Motourage

Relentless by TAS Suzuki posted their second Superbike podium from the 2010 Isle of Man TT when Bruce Anstey fought through to third place in Friday’s re-started four-lap Senior TT.

It was Anstey’s 20th career TT podium and after a torrid week on the Isle of Man, the Windsor based Kiwi was delighted with the result, making the most of his good fortune after retiring from the first encounter, which was red flagged after an incident involving Guy Martin at Ballygarey on lap three.

Cameron Donald was forced to retire at the end of lap 1 with an intermittent electrical problem, which was very disappointing for the Australian, as he had been within two seconds of early leader Ian Hutchinson at Glen Helen on the opening lap.

Bruce Anstey:
“I got a second chance and grabbed it with both hands. I’m happy for the team who have worked hard all week making many changes to the bikes for me; I’m also delighted for Suzuki which is here celebrating 50 years of racing and I think today we proved – like Cameron did in the Superbike TT last Saturday – that the GSX-R1000 Superbike is a strong and reliable machine. I just kept chipping away; it is the Senior TT after all and to get a podium in the main race of TT fortnight is very pleasing.”

Cameron Donald:
“I’m obviously bitterly disappointed not to have finished the race, as I was fired up and ready to have a go today. For the Senior, we decided that my first lap pit-boards would show the deficit to the leader and not the man in front of me. So when I saw I was only two seconds back on my first signal, I knew we were on the money. I was catching Keith Amor in front of me on the run to Ramsey when the surging started and it gradually got worse over the Mountain. The bike just didn’t feel right and I didn’t want to take any chances. The boys did all they could for me today and I gave it my best shot.”

Philip Neill – Team Manager:
“It has been a rollercoaster TT for the whole team, but as I said earlier in the week, we have been coming here long enough to understand the pitfalls. We struggled with set-up this TT, and when riders start to swap back and forward trying to find the perfect set-up it doesn’t help their confidence. In saying that, we have come away with podiums in the two main races, again demonstrating the pedigree of the GSX-R1000 Superbike, and I have to say I’m proud of the effort from both riders today. Cameron had an electrical cut-out problem that is one of those horrible little things that can halt such a good run, and but for that, he was right in there with the leaders as we saw on lap 1 of the re-start. Bruce rode his luck a little, but stuck with it, and as he discovered, perseverance pays off. We are delighted to be able to close the TT with a podium for Suzuki, Relentless and all our sponsors, and I’m sure we will re-group and come back to the 2011 event as a much stronger team.”

Senior TT Results:
1 Ian Hutchinson [Honda] 1hr 10min:24.59s;
2 Ryan Farquhar [Kawasaki] 1hr 11min:02.36s;
3 Bruce Anstey [Relentless by TAS Suzuki] 1hr 11min:38.08s;
4 Ian Lougher [Kawasaki] 1hr 12min:0157s;
5 Michael Rutter [Honda] 1hr 12min:10.74s;
6 Dan Stewart [Honda] 1hr 12min:33.57s.

Ryan Farquhar took his first Isle of Man TT Superbike podium for MSS Colchester Kawasaki as he pulled off a great ride to second place in today’s Dainese Senior TT.

Ryan had earlier pulled out of the premier event at Cronk-Y-Voddy, but the race was then stopped after a serious incident involving Guy Martin. The squad quickly changed a fuel pump, and this correct diagnosis allowed Ryan to attack with confidence in the shortened, four-lap restart.

The MSS squad carried out their second major set-up change of the week; this time completely retuning the engine. The team altered the power delivery of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Superbike giving a smoother bottom end. The changes effectively meant creating Superstock power characteristics up to 10,000rpm and then full Superbike power further up the rev range to help the machine out of the slower corners.

Earlier in the week the team had radically altered the chassis on the Superbike including introducing a new swingarm, different fuel tank and major machining work.

An ecstatic Ryan said, “What a fantastic result. Guy’s unfortunate accident gave us a way back in, as I was sitting up on the course at the time. I’m over the moon to have got a second in both Superbike and Superstock. I’ve got to thank Nick and all the lads who worked so hard.”

MSS Colchester Kawasaki Team Owner, Nick Morgan said, “Total turnaround of fortune, I’m so happy for Ryan and all the mechanics Brilliant. To be sitting up at the Cronk to the second step of the podium, it just shows how your luck can go. We’ve definitely experienced both ends of the spectrum this week.

An MSS tuned ZX6R engine also fired Dave Molyneux to second in the Sidecar race earlier in the week.

