printAnstey in North West 200 Four-timer
Kiwi Bruce Anstey served up a five star performance for 150,000 delighted fans
at a sun–soaked Kennedy International North West 200 with four podium
finishes from five starts; this included a first ever international victory
for the all–new GSX–R600 Suzuki in the Supersport class and a start
to finish demolition of the opposition in the Superstock class on his TAS Suzuki
machinery. The TAS Suzukis also topped the speed trap times in every class
around one of the fastest road circuits in the world.
Coming from a winter of mountain bike training, Anstey arrived at the North West
200 with what can only be described as ‘an afternoons testing’ at
a local circuit and a handful of races at the Tandragee 100 national road races.
Nevertheless, the TAS Suzuki pilot put his TT rivals firmly in the shade with
a scintillating performance.
DeWalt Superbike Race – 2nd Place
After Passing BSB regular Michael Rutter, Anstey lead on laps 2 and 3 before
using the best of his Pirelli tyre in the closing stages. While a blanket could
have covered the top three Bruce narrowly missed out on the victory finishing
in a fine 2nd place. This was his first ever outing on the TAS Suzuki Superbike
complete with its retro paint–scheme.
Club Soi Supersport Race 1 – Winner
Bruce started this race from pole position leading from start to finish on the
all–new GSX–R600 Suzuki. He was never challenged or troubled throughout
the 5–lap race handing Suzuki their first–ever international success
in this class.
CP Hire Superstock Race – Winner
Bruce, who has become something of a master in this class, started from pole
position and led on the opening lap before shadowing the Kawasaki of Ian Hutchinson
to preserve his tyre during a race when the track temperature was 34 degrees.
On the final circuit Bruce lined up Hutchinson at the Juniper Hill chicane, slipping
passed with consummate ease to take victory number two for TAS Suzuki.
Blackhorse North West 200 Superbike Race – Retired from 3rd place
Unfortunately, the screen on the TAS Suzuki Superbike was smashed during the
warm–up lap, which slightly unsettled the New Zealander and he was tenth
into the York Hairpin on the opening lap after an uncharacteristically sluggish
start. Not to be outdone Bruce passed the factory Honda’s of Michael Rutter
and John McGuinness on the run into Metropole almost sucking the stickers off
their fairings as he battled back into second place! On the third lap after feeling
a slight vibration from his rear tyre, the experienced Kiwi decided that discretion
was the better part of valour and retired at the paddock for safety reasons,
which cannot be criticised.
Ballymoney Borough Council Supersport Race 2– 3rd Place
Starting again from pole position Bruce led on laps 2 and 3 while being closely
pursued by Ian Hutchinson and Rob Frost. On the penultimate lap while stalking
his opponents from third place and a possible hat–trick on the cards, Bruce
was unable to get past the over–exuberant Rob Frost and decided on a safe
podium finish as the Englishman was using the ‘full of the road’ to
block any attack from the TAS Suzuki rider.
Bruce Anstey
“It was an unbelievable day and although I would have liked a Superbike
win I have to say that the bikes in every class were simply awesome – probably
the best I have ever ridden. I just love the new GSX–R600 and that Superbike… well
I can’t wait to get it fired up around the Isle of Man TT! I’m delighted
for the team and for Suzuki; we have proven today that our bikes are a match
for anything out there, and in a straight line that big Suzuki is something else.
The plus for me is that none of my TT rivals really featured, so it’s home
for a bit of rest then off to the Isle of Man in good spirits.”
Philip Neill – Team Manager
“The man is a genius! To come back to racing from virtual hibernation and
literally no testing – then to go and beat some of the best riders and
factory teams from British Superbikes is phenomenal. He arrived in Ireland only
last week looking a shadow of his former self – he has lost weight and
followed a strict training programme, which has certainly helped him today. Let’s
not forget, he was the only rider at the sharp end in virtually every race this
weekend and to take four podiums in that type of company is so pleasing for us.
It speaks volumes, not only of the man but also of the whole team. We have come
a long way in a relatively short space of time and after Ryan Farquhar got injured
we were down to virtually a one–man team.
Callum Ramsay came in at the last minute and didn’t really get enough time
to set the bike up to suit his style. With the stoppages and red flags he only
got 5 laps on the bike in practice, which is not enough at this level and we
don’t expect miracles from any rider. In saying that, he handled himself
very professionally, as did American Mark Miller, and we are looking forward
to possibly doing something with him [Callum] in the future. Mark found the North
West 200 a bit more difficult to learn than he originally anticipated, but he
is away home to show his mates the speed trap times where he was second fastest
in the class with 186mph on public roads!
With the TT only weeks away I am pleased with our preparation, but now it’s
back to the British Supersport Championship this coming weekend at Mondello Park
where we will be looking for that first victory with Tom Sykes and Ian Lowry
in action.”
14th May 2006