Motourage

Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing will head to Spain for the opening test of the year at Cartagena on March 3-6 with riders flying in from Northern Ireland, England and Australia.

Alastair Seeley, now in his third full season with the team, is no stranger to Relentless Suzuki’s pre-season testing program and Guy Martin is well settled after a pre-Christmas test on the team’s GSX-R1000 Superbike. Australian Josh Brookes, the team’s sole representative in this season’s British Superbike Championship, has been riding a ‘tricked-up’ GSX-R1000 in Australia, sent out to him by the team in November – letting him learn the characteristics of the Suzuki before he makes the long journey to Europe next week.

Josh Brookes:
“After riding different machinery for so long, I’m surprised just how quick the Suzuki felt so natural to me; I did feel at home on it straight away. Yes it is technically a street bike, but it gave me the chance to set up things like footrest and handlebar positioning before Spain. I’m more driven than I have ever been for a season – after a spending time at home doing different activities every day to keep myself focused – and I’ve never been so fit.

“I’m now looking forward to meeting all the guys in my new team and getting to know them before the season starts. I hear quite a few of them are into Mountain Biking and Motocross so that should be fun; we can have a laugh and hang out together.

“I’ll be in the Fox Sport TV studio this weekend in Sydney and I’m on the commentary team for the World Superbike races at Phillip Island, which gives me a chance to tell everyone what I’m doing this season and give them some information on the team before I leave for Spain on Monday.”

Philip Neill, Team Manager:
“I think everyone in the team is looking forward to getting stuck in this season, and it will be nice to have all the guys out in Spain together. Josh is pleased with what he’s achieved at home in Australia on the GSX-R1000. He had suspension and different bits and pieces sent out also, so it’s given him a base-setting and a head start before he jumps on the Superbike proper.”

Worx Power Tools will partner Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing in the British Supersport Championship and International Road Racing in 2011.

“Worx represents quality, making our job of promoting its products very easy indeed,’ said team manager Philip Neill. “In fact, the support of Worx has enabled us to expand our racing commitments for 2011 representing Suzuki in the British Supersport Championship with Alastair Seeley on the all-new GSX-R600.

“Worx will also be involved in our British Superbike and International Road Racing programs as a team partner. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Worx for its commitment to TAS Racing and also to our existing partners and title sponsor Relentless for welcoming Worx into the fold.”

“We are delighted to be able to show our continued support to Suzuki and BSB by becoming secondary partners of the Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing team,” said Worx managing director Clive Daley. “The Worx Professional brand stands for innovation, quality and performance and we believe the Relentless Suzuki race team has similar characteristics. Also, experience has shown British Superbike provides a fantastic platform to engage with our consumers. When it came down to it the choice to partner Relentless Suzuki by TAS was an easy one to make; not only does it allow us to build on our existing relationship with Suzuki, but the Relentless team is extremely professional with great ambition, which aligns perfectly with our brand.”

The 2011 British Superbike Championship season kicks off April 23 at Brands Hatch Indy. The North West 200 starts on May 21, 2011.

Ulsterman Alastair Seeley will spearhead Suzuki’s official effort in the 2011 British Supersport Championship on the all-new GSX-R600.

Seeley will also have a full stable of Relentless by TAS Racing Suzuki GSX-R machinery for the International North West 200; currently the only road race in which he participates during the season. Seeley was the first Irishman in 13 years to win the NW200 Superbike race earlier this year, also taking the opening Supersport race victory.

Team manager Philip Neill is delighted to be back in the British Supersport Championship – a series where the Moneymore-based team first cut its teeth in British racing – and he’s confident Seeley is the right man for the job.

Philip Neill – Team Manager:
“I’m delighted that Alastair is with us for what is effectively his third year, as we have already formed a formidable partnership. He has been a British Champion in Relentless Suzuki colors, won a British Superbike race as a rookie and lifted the prestigious NW200 Superbike title. We will be looking for bigger and better things with Alastair next season, both in the British Supersport series and at the North West 200.

“It’s an important year for Suzuki reentering British Supersport with a new bike and I know Alastair feels it’s a huge honor to have been asked to represent them. He had a terrific rookie season in BSB in 2010 and he will get various opportunities to ride the Superbike next season, but in the short-term his focus will be on challenging for the Supersport title on the all-new GSX-R600. As previous winners we will not be taking the class lightly, as we know it houses some top riders, but we are confident Alastair can be hugely successful.”