Relentless by TAS Suzuki Supersport pair Bruce Anstey and Cameron Donald had a tough day during today’s Isle of Man TT races.  Mechanical problems and other misfortunes were handed out in Supersport Race 1 and the four-lap Superstock TT.

Cameron Donald finished the day with 10th-place finishes in both races, but teammate Bruce Anstey unfortunately was forced to retire from both events. In the Supersport race, Anstey’s GSX-R600 developed an electrical problem, and in this afternoon’s Superstock race the Kiwi retired at Cregny Baa complaining of handling issues.

Cameron Donald:
“I’m gutted with those results today, but I did the best I could in the circumstances and rode both bikes to a top-10 finish. On a positive note, the pace was hot out there today and it gave me more miles around the TT circuit in preparation for Wednesday’s second Supersport outing and Friday’s Senior.”

Bruce Anstey:
“It’s been one of those days when nothing clicks for you and I’m obviously disappointed not to have been up there challenging for a podium. In the Supersport race I stopped at Ballaugh as I had a problem with my contact lenses before retiring with an electrical problem. Then in the Superstock race I just couldn’t get the bike to work as I wanted it, which was a pity as it was certainly as fast as race winner Ian Hutchinson’s machine. Wednesday gives me another chance in the Supersport class.”

Philip Neill – Team Manager:
“There’s no point hiding our disappointment but we have been coming here long enough to know that the TT can be a cruel place when you’re out of luck. Bruce’s GSX-R600 hasn’t missed a beat all year and you cannot legislate for a charging wire letting you down. I just hope it hasn’t dented his confidence for Wednesday.

“We have been lacking set-up time with the Superstock bikes this year, compared to last year when Alastair Seeley was virtually unbeatable and that added to today’s problems. Cameron dug deep and stuck with it today, and for that reason alone I’m proud of him. We still have Wednesday and Friday left to bring some results home from this year’s TT for Suzuki, Relentless and all our other loyal sponsors.”

Relentless by TAS Suzuki rider Cameron Donald demonstrated true grit and determination during Saturday’s Isle of Man TT Superbike race, pulling himself onto the podium in third place after a first-lap mistake that saw him down in 13th.

Donald made ground on his rivals into the opening pit stop at the end of lap two and 76 miles of racing, hauling himself into seventh position.  From there, he pulled his GSX-R1000 Superbike through the leader board. By the time the Aussie had pitted at the end of lap 4, he was only 34 seconds off a podium finish, eventually overhauling fellow Suzuki rider Adrian Archibald for his first podium of the week, with a final flying lap of 129.536mph.

Cameron Donald:
“I made a small error coming into the Nook and lost a lot of time on the opening lap, but when I pitted the boys told me I was making it back up. After that I thought a top-five was possible but to get third is great. This exact day twelve months ago I was sitting in Nobles Hospital, so to get back here and get back on the podium is pretty sweet. I just never gave up and that along with support of the team gave me this podium and a great start to TT week.”

His teammate Bruce Anstey fought bravely throughout the six-lap TT curtain raiser on his GSX-R1000 Superbike, finishing in 11th place after 226 miles of racing with an average speed of 123.337mph.

Bruce Anstey:
“I struggled a bit out there today and was off the pace early on, but I was able to get some valuable information on the Superbike which should help us now for Friday’s Senior TT. I’m now looking forward to Monday’s Supersport and Superstock races where I’ll expect to be closer to the front and challenging for the podium.”

Philip Neill – Team Manager:
“That’s what the TT is all about – perseverance. Cameron could easily have believed the race was over for him after the opening lap, but he chipped away and chipped away and we are delighted with his podium in this important year for Suzuki at the TT. Bruce had a few problems but also stayed out there, demonstrating the reliability of the GSX-R range and I’m sure he will be well to the fore in tomorrow’s ‘stock races.”

Watch the POST-RACE PRESS CONFERENCE.

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.

HM Plant Honda’s John McGuinness, Keith Amor and Michael Rutter took to the Isle of Man TT course again today for the second practice session, although lap times were affected by overnight rain which lingered for most of the morning and left some damp patches around the 37.73-mile mountain course. The mountain mist took a long time to clear, but eventually practice got underway at 6:20pm in clear and sunny conditions.

Michael was one of the first riders to tackle the course, taking the HM Plant Honda CBR1000 Superstock bike through to post the third fastest time on his opening lap. Having checked out the course for damp patches, Michael was more confident on his second lap and headed the leaderboard. But as the track dried out, the times began to tumble, and he ended his evening in third place with a lap time of 18:2.91 – 125.429mph, which is his fastest -ever lap around the Mountain course in all the years he has been competing on the Island.

