith commented:
'It's been a good day and to win the 600cc race and take the outright
lap record is obviously a great way to start the road race season. I'm
really happy with the times I was doing on the 600cc bike but I can't
help feel a little bit frustrated as I'm sure that if I'd have been on
the Superbike it would have been a different story in the Open races.
We tested it a couple of days prior to the race but it developed a
problem and we had to make do with the smaller bike.'
'The boys have done a great job with the 600 though and with some new
tyres from Dunlop, that were simply awesome, I was able to be right at
the sharp end. The 600cc race went perfectly and once I settled into
my rhythm and relaxed, I was able to pull away steadily. I was getting
unbelievable grip all day and it was only on straight line speed where
Ryan and Martin had an advantage in the Superbike races but I'm happy
enough with a win and two third places. Hopefully, the Superbike will
be ready for next week and we'll be even stronger.'
Keith's next outing will be at the Tandragee 100 road races which take
place on Saturday May 3rd.
Robert Dunlop
BALLYMONEY road race veteran Robert
Dunlop has lost none of his desire for success as he prepares to
embark on his 29th season between the hedges.
It's been almost 30 years since the Co Antrim rider made his debut on
the roads at the now defunct Temple 100 in 1979, but the wily Dunlop –
who holds the record for the most victories at the North West 200 with
15 wins – reveals he still has a burning passion to succeed in the
sport that almost cost him his life 14 years ago.
As a result of the serious injuries he sustained following his freak
accident exiting Ballaugh village on the Medd Honda RC45 at the Isle
of Man TT in 1994, Robert has been largely confined to the 125cc
class.
However, with the passage of time he feels he is now strong enough to
ride a larger 250 two-stroke machine competitively and plans to take
advantage of next Saturday's Cookstown 100 to familiarise himself with
Roy Hanna's 250cc Honda ahead of the Kennedy International North West
200 on May 17.
"I think I'm strong enough to handle a 250 again and Roy (Hanna)
always provides good machines," he told the News Letter.
"The organisers at the North West made a good decision to bring the
250 race back on its own and it was too good an opportunity to pass
up."
Robert's last victory at the Triangle race meeting on the north coast
was achieved in dramatic style when he overhauled Michael Wilcox at
the final chicane to the delight of the ecstatic home fans.
"Prior to 2006, my boys had started racing and to be the best, you've
got to be mentally very strong, very committed and passionate.
"When they began racing I was worried about them and I was trying to
help them with their careers while I was still racing myself but I was
almost racing on a part-time basis and I wasn't devoting all my
attention to my own career. I'm a perfectionist and I like things to
be absolutely right and this is even reflected in my riding style," he
added.
"I make sure everything is tucked in on the straights at the North
West 200 and I think in detail about every move I make, right down to
the timing of my gear changes, to make sure that I get every ounce of
speed out of the
bike on the straights.
To a degree, I lost some of that attention to detail and perfection
when my boys started racing. I was paying more attention to what they
were doing and I was neglecting my own racing.
"At the time I didn't realise that I wasn't putting the same amount
effort into my own career that I should have been. In 2006, I was
selfish because I wanted to win another North West and it paid off."
Robert's single-mindedness has formed the basis of his outstanding
success in the past and as another season dawns, the 'Mighty Micro' is
as determined as ever and has no immediate plans to hang up his
leathers for good.
"I'm not getting any younger and the clock doesn't stop for nobody, I
know that, but I've still got the hunger and the desire to win and the
North West and Isle of Man TT are top of my agenda again this year.
I'm not ready to throw the towel in just yet."
Star Studded Line up for this years Isle Of Man TT in June
Star-studded line up promises
scintillating racing at the 2008 TT, which is now fewer than six weeks
away.
All of the leading names from the Centenary TT return, and will be
joined by exciting newcomers and a host of world class teams.
There are World, European, British, Irish and American champions in
both the solo and sidecar classes and the strength in depth is, quite
simply, superb.
There are eight former solo winners with 39 TT wins between them. A
staggering 38 riders from the entry have already lapped at more than
120mph.
Heading the list once again is the current 'King of the Mountain' John
McGuinness and, for the third year in a row, the 13-times TT winner
and current outright lap record holder, will carry the number 3 plate
in all five of his races.
The Padgett's Manx Gas Honda man will certainly be the one the rest of
the field have to beat.
However, the top dozen is packed with potential race winners and,
arguably, the greatest challenge will come from Guy Martin, who will
start at number 1 for 2008.
The Hydrex Bike Animal Honda rider came couldn't have been closer to
his maiden victory last year, and many have tipped him for at least
one victory this year.
