Motourage

Ryan Farquhar gets ready to put the MSS Colchester Kawasaki ZX-10R Superbike to its toughest test of the year as he takes over the controls for the Isle of Man TT road races.  In 2010, MSS Colchester Kawasaki again heads across the Irish Sea for the historic Isle of Man TT races, and the experienced road racing team’s hopes of success fall on the record-breaking Northern Irishman. Despite taking an unprecedented 61 road race wins in all competitions in 2009, last year’s TT week was one to put down to experience for Farquhar. But, the Dungannon man is looking to Nick Morgan’s MSS Colchester team for a return to success aboard the Kawasaki ZX-10R Superbike.

Farquhar, a two-time TT winner wasted no time in the initial practice sessions. After first practice was cancelled because of bad weather, the Northern Irishman didn’t take long to make up for lost time with a blistering 128.076mph lap in Wednesday’s practice session, the fastest so far.  Speaking during practice week, Farquhar, who last rode for Nick Morgan’s team at the TT in 2005 (where he bagged a Supersport win and third place in the Superstock races), was happy with progress so far.

“I know I’m riding well. We were quickest on the Superstock bike straight off and I know I’ve got things working well already with the Superbike. The chassis is really good on the MSS bike and I’m confident we can do well with that. Come Friday we should be ready to go on all the bikes.”

Early laps have been slightly tentative as Ryan and his crew attempt to correct the small problems of the North West 200. A fuelling problem traced to the foam in the fuel tank breaking down and starving the bike’s motor at high RPM is now rectified; “Were confident now we’ve sorted that problem out with the superbike.” said Ryan. The quiet-spoken but confident Farquhar is happy his 2010 TT will bring podium success again.

“I’d be happy with anything in the top five, but I’m confident we can get a podium or two; that’s what I’m aiming at. I’d like to thank everybody really. A big thanks to Nick for helping with the superbike, and for his help on all my bikes.”

MSS Colchester Kawasaki team owner Nick Morgan is well aware of the tough test ahead for his bikes and team. “We know this event well, and we know from past experience it pushes everything to the very limit, in a way that normal short circuit racing never does. That’s no more or less than anyone else, but it makes it a different job than is normal for us. We’ve had a few niggly things to work on with the superbike so far, which is a bit frustrating but we’re getting there and it looks like we’re in for a good week. All the riders we’re helping are looking good.”

No stranger to road courses, the diverse skills of the MSS Colchester Kawasaki race workshop stretches to three wheels for the TT this year with ZX-6R engines powering the Manx duo of Dave Molyneux and Patrick Farrance. The legendary sidecar pilot Molyneux posted a 114.355mph lap during Tuesday evening practice to put him at the top of the timing sheets and is looking for another record breaking year.

“It’s great to be helping Dave Molyneux out; he’s got off to a cracking start in practice,” commented Nick about the sidecar duo.