Keith Amor improved his position from Monday evening, powering his HM Plant Honda Superbike through to fifth overall on the night with a time of 17m 57.63 – 126.043mph.

Teammate and multi-TT winner John McGuinness erred on the side of caution in the tricky conditions to end his evening in seventh place, a tad slower than Monday’s session, with a time of 18:01.9 – 125.546mph.

Keith said, “I really didn’t think we would be out tonight. But it turned into a beautiful evening and although a bit damp in places, it was fine. Last night was my first time on the bike, and the first night of practice here at the TT is more about me enjoying myself and not frightening myself. I didn’t frighten myself and just rode around to get used to the bike – which is awesome – and get myself settled into it. But tonight I got my head down and went for a quicker time. But of course it’s how fast you go on Saturday in the race that matters, not how fast you go on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday.”

John commented, “Last night the times were just unbelievable. Everything felt pretty good and under control. My first lap was 125mph and the second 127mph, which is incredible on the first night of practice. The course is in pretty good shape, there was a bit of dust about but it wasn’t as bad as we expected. We were worrying about the bad winter over here and there would perhaps be more bumps but it’s exactly the same and the resurfacing they have done through the Black Dub and through Kirk Michael is really good. Tonight it was wet in places and I was not comfortable to go for a really fast lap in those conditions. The weather forecast is good for tomorrow and the rest of the week so we can work towards improving our lap times then.”

Michael said, “I am really enjoying myself, love the HM Plant Honda Fireblade and it’s going really well for me. I have posted quicker lap times than ever before here, which is great news and now we are promised some good weather so I am really looking forward to Wednesday evening’s practice session.”

Havier Beltran, HM Plant Honda Team Manager concluded, “The conditions here have not been ideal for us so far. The track was dirty on the first night and last night it was quite wet at Glen Helen and also towards the end of the course. The HM Plant Honda riders quite sensibly are not prepared to push it in those conditions, but with the weather set to improve from Wednesday onwards we can get on with tire choice and set-up in preparation for racing on Saturday.”

Relentless by TAS Suzuki's Cameron Donald

The Relentless by TAS Suzuki squad are now fully focused on the job in hand at the 2010 Isle of Man TT races, with both riders – Cameron Donald and Bruce Anstey – posting impressive times during the opening two practice sessions around the 37.73-mile public road circuit.

It’s an important year for the team, with Suzuki celebrating 50 years of racing and 25 years of its flagship GSX-R range at this year’s event. But already both riders are doing Suzuki proud – pushing themselves into the business end of the premier class leaderboard.

32-year-old Australian Cameron Donald is making a welcome return to the Isle of Man after missing out on last year’s race action due to a practice week crash, injuring his shoulder. The Melbourne native had the consolation of setting the first-ever 131mph lap around the TT Circuit just 12 months ago, and is already right on the pace in the Blue Riband Superbike class this year, posting the second fastest time on both nights.

During Monday night’s opening session for the 2010 event, Donald posted a lap speed of 127.274mph on his Relentless by TAS Suzuki Superbike, repeating that feat on Tuesday night on the same GSX-R1000 Superbike, with a lap speed of 127.212mph.

Cameron Donald:
“It’s always good to get back to the Isle of Man and more importantly to get those early laps done to re re-familiarize yourself with the circuit. We are heading the right way on the GSX-R1000 Superbike and I’m feeling fit, confident and happy to be back. I hope this weather holds and we can get all our bikes well prepared.”

New Zealand native Bruce Anstey posted the sixth-fastest time on Monday night with a lap speed of 126.020mph, and in less-than-perfect conditions on Tuesday night, he set the third quickest time [126.919mph] behind his Relentless by TAS Suzuki teammate Donald.

Bruce Anstey:
“I always look forward to the TT. It’s my favorite race of the year and so far so good. The first two nights have helped me to get dialed in again and it’s all about getting the bikes set-up early to suit the circuit. If you can do that, the confidence builds and so do the lap speeds throughout the week.”

Philip Neill – Team Manager:
“We are very happy so far. It’s a big help to start the TT with none of those mechanical gremlins that can really plague you here on the Isle of Man. Every bike we have sent out so far has come back in one piece; that’s testament to our team and also to the Suzuki machinery.

The Superbike class is our main priority but we will concentrate on the Superstock bikes tonight. The tried-and-tested Pirelli tires we chose are doing the job perfectly and the K-Tech suspension is also working well, as you can see by the boys’ lap times.
It was crucial to get Cam out there and back on the pace early this week and we’ve done that, and Bruce is unusually talkative – so we are a happy camp just now.”