Manx hero Conor Cummins will start 10 seconds behind him at number
two. Cameron Donald at number six and Ian Hutchinson, who scored his
maiden TT victory in 2007, at number eight are also fancied for podium
finishes.
Centenary Superstock winner Bruce Anstey will again have the number
five on the front of his Relentless by TAS Suzuki and when you add
Martin Finnegan at four, Adrian Archibald at seven, Ian Lougher at
nine and Ryan Farquhar at 11 to the equation, it's a mouth watering
prospect.
Lougher will be going for his 100th lap over 120mph as he's currently
recorded 97.
Meanwhile, two of the sensational newcomers from 2007, Steve Plater
and Keith Amor, will start at numbers 10 and 12, with the Scotsman
slotting in at number four for the Relentless Supersport races, having
set the fifth fastest time ever in the 600cc class 12 months ago.
Farquhar also moves in to the top 10 for the middleweight class, with
Finnegan and Archibald dropping down the order slightly.
Other rider of note in the Dainese Superbike and Scottish Life
International Superstock events include James McBride, Gary Johnson,
Rob Frost, Jimmy Moore, Carl Rennie, Ian Armstrong, Dan Stewart, Ian
Pattinson, Paul Hunt, Gary Carswell, Mark Parrett, Davy Morgan, Mark
Miller, Les Shand, Chris Palmer, Mark Buckley and William Dunlop.
Encouragingly, 10 of last year's newcomers are back for more, and
three will start inside the top 20 in 2008.
A number of riders also move up from the Manx Grand Prix, including
Swede Mats Nilsson, double race winner Olie Linsdell, Michael Charnock
and Stephen McKnight.
Also on the newcomer front, Jamie Robinson slots in to number 33 for
the two Supersport races, with James Hillier at 68 and Alessio Corradi
at 75, although the latter two drop down the order slightly for the
1000cc events.
It's a similar picture for the Sure Mobile Sidecar Races, with three
former winners on the grid sharing 17 TT wins between them. The races
will arguably be the best three-wheeled events in the world, with two
World Champions, including the current title holder, on the grid.
The 110mph barrier has already been broken by 10 drivers, and there
are many others hot on their heels back for another attempt.
Like its solo counterpart, the sidecar top 10 again sees a formidable
array of talent, with the top three crews of last year occupying the
first three slots on the entry – Dave Molyneux at one, Nick Crowe at
two and John Holden at three.
Former World Champion Klaus Klaffenböck is one spot further back, with
regular podium man Steve Norbury dropping down slightly to number
five. The top 10 is completed by regular stars, and 110mph+ men, Simon
Neary, Nigel Connole, Andy Laidlow and Conrad Harrison.
Dougie Wright is rewarded for his sensational debut 12 months ago with
the number 19 plate and German GP ace Mike Roscher also returns and
will start at number 35.
Nowhere is the rider recruitment programme more evident than in the
sidecar class, and the two races will see the eagerly anticipated
debut of triple World Sidecar Champion Tim Reeves.
The 35-year-old clinched his first world title in 2005, going on to
take the crown three years in succession and is, without doubt, the
undisputed number one in the sport. His preparations have been first
class and he could really spring a surprise from his starting number
of 17.
Meanwhile, the re-introduced Isle of Man Steam Packet Company
Lightweight and Ultra Lightweight classes have attracted full grids.
The Lightweight TT has a superb line up, with current stars Guy
Martin, Ian Lougher, Ryan Farquhar and Chris Palmer leading the way.
Three of the Dunlop clan – William, Michael and Samuel – will also be
in action.
Barry Davidson, a winner at the 2006 MGP, is joined by a number of his
countrymen including Davy Morgan, Darren Burns, John Burrows and
Andrew Neill. Other names to look out for include Roy Richardson, Paul
Owen, Paul Shoesmith, David O'Leary, Phil Harvey, Daniel Sayle and
Tony Cawte.
It's a similar story in the Ultra Lightweight class, where Lougher,
Palmer and the Dunlops lead the way, plus there's the notable
inclusion of Robert Dunlop to spice things up.
Leading British Championship rider James Ford, who has started the
short circuit season in superb fashion, makes his TT debut, as does
female star Jenny Tinmouth, and Jon Vincent returns to the Island for
the first time since 2004.
Northern Ireland again has a strong presence with Burns, Davidson,
Neill and Nigel Moore set to star and there is further strength in
depth from Sayle, Owen, Knight, Cawte, Pete Wakefield, Chris McGahan
and Ellie Forrest. There are also entries from former leading MGP
riders Mick Charnock and Kieran Hankin, making their 125cc debuts at
Billown.
Commenting on the line up for the 2008 TT Races, Tourism and Leisure
Minister Adrian Earnshaw said:
'The racing at the TT is clearly on the up-stroke at present, and
every year the entry seems to get stronger and stronger and it is
encouraging to see so many of the star names returning.'