Alastair Seeley:
“I’m very happy to be sorted and back racing with Relentless Suzuki next season and my aim is to try and win the Supersport Championship and put the new GSX-R600 firmly in the limelight. When the team competed in the series back in 2007 with Michael and Ian, the bikes were the best out there and I fully expect the new bike to be the same. It’s an honor to represent the official GSX-R600 effort in the series, and my aim will be to try and hit the ground running, just like I did in ’09 in the Superstock class. With two races per weekend, the Supersport class will be right up there with the Superbikes in 2011 and with an opportunity to ride both the Superbike and Superstock bikes before the North West 200; I couldn’t be in a stronger position.”

Pole position spots in both of Sunday’s British Superbike Championship races for Alastair Seeley and Michael Laverty unfortunately couldn’t replicate Saturday’s BSB victory for the Relentless by TAS Suzuki team. But, despite DNFs in both races for Seeley and a fourth place and DNF for Laverty, both riders remain inside the top six, with Laverty’s Shootout place already secured.

The opening race of the day saw both Relentless by TAS Suzuki riders on the front row of the grid, and while Seeley took the holeshot into Paddock Hill from his pole position slot, he was soon embroiled in a podium battle with Kawasaki rider Tom Sykes who was taking advantage of the month-long WSBK break to race in his home country.

Alastair Seely highsides behind teammate Michael Laverty

The race was red flagged after only a handful of laps when Seeley high-sided on the exit of Surtees. The Ulsterman walked away from the crash unhurt, but an unsighted Andrew Pitt collected Seeley’s machine forcing the stoppage after the Australian took a heavy tumble. Unfortunately for Seeley, his bike was too badly damaged for him to make the restart, having to sit it out and watch his teammate Laverty race to fourth place.

Laverty’s fastest lap in race one gave him pole position for race two, but after dropping off the pace early on, he worked his way back into a podium position before crashing out at Druids. In an ironic twist of fate, Seeley crashed at virtually the same time, but at Paddock Hill after working his way through the field and onto the back of Stuart Easton and his biggest rival for sixth place in the current Shootout standings, John Laverty.

Michael Laverty:
“Race one wasn’t too bad today. I came out with fourth place but I was disappointed that I couldn’t challenge the leaders. We made some suspension changes for race two, which allowed me to run a better pace, but I didn’t have the pace in the early laps on fresh tires. Once the tires started to slide I could make ground back on the leaders and I had third in the bag. I pushed on as I felt I could go for the win; unfortunately it wasn’t to be and I lost the front at Druids. Although I leave Brands frustrated, I have qualified for the Shootout, so now I have a new focus: to find the speed to win races.”

Alastair Seeley:
“I’ve gone from hero to zero this weekend. The boys did a great job building a complete bike for me so I could take part in the second race. I got a bad start in race two but composed myself and pushed my way through and onto the back of Easton. We had caught John Laverty but the rear end came right round on me down into turn one and that was the day over. It has been a tough day, but you get them now and again, but on the positive side – we are still 10 points in front of seventh place, so it’s all to play for at Cadwell Park. I can’t thank the team enough today for their efforts in getting me back out on track.”

Philip Neill – Team Manager:
“It has obviously been a disappointing day for us after yesterday’s success. However, we will take the positives from the weekend: we have scored our ninth BSB podium this weekend and our second race win of the year, and to do that on a special 25th Anniversary weekend for Suzuki and the GSX-R range, not forgetting 50 years of racing, is very special.

“It was a dream before the season started to have both our riders in the top six, and that is now a distinct possibility with Michael Laverty’s position already secured for the Shootout. Unfortunately Alastair is making the job very difficult for himself. Each time he looks to have the position secured with an outstanding performance, he follows that with a few costly mistakes – although this can be expected from a series rookie.

“We will regroup as a team and continue with testing in preparation for the next round at Cadwell, in the hope of making that dream a reality. Thanks to Suzuki, Relentless and all our sponsors for their continued support. A special mention must go to my team for a majestic performance this weekend – especially having built Alastair Seeley a completely new bike in less than three hours, so he could make the grid for race two.”

