printNorth West 200, Northern Ireland – 2007
Kiwi Bruce Anstey showed dogged determination to take a hat trick of wins
at the Kennedy International North West 200 for Relentless Suzuki on Saturday
May 12th. Never one to hog the limelight, Anstey’s script couldn’t
have been written any better by Alfred Hitchcock in a sunshine thriller,
all witnessed by 150,000 enthusiastic fans.
In the Superstock event the Relentless Suzuki pilot was never troubled heading
the 50 strong field for the entire race distance, also setting a new class lap
record of 121.901mph on lap four.
In both the Supersport races Anstey battled with British Championship regulars
Steve Plater, Guy Martin and John McGuinness but it was the Kiwi who did the
out-foxing taking both wins on his GSX–R600 Suzuki. Again he set a new
class lap record of 118.407mph.
Had it not been for a race one crash a York Corner, then Anstey could well have
gone through the card on race day, although he was awarded second place in race
one to cap his relentless enthusiasm for success at the Triangle.
Teammate Adrian
Archibald had a positive day in his preparation for the forthcoming TT races
and was involved in a six-way battle for the final podium place in the Superstock
event before eventually finishing in 8th place. He was also the top Irishman
in the feature event, the Blackhorse Finance Superbike race taking another solid
8th place.
Bruce Anstey
“I love the atmosphere of the North West 200 and today’s event has
been good to me with three wins. I was a bit disappointed not to have given myself
a better chance on the Superbike as I really felt I could have been in with a
shout in both, but that’s racing and I can’t be greedy I suppose.
The first race crash was fairly low speed and I did give myself a bit of a bashing
but the two bikes the team prepared for me in the Supersport and Superstock events
were faultless. Big credit must go to the boys in the garage and of course Suzuki
for producing the worlds best production machines. We are now in a great position
heading to the TT at the end of the month”
Adrian Archibald
“Not standing on the podium is always disappointing for any rider but the
North West has now become a short circuit type event. Apart from Bruce, who did
a great job for the team today, it’s the BSB regulars that make up the
top placings and some of the bar bashing involved is not for me. I’m pleased
enough with the progress we have made today with bikes, tyres and suspension
and I’m in a confident frame of mind for the Centenary TT which suits my
style of riding.”
Philip Neill – Team Principal
“The organisers did a great job today in difficult circumstances and it
would be rude of me not to compliment both Mervyn Whyte and the Coleraine Club
for putting on, what I feel, was one of the best North West 200s for a very long
time. The people came out in their thousands and as a local team we are proud
to have won three races today.
After his qualifying form on Tuesday I didn’t want to tell myself, but
I did feel that Bruce could have gone through the card and won all five races.
He’s a remarkable character and had the first Superbike race [which was
red-flagged] been taken back two laps after his crash – as is the case
on most occasions in Ireland – he’d have won four races! Nevertheless
we have a great set-up on the big bike for the TT.
We were quietly confident of two wins here today after qualifying, but that didn’t
take anything away from the satisfaction we felt when Bruce crossed the line
in both Supersport races and the Superstock race.
We have turned the GSX–R600 Suzuki into a real rocket ship over the past
two years to the bemusement of other teams both here and in England. Thankfully
the bikes got stripped by the officials after the three races, which not only
proves they are fast, reliable and legal, but it also stops the rich men with
cheque books tongue’s wagging!
Adrian had a positive day and was in the mix early on in the Superstock race.
He was outdone for third by what I would call short circuit racing tactics. Tactics
that now have to be adopted to win at the North West 200, but he’s on course
with his preparation for the TT so we’re all fairly happy.
It was also great to have our loyal sponsors here today and although Ian Glen
of Beacon Security is a regular at the North West 200, Sean and the guys from
Relentless made their first trip this weekend – I think they went home
happy.”
12 May 2007