'Fans can look forward to an amazing sporting spectacle at the TT in
2008 with more racing and more star riders taking part than
ever.'Latest TT News
Superbike Top 12 starters at 10 sec
intervals
1 Guy Martin
2 Conor Cummins
3 John McGuinness
4 Martin Finnegan
5 Bruce Anstey
6 Cameron Donald
7 Adrian Archibald
8 Ian Hutchinson
9 Ian Lougher
10 Steve Plater
11 Ryan Farquhar
12 Keith Amor
NW200 coming soon, can Steve Plater Win The North West 200 Again ?
AIM Yamaha star Steve Plater makes no
secret of his love for racing at the Kennedy International North West
200.
The 35-year-old has wrestled the mantle of Superbike king at the
Triangle meeting on the north coast from the clutches of 11 times
winner Michael Rutter in recent years and his all-action style has
endeared him to the event's fervent supporters.
Plater's aggressiveness on the race track is a far cry from his
easy-going and affable persona off it and the man with one of the
broadest grins in racing singles out the unique atmosphere that gives
the North West 200 such a special flavour as the reason why Ireland's
most prestigious road race is the highlight of his racing season.
"Obviously we are going back to the North West with the same team on
the R1 Yamaha. We know the bike well on the roads and the short
circuits and the bike will be even faster than last year for sure, but
it needs to be because everyone is better this year," said Plater.
"There's a new Honda that McGuinness will be riding and Michael
(Rutter) will be there on his Ducati and he'll be strong as usual and
others will be going well too, like Bruce Anstey, Cameron Donald and
Guy Martin.
"It's going to be a great event this year, it really is, especially
for the spectators."
The new road race season commences at Cookstown on April 26 and is
swiftly followed by the Tandragee meeting as the countdown to the
North West on May 17 gathers momentum.
Plater has established himself as the man to beat in the Superbike
class and his stunning double victory on the HM Plant Honda in 200
6 announced his arrival of one of road racing's most glamorous stages
in the most dramatic fashion.
A winner of the feature Superbike race last year, few are more serious
about racing – and more importantly, winning – than Plater, but it is
the family-orientated social aspect of the North West and the
professionalism of the race organisers that the AIM hot-shot holds
most dear.
"As far as a rider coming to the North West, there's a really good
atmosphere for a racing paddock but the racing is very serious and
obviously the guys that are riding want to win but it's still a
relaxed atmosphere as soon as you get off the bike and the social side
of the event during the week as well is very easy-going.
"Nothing is a big issue and the Irish are very helpful and the
organisers are excellent.
"They put in a lot of effort to make the event as safe and easy-going
as they possibly can."
Here's a few links to the updated NW200 site, there's some great Clips
from last years event and some brilliant other clips featuring Top
Photographer Stephen Davison and a recent visit of the riders for the
preview of this years event.
Wait till you see the On board montage
of various clips from last years bikes .
John Mc Guinness first
win from last year.
On board montage 2007 , hang on to your
seat !
Top Tog Stephen Davison,
Safety with Riders visit
The North West 200 site
New Look Governors Bridge
After recent road improvements in the
Isle of Man that last year included the new look Brandish Corner, the
famous TT circuit will have another modification for this years races
for the riders to acclimatise themselves to. The local Council have
decided that the junction of the Glencutchery road and the last corner
on the TT circuit required remodelling and have included a roundabout,
this was due to the increased traffic requirements and has nothing to
do with the TT races .
Below is a shot of the new modification
and widening to the Famous and Iconic Governors Bridge.
Guy Martin Brands
Hatch Press Release
Snow points for Martin at Brands
Kirmington's Guy Martin was left to wonder what might have been today as heavy snow resulted in the cancellation of the opening British Superbike Championship round at Brands Hatch. With conditions gradually worsening over the weekend, the Hydrex Bike Animal Honda rider awoke to leaden skies and the ensuing snow fall got worse and worse, eventually leading to the cancellation of the day's events.
Despite having experienced a lack of pre-season testing, Guy was in solid form during practice at the 2.3-mile GP circuit and was inside the top ten in all 3 practice sessions thus confidence was high heading into qualifying. However, the weather again played its part and a heavy rain shower came with six minutes of the 50-minute session left to run, thus preventing Guy from putting in any quick laps. Consequently, his time of 1m28.873s left him down in 14th place, certainly not a true reflection of how he had been riding over the course of the weekend.
However, it was all to no avail as almost 4 inches of snow fell and covered the circuit so at 11.15am on Sunday morning the races were cancelled.