Race two results:
1. Tom Sykes (Kawasaki WSB)
2.Ryuichi Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda) +1.118s
3.Michael Rutter (Ridersmotorcycles.com Ducati) +3.497s
4.Michael Laverty (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +4.000s
5.James Ellison (Swan Honda) +4.189s
6.Tommy Hill (Worx Crescent Suzuki) +11.142s
7.Stuart Easton (Swan Honda) +11.182s
8.Yukio Kagayama (Worx Crescent Suzuki) +11.937s
9.Dan Linfoot (Motorpoint Yamaha) +15.507s
10.Gary Mason (MSS Colchester Kawasaki) +15.637s

Race three result:
1. Tom Sykes (Kawasaki WSB)
2.Ryuichi Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda) +0.563s
3.Michael Rutter (Ridersmotorcycles.com Ducati) +4.788s
4.Tommy Hill (Worx Crescent Suzuki) +6.531s
5.James Ellison (Swan Honda) +11.804s
6.Josh Brookes (HM Plant Honda) +11.910s
7.Yukio Kagayama (Worx Crescent Suzuki) +13.927s
8.Stuart Easton (Swan Honda) +20.929s
9.John Laverty (Buildbase Kawasaki) +21.181s
10. Simon Andrews (MSS Colchester Kawasaki) +25.089s

British Superbike Championship standings:
1. Ryuichi Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda) 249
2.Tommy Hill (Worx Crescent Suzuki) 242
3.Josh Brookes (HM Plant Honda) 239
4.Michael Rutter (Ridersmotorcycles.com Ducati) 217
5.Michael Laverty (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) 206
6.Alastair Seeley (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) 153

Series rookie Alastair Seeley scored a magnificent debut British Superbike Championship victory at Brands Hatch race one on Saturday.

The Relentless by TAS Suzuki rider qualified his GSX-R1000 Superbike strongly on row two in seventh position. Then, in a two-part opening race – red flagged because of rain – the Ulsterman held off seasoned professionals Michael Rutter and Ryuichi Kiyonari to take the team’s second British Superbike victory of the season in treacherous conditions.

Alastair Seeley:
“I got good starts today and that made the difference. I had some front-end issues in the dry part of the race, and in the re-start in the wet I had loads of slides on white lines and the curbs, but managed with it okay. My visor steamed up so I opened it, but with the wind streaming into my eyes I had to shut it again. We held on for the win and it’s all credit to my Relentless by TAS Suzuki team and our superb GSX-R1000 Superbike that we made the top step.

“This is what I’ve always wanted in racing and now that I’ve sampled it I’d like more of the same. A big thanks to all the team sponsors, and also those who have helped me over the years and brought me to this stage of my career, including my family.”

Michael Laverty couldn’t better his Q2 qualifying time, but still made the all-important Q3 session – eventually heading up row three in ninth position. In today’ re-started race, Laverty had to come from dead last after being shunted off the circuit at Surtees on the opening lap. After re-joining the circuit, he kept his composure to pick his way through the field, taking some very valuable points in sixth place at the checkered flag.

Michael Laverty:
“It was a tough race for me today, especially after I got hit from behind on the opening lap and almost went down. Luckily I saved it and took a detour across the grass, but it left me in last position, so I had to fight hard to come through the field. Sixth was a decent result in the circumstances but also very frustrating as I know what I was capable of today. I will be hoping for better fortunes tomorrow.”

Philip Neill – Team Manager:
“What a phenomenal performance today from both riders. Alastair had me on the edge of my seat with his win, but his years of Superstock experience certainly aided him in today’s difficult conditions: he showed his precocious talented using absolute precision on throttle control in the closing stages.

“It’s our second win this year from nine podiums, but to do it this weekend when Suzuki is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of its GSX-R range is pretty special. Granted we have found an extremely good wet set-up with our GSX-R1000 Superbikes and that credit must go to the boys in the team.

“Michael Laverty showed true pedigree to come from last place after getting pushed off the track on lap one, and to come through to sixth place at the end with the fourth fastest lap of the race, also shows how polished Michael is becoming as a top BSB rider.

“Whilst we are delighted to have taken our second win of the season today, we must not get carried away. Alastair, for me, must be the best rookie to have graced this series for many, many years, but he needs to remain calm and finish the weekend with two strong results on Sunday. We are also delighted to have scored maximum points for Suzuki in the manufacturers’ standings.”

