printLaverty signs for TAS
Following the confirmation last week that both Bruce Anstey and Adrian Archibald
have re-signed with TAS Suzuki for the three international road racing events
in 2007; the Moneymore based Suzuki team are now pleased to announce the
signing of 24-year-old Toomebridge rider Michael Laverty.
Laverty will campaign the 2007 season in the British Supersport series for the
factory backed TAS Suzuki team, and after a year of development which produced
no less than nine podium finishes, Team Manager Philip Neill is confident of
immediate success.
At only twenty-four Laverty is already an experienced British championship campaigner
having ridden in both the Supersport and Superbike classes over the past four
seasons with many victories and podiums to his credit.
Although the 2006 season was only closed off last weekend at Brands Hatch, the
TAS Suzuki team have already planned a full winter testing schedule for their
new recruit, which could kick-off in South Africa as early as December.
Having ridden for a privateer team last season in British Superbikes, Laverty
is already fired up at the opportunity of riding for the factory backed TAS Suzuki
team on the GSX–R600.
Michael Laverty
“I more than happy to be sorted so early into the off-season and it didn’t
take a lot to convince me that TAS Suzuki were the right team with the best package.
They have proved their pedigree in British Supersport as championship contenders,
and my obvious goal is to help them win the title in 2007. I have discussed a
two–year package with Philip Neill, which could see us move up to Superbike
in 2008. I have plenty of Supersport experience and without knowing who the competition
will be in 2007, I’m already confident of immediate success. Being an Irish
team and having a direct link with the factory is one of the key reasons why
I signed and I certainly don’t feel that it is a step back in any
way.”
Philip Neill – Team Manager
“I am delighted to have signed Michael Laverty for 2007 as I have always
been a strong believer in his ability. He rode for us at the Sunflower Trophy
back in 2003 and it was immediately apparent that the kid had tremendous talent
on a motorcycle. This has given me great motivation for the 2007 season in the
British Supersport championship and I believe that Michael’s style and
structure are very well suited to the 600 class. I now feel that we have a very
strong package combining TAS Suzuki, Michael Laverty and the GSX–R600,
and it is a great compliment – with so much deliberation still going on – that
Michael has chosen to sign for TAS.”
5 October 2006