Speaking about the weekend, Guy commented:
"Like everyone else, I'm disappointed but there was just no way we could race. It's not a great start to the season but as we saw at the recent Snetterton test you just never know what the British weather is going to do so we'll come back another day and try again."
"Practice had gone reasonably well and I'm getting used to the Pirelli tyres all the time so we're getting there and there's definitely plenty more to come. Although it's a great shame that today was cancelled, it gives the whole team a lot more time to work on the bikes so when we get to Thruxton we'll be fully up to speed - hopefully, the the sun will be shining as well!"
The opening round of the British Superbike Championship will now take place at Thruxton, Hampshire on Sunday April 20th.
Phil Wain
Freelance PR
Anstey has an off day
Here's a few of TT supremo Bruce Anstey
having an uncharastic slip off at the first big Short circuit of the
year in NI.
This was during practice , he was OK and
came out later and won the 600 and S/bike races beating fellow Tas
Suzuki teamate Cameron Donald and fellow road racer Ryan Farquhar.
Press
Release relating to the Tandragee 100 National Motorcycle Race in May.
NORTH ARMAGH MOTORCYCLE & CAR CLUB
LTD (Motorcycle Section)
2008 - TANDRAGEE 100
Press Release
No. 2
26th March 2008
The Club are
delighted to announce that Trevor and Sharon Dalzell of DALZELL’S OF
MARKETHILL have once again agreed to be the main sponsors of this
year’s TANDRAGEE 100 to be held over the weekend of Friday 2nd
and Saturday 3rd May.
This is the 3rd
year that DALZELL’S OF MARKETHILL have provided the main sponsorship,
and like their business, they continue to support local events, like
this, which can attract in excess of 10,000 people over the weekend.
Further
information about DALZELL’S OF MARKETHILL and their business, our PRESS
LAUNCH date and information on Rider’s who have signed up, will be
available on our website (www.tandragee100.com)
and in further Press Releases over the next couple of weeks.
I would also
remind potential entrants that the closing date to have your completed
forms back with our Race Secretary is Friday 11th April 2008.
If you have not already received an Entry Form and Regulations and wish
to do so, they can be downloaded from our website.
Ian Barnett - P.
R. O. / Webmaster
Kieron's new
BlarneyQuick race suit.
Click on a picture to en-large.
Kieron and Sean's 2008 racing predictions
(7th Feb 2008)
Kieron and Sean have both put forward their top 5 in MotoGP, WSB,
AMA and BSB with the top 2 in the Senior Isle of Man TT. They are
going to have a little competition to see who knows best come the end of
the season. 1 point for the correct rider in the top 5, 3 points
for correct rider in the correct position. May the best man win!
Keep checking back to see how they are doing using the link at the top
of the page or
here.
Myles Lally update (January 26th, 2008)
I'm from Skerries the home of the
oldest and best Road Race in Ireland , although I'm not as involved
with the Loughshinny Motor cycle club that run it I'm still involved
in my own way within the road race community here in Dublin as I'm
the original founder of the Irish TT Supporters club and we get
together most first Wednesdays in the month with a gang from
Skerries to discuss the ins and outs of the road racing scene.
I also attend all Irish road races
during the year and have been attending the TT in the Isle Of Man
since '74 ! Last year the TT celebrated its 100 year centenary as
the oldest motorcycle race in the world and a great celebration was
had by thousands from all over the world (5 years in the planning )
including Kevin Schwantz who was a special guest of Suzuki's.
I'm also a regular contributor to the
following sites
None of the above require membership ,
just a valid email address to join up .
Realroadracing.com is
probably the most prestigious site as its the official press release
site for most of the Riders Teams and clubs associated within the
racing community, its the only one that requires membership to see
some of the up to date areas/ gallery's and live up dates from the
racing as it happens during the season .
All of the above have great forums
that discuss every aspect of the Irish racing scene and other
championships such as the Short circuits and British superbikes,
World superbikes and of course Moto GP.
I'm also a personal friend of Martin
Finnegan who at the moment is one of the leading lights within the
Irish & TT racing , Martin has been Irish National Superbike
champion for the past no of years and a regular podium finisher at
the TT and fastest Irish rider there for many years.
Last years Irish champion was a Manx
Fellow Called Conor Cummins from the Isle of man and won both 600
and Open (1000cc) Titles on the Irish roads and for this year (08)
has gone back to British Superbikes .
Martin has now signed for this team
JMF Yamaha for next year and is looking to win both Irish titles
back and also climb to the top step at the TT races in June.
I could go on forever and keep you up
all night with all that goes on here but I think your going to have
to get over for a few road races this year to see what makes it so
special , in fact I'll attach a few shots for you to see and pop on
your site to let them all see in the states what way we race our
motor cycles here in Ireland its unique !
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