British Superbike Championship, Brands Hatch, race one result:
1 Alastair Seeley (Relentless Suzuki by TAS)
2 Michael Rutter (Ridersmotorcycles.com Ducati) +0.298s
3 Ryuichi Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda) +1.470s
4 Josh Brookes (HM Plant Honda) +2.926s
5 Tom Sykes (Kawasaki WSB) +14.320s
6 Michael Laverty (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +17.241s
7James Ellison (Swan Honda) +21.713s
8 Yukio Kagayama (Worx Crescent Suzuki) +23.516s
9 John Laverty (Buildbase Kawasaki) +24.738s
10 Ian Lowry (Kawasaki WSB) +26.213s

Michael Laverty continued his impressive run of form in the British Superbike Championship yesterday with the Relentless by TAS Suzuki team, posting his fourth and fifth BSB podiums of the season and taking third place in both races.

Laverty also maintained third place in the Championship standing and now sits on 133 points, just 21 behind series leader and fellow Suzuki rider Tommy Hill, with Australia’s Josh Brookes wedged in between them.

Alastair Seeley scored 11 points on his Mallory Park BSB debut with 10th and 11th placed finishes and the current National Superstock champion is just eight points outside the top six.

Michael Laverty:
“I’m reasonably happy with two third-placed finishes today as it’s good for the Championship. But if I’m being honest I had expected to get a win following the pace we had shown throughout practice on the Relentless Suzuki GSX-R1000 Superbike. The other boys found something extra today and I wasn’t able to respond, but we will move on to Knockhill next weekend in a confident frame of mind. We are in good shape in the championship following a run of five consecutive podiums, and although my consistency is paying off, I want to win some races. The team has done a good job again this weekend and gave me a very capable bike, so thanks to them for the effort.”

Alastair Seeley:
“My goal was to score solid points today and from fourth and third row grid positions I think we did okay, but it was a tough day at the office. I would have been happier to be well inside the top 10, but we battled hard and stay within fighting distance of the top six leaving Mallory. I was closing down on ninth in the first race and just ran out of laps and in race two I had a few small problems that I had to work around. All in all we’ve kept in on track and scored points, so I’m now looking forward to Knockhill where I’ve had some success in the past on the Superstock GSX-R1000.”

Philip Neill – Team Manager:
“I’m pleased enough with the weekend and it really is nice to be back in the BSB paddock. In saying that, it seems like we are stuck on third placed finishes, with two at the TT followed by two here at Mallory. I’m pretty satisfied though with another couple of podiums – Michael’s fourth and fifth in a row – and it’s also good for the Championship, but I know we can win races. We know as a team where we can improve and Michael knows where he can improve as a rider, but I was impressed with his fitness today. Alastair did what we expected and battled hard and he scored points when others didn’t, so that will set him up well for Knockhill next week.” Read more…

Seeley's NW200 Superbike win breaks a 13-year streak for Irish riders

Relentless by TAS Suzuki and its in-form British Superbike rider Alastair Seeley made history at the Relentless-sponsored International North West 200, winning the feature Superbike event – a first for an Irish rider in 13 years.

The 30-year-old reigning British Superstock champion also took the opening Supersport race victory, a Superbike race one podium and two other fourth-placed finishes – on a day when Relentless by TAS Suzuki posted four podiums from five races, including two tops steps.

The team started their day with third place in the opening Superbike event, again heralded by that man Seeley, who fought his way from the third row of the grid to stand on the podium. On the opening lap it was Bruce Anstey who led the Relentless Suzuki effort, coming from his row five grid slot up to fourth place, but he was soon overhauled by his diminutive team-mate, who closed down a five second gap to the leaders for his opening podium of the day.

Such was Seeley’s pace; he set a new lap record for the 8.9-mile circuit at 120.985mph [4mins 26.909sec]. Anstey eventually finished fifth with Cameron Donald eighth, just ahead of Adrian Archibald, also on a GSX-R1000 Superbike.

In the opening Supersport race, Anstey led the Relentless Suzuki charge on the opening lap in sixth, with Seeley two places further behind in eighth on his GSX-R600. But Seeley was hungry for a debut middleweight division victory at the NW200, forcing his way into the leading group of four on lap three, with some aggressive but safe passing maneuvers.

On the final lap into the penultimate chicane at Juniper Hill, Seeley produced one of the best moves ever witnessed at the North West 200 Triangle, sliding in between Ian Hutchinson and Keith Amor – and after leaving his braking later than his rivals, Seeley dropped his GSX-R600 into the chicane ahead of both Hondas, and from there he was never headed to the flag, giving TAS Racing their fifth victory in the Supersport class at the North West 200.