FTR MOTO will provide the first Moto2 machine to race in the world famous Isle of Man TT Races when promising 22-year-old Olie Linsdell races the FTR M210 in the six-lap Senior TT around the 37.73-mile Mountain course on Friday June 11.

Practice for the 226-mile race takes place this week, and Linsdelltook to the TT course with the M210 for the first time in this past weekend’s practice sessions.

FTR’s TT debut complements an already extensive and growing range of racing and track day activities with its Moto2 racing machinery. Alex Debon, Gabor Talmasci, Andrea Iannone and Karel Abraham are all using FTR’s machinery in the new World Moto2 Championship.

In Spain, Kev Coghlan is one point off the lead of the CEV Buckler National Championship series thanks to victory last time out at Albacete while Russian newcomer Alexey Ivanov continues to progress well in Spain – the 18-year-old enjoying his first season of competition outside his homeland.

Following the introduction of Moto2 as a World Championship class from 2010 the popularity of the thoroughbred racing machines, fitted with 600cc Honda motors, has extended to track day customers with FTR also under way with a limited edition Ron Haslam-Elf replica machine.

Linsdell’s Isle of Man FTR Moto2 machine features the latest chassis technology from the Grand Prix activities of the company and houses a CBR600RR Honda motor prepared by the Joe Darcey Team in Spain, winners of last year’s Spanish Supersport Championship with Coghlan. The engine is built to World Supersport specification.

“To contest the TT is an exciting new adventure for FTR,” says FTR’s Steve Bones. “We’ve brought over technical expertise from our Spanish program to assist Olie and there’s a real sense of anticipation within FTR and from all of our partners. The TT is steeped in more than 100 years of history and the possibility of being able to field a modern, current World Championship machine in the event is a pleasure for us and we hope it will be enjoyed by everyone who witnesses the race and the machine. Just like the original time and reliability ethics behind the TT, we’re hoping for a finish and something to build on for the future.”

Considering the total disregard for motorcycle events in the US, we have a relatively full week of television coverage coming up.

Plenty of chances to catch this past weekend’s American Superbike and Daytona Sportbike races from the AMA Pro Racing West Coast Moto Jam at Infineon Raceway are on the menu, as well as Isle of Man TT Senior and 600 Superstock races (there’s usually a few seconds of sidecar coverage thrown in for good measure).

If you haven’t checked out the Supersport Class race of the FIM World Superbike Championship from Kyalami, South Africa, make a point to set your DVR for 2pm on Tuesday, as it marked a brilliant performance by former AMA Aprilia and Attack Kawasaki rider Chaz Davies.

One of the most well-produced motorcycle programs on television, Twist the Throttle on Discover HD Theater, covers Ducati motorcycles this week. The episode is a must-see for any desmo enthusiast.

If we’re missing coverage on one of the lesser-known channels, or if you’d like to add any non-US television schedules, please shoot us a message at info@motourage.net.

Thanks for watching, and please, if you’re planning on sitting down to catch a race in front of the tube, grab the phone and invite a friend who’s never seen a race. If we can add one more fan this week, we’re on our way to accomplishing our mission.

This Week’s Motorcycle TV Listings:

Monday, May 17

Isle of Man TT, Isle of Man
Pokerstars Senior TT Race
9:00pm-10:00pm
Discovery HD Theater

Tuesday, May 18

Isle of Man TT, Isle of Man
Pokerstars Senior TT Race
12:00am-1:00am
Discovery HD Theater

Twist the Throttle, Ducati
1:00am-2:00am
Discovery HD Theater

AMA Pro Road Racing, Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, CA
3:00am-4:00am – Daytona Sportbike
4:00am-5:00am – American Superbike
Speed

Isle of Man TT, Isle of Man
Pokerstars Senior TT Race
4:00am-5:00am
Discovery HD Theater

Twist the Throttle, Ducati
5:00am-6:00am
Discovery HD Theater

AMA Pro Racing, Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, CA
American Superbike
1:00pm-2:00pm
Speed

FIM World Superbike Championship, Kyalami, South Africa
2:00pm-3:00pm – Supersport
Speed

Isle of Man TT, Isle of Man
600cc Supersport Race 2
2:00pm-3:00pm
Discovery HD Theater

Sunday, May 23

MotoGP World Championship
Monster Energy Grand Prix de France, Le Mans, France
2:00pm-3:00pm – MotoGP
3:00pm-4:00pm – Moto2
Speed

Cameron Donald & Loris Capirossi

Rizla Suzuki MotoGP and Loris Capirossi will be heading to the Isle of Man for the famous TT races in June to help Suzuki celebrate its 50th racing anniversary.