Cameron Donald was the next Relentless Suzuki home in seventh with Anstey 14th. Seeley again set a new class lap record at 115.582mph [4mins 39.386sec]

Bruce Anstey and Alastair Seeley had shared the last four Superstock wins at the NW200, but Anstey opted out of yesterday’s race due to a difficult grid position after qualifying, preferring to keep his powder dry for the final Supersport race.

In true Superstock style, it took three laps before the leading contenders could shake off the pretenders to the crown, with Seeley soon in the mix with the front four. Unfortunately on the final lap, he just could not find the grip required to drive hard out of the slower turns with his rivals and settled for fourth place, albeit only 0.9sec behind eventual winner Keith Amor.

When the feature NW200 Superbike event was cut from six laps to four, the odds were stacked against all three Relentless by TAS Suzuki riders, positioned on rows three, four and five.

Anstey again got the better start of the trio but Seeley, holding the expectations of an 100,000-strong local crowd, forced his way through, and onto the back of Honda duo Easton and McGuinness at mid distance, guaranteeing a grandstand finish.

Seeley led onto the final nine-mile lap but Easton took up the initiative on the brakes into Metropole with only the two-mile Coast Road section to conquer. Seeley, as we have come to expect, wasn’t prepared to settle for second place, putting the nose of his GSX-R1000 Suzuki under the Scotsman at the very next turn before demonstrating his pure road racing prowess to take a very famous victory.

In pursuit of the Honda pair, the Relentless by TAS Suzuki rider also upped the lap record to a staggering 121.875mmmph [4mins 24.960sec] on lap three.

In the final race of the day – the second Supersport 600 encounter – Seeley followed teammate Bruce Anstey across the line in fourth place; the Kiwi justifying his decision to sit-out the Superstock race with a fine third place on his Relentless by TAS Suzuki GSX-R600. Cameron Donald was eighth.

Read more…

Michael Laverty scored his first BSB win of the season in race 2 at Oulton Park

Relentless by TAS Suzuki posted its debut victory in the British Superbike Championship Premier Class with Michael Laverty at the Oulton Park third round.

Laverty’s second-race demolition of the field in the British Superbike class demonstrated the progress Moneymore-based TAS Racing has been making with their GSX-R1000 Superbike already this season. And, after being virtually written off in the pre-season build up, both Laverty and Alastair Seeley now sit proudly in the top five in the current standings.

In race one it was Seeley who looked odds-on for his second BSB podium of the year, but a missed gear on the final lap allowed John Laverty to steal his thunder, which left the Carrickfergus man to narrowly pip his teammate to the line for fourth.

In race two, while Laverty was soloing to a superb victory, Seeley fought his way through from mid-pack to take 10 valuable points in sixth place.

Michael Laverty:
“That was a really nice feeling today. I just hope it goes a long way to being forgiven for my crash at Thruxton! It’s really strange because it’s probably the easiest I’ve had to ride to win a race, never mind so convincingly. It’s not often you get the perfect bike, but the boys gave me one today for that win. We still have a bit to go with the dry set-up on our GSX-R1000 Superbike, but we are getting closer every weekend and I’m confident we can be up at the front in the dry very soon – possibly as soon as Cadwell Park. The boys deserve this bit of success for all their hard work.”

Alastair Seeley:
“I am a bit frustrated about not getting on the podium in race one, but there’s no point in moaning about it. I missed a gear and fought back to fourth so we have to be pleased with that after a tough weekend at the previous round. In race two, I spun up going off the line and ended up bashing bars and fairings mid-pack. I got my head down and just tried to be smooth on the throttle and when I got onto the back of Josh Brookes he was all over the place. His tire was obviously in worse condition than mine at that stage, so to get past for sixth was a good result in difficult conditions. I’m learning all the time about this Superbike and I’ve stayed fit and healthy with the North West 200 just over a week away – so that’s a big positive.”

Philip Neill – BSB Team Principal:
“After all the hard work our team has put in, that was a pretty emotional day for me and I have to say, Michael’s win was probably one of the best rides I’ve ever seen – he really destroyed the field and was even comfortable putting in consistent quickest laps. It’s a great reward and a boost of confidence for the whole team and proves just how great a bike the current GSX-R1000 really is. I must obviously give credit to Michael, who I have always believed in, and this will be a real confidence booster for him.

“Alastair may be disappointed at missing out on a race-one podium, but the ‘Wee Man’ just continues to blow us away with his talent, enthusiasm and self-belief. Let’s not forget it’s only his second time out at Oulton on a Superbike and his comeback from mid-pack to sixth was phenomenal in race two: It also shows where he has come from when he’s disappointed not to be on the podium every weekend as a rookie.

“We really do have two genuine contenders this year, who are as good as anyone in the Championship, and we are delighted to have helped Suzuki retain top-spot in the Manufacturer Standings; it’s always good to do your bit.

“I must give a special mention to the boys in the garage who work a very tight schedule with our BSB and road racing commitments, so fair play to Leigh, Arnie and Davy Kertesz as they found an enviable wet weather set-up for our riders today. We’re not that far away in dry conditions either and this sets us up well for next week’s North West 200.”

BSB Race 1 Results:
1. Stuart Easton (Swan Honda)
2. Tommy Hill (Worx Crescent Suzuki) +0.058s
3. John Laverty (Buildbase Kawasaki) +10.399s
4. Alastair Seeley (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +10.843s
5. Michael Laverty (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +10.849s
6. Josh Brookes (HM Plant Honda) +11.073s
7. Gary Mason (MSS Colchester Kawasaki) +23.428s
8. Chris Walker (MSS Colchester Kawasaki) +27.478s
9. Dan Linfoot (Motorpoint Yamaha) +35.997s
10. Tommy Bridewell (Quay Garage Honda) +36.709s

BSB Race 2 Results:
1. Michael Laverty (Relentless Suzuki by TAS)
2. Michael Rutter (Ridersmotorcycles.com Ducati) +6.00s
3. Tommy Hill (Worx Crescent Suzuki) +11.333s
4. Ryuichi Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda) +16.029s
5. John Laverty (Buildbase Kawasaki) +23.590s
6. Alastair Seeley (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +27.258s
7. Tommy Bridewell (Quay Garage Honda) +30.287s
8. Josh Brookes (HM Plant Honda) +30.283s
9. Hudson Kennaugh (MAR Kawasaki) +32.463s
10. Adam Jenkinson (Buildbase Kawasaki) +54.950s

Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing is well prepared and looking forward to this weekend’s Bank Holiday British Superbike Championship meeting at Oulton Park – always a favorite with the Irish riders. After a tough weekend at Thruxton just two weeks ago, both riders, Alastair Seeley and Michael Laverty, will be looking to increase their points tally at the Cheshire circuit. Seeley currently sits just inside the magical top six in fifth, with Laverty in tenth and hungry for a debut podium this season on his Relentless Suzuki GSX-R1000 Superbike.

Philip Neill – BSB Team Principal
“We’ve worked hard in between rounds after a tough weekend at Thruxton, including a day’s testing at Kirkistown to let the boys try out different chassis settings. It gave them both an insight to what’s available with different set-ups, so it was a productive day and they both did around 80 laps of our local circuit. We are now ready for Oulton Park and are confident with both our wet and dry options.”

Michael Laverty is still not 100% after a topple at Thruxton

Michael Laverty
“I’m now two rounds into the championship, but it hasn’t quite gone according to plan so far. We have the pace to be running at the front on the GSX–R1000 Superbike, although I have yet to show my true potential.  At a recent test at Kirkistown I got to try a lot of chassis variations and learnt even more about my GSX–R. I have found an answer for one small area where I was weak, so it was a productive day for me. I’ve also been to see my Osteopath to get myself prepared for this weekend, as I needed a few tweaks after bouncing across the curbs at Thruxton. To be fair I got off quite lightly compared to a few others who hit them; my heel is still a little bruised and tender to walk on but otherwise I’m fine, so roll on Oulton Park.”

Alastair Seeley comes to Oulton Park this weekend fifth in BSB Championship points

Alastair Seeley
“Unfortunately my Thruxton results weren’t as great as I expected but I salvaged some points out of the weekend and I’m fifth in the championship so that’s a positive. I don’t think we’ll have the same issues again this season as there is no other circuit in BSB that has the kind of characteristics that Thruxton does – spinning the rear up in four and fifth gear.  I’ve been running, cycling and doing a bit of motocrossing on my new RMZ250 Suzuki to keep me in tip-top shape coming into this weekend. I also attended the final NW200 press conference at Stormont Buildings in Belfast where my GSX-R1000 superbike was on display, and it created plenty of interest with loads of pictures in the local press. Oulton this weekend is a fun track, and throws a bit of everything at us. I hope to be at the sharp end once again and bagging some solid points come race day.”