The Suzuki Motor Corporation celebrates 50 years of International racing at this year’s Isle of Man TT races – the venue where it all began in 1960 – and the Japanese manufacturer has announced another ‘first’ on the Island, with the news that Capirossi’s GSV-R MotoGP machine will make a lap of the famous TT course – the first ever modern-day four-stroke Grand Prix motorcycle to lap the 37.73 mile (60.72km) course.

Capirossi’s Suzuki GSV-R800, that took him to his 300th Grand Prix race start at the opening round of the 2010 world championship at Qatar in April, will be piloted by 2008 TT winner Cameron Donald – the first man to complete the Isle of Man circuit at 131mph (210.82km/h) – straight after the final race of this season’s TT calendar on Friday 11th June. Capirossi will also join in the celebrations as he will lead the Friday morning parade lap accompanied by Rizla Suzuki Team Manager Paul Denning, both onboard 2010 Suzuki GSX-Rs – a machine that is itself celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

The GSV-R lap in the hands of Donald will be the crescendo of a week of activities on the Isle of Man as this year’s TT looks set to be owned by Suzuki, with a host of events and attractions taking place throughout race week of the famous festival.

With Suzuki GSX-R1000s the chosen marshal bikes for this year’s event, thanks to Suzuki GB becoming the official TT manufacturer partner, fans will get ample opportunity to revel in the brand’s 50th anniversary with events happening all over the Island.

The Suzuki racing flag on the roads will be flown by Donald’s ‘Relentless Suzuki by TAS team where he will be racing alongside team-mate and former TT winner Bruce Anstey. Suzuki will also have a special exhibition at the Manx Museum, as well as backing the famous Ramsey Sprint events on Sunday 6th and Tuesday 8th June, the Laxey Motorcycle Show on 10th June and the Suzuki parade on the final day of TT fortnight. With an all-star cast of men – including Capirossi – and machines present, this year’s TT certainly looks like being a feast for all things Suzuki!

Loris Capirossi:
“I am really excited about visiting the Isle of Man and supporting Suzuki’s 50th year celebrations; it will be great to go there and be involved. I’ve never been to the TT before so it will be amazing to see those ‘crazy’ guys on the racetrack, but I’m not sure it can really be called a racetrack with all those houses and things around – it’s not like any track I’m used to! I think it is an event that everybody interested in motorcycle racing should go to at least once in their life and after the first time I’m sure I’ll go back again. I want to do one full lap – but not as fast as those guys – so I can see for myself what it’s like and what they have to contend with.”

Cameron Donald:
“To be given the opportunity to ride a MotoGP bike is one thing, but to be offered the Rizla Suzuki GSV-R is a dream come true for me. If I’d been given the opportunity to ride it at a circuit – any circuit – I’d have been more than happy, but to ride it around the world famous Isle of Man TT circuit where I ply my trade, is another thing altogether. I spent time with the Rizla Suzuki guys at Phillip Island last year and they made me feel more than welcome. Loris Capirossi is a great guy and a Grand Prix legend, so to ride one of his bikes is an honour. I know these things don’t get pulled together overnight, so I’d especially like to thank everyone at Suzuki and team bosses at Relentless by TAS Suzuki and Rizla Suzuki – Philip Neill and Paaul Denning – for making this possible. It’s a special year for Suzuki as a manufacturer and a very special anniversary for the GSX-R range. So while I will be aiming to put the Relentless by TAS Suzukis on the top step of the podium this year on the Island, riding the GSV-R will be the icing on the cake.”

Paul Denning – Team Manager:
“With 2010 being the anniversary of Suzuki’s 50th year in mainstream motorcycle racing and with Mr Ito remaining as the only Japanese winner of an Isle of Man TT race, we’re very excited about providing TT fans with the first-ever opportunity to witness a full-blown four-stroke MotoGP bike being hurled around the mountain course. I would say that of all the TT fans who will be excited about this news, that the most excited will be Cameron Donald and we’re really pleased to give him this special opportunity. Loris and myself will also be taking part, but at a far more sedate pace in the parade lap and he can’t wait to see the TT guys going at it for real on race-day. Despite his long history in racing it will be the first time Loris has visited the Isle of Man TT and as he’s said before – ‘this racing is for real men’ – and he can’t wait to be a part of it!”