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Sunflower Trophy Races, Bishopscourt,
Northern Ireland
THERE was success for the Beacon TAS Suzuki
team at the end of season Sunflower Trophy races in Bishopscourt, Northern
Ireland, with Tom Sykes taking a brace of wins and a new class lap–record
in the Supersport events.
Tom also took three podiums – two seconds and
a fine third place in his only Superbike outings of the year.
Ian Lowry, 17,
made his Beacon TAS Suzuki debut on Supersport machinery and didn’t
disappoint with two-second places.
Adrian Coates still suffering the affects
of his end of season high–speed
crash at Brands Hatch finished all three Superbike races in a creditable
sixth place.
Tom Sykes “I love coming to Ireland as the fans are superb and it’s
great to see the support Beacon TAS Suzuki gets at ‘home’. I’m
happy enough the way the meeting went and I did expect to win a least one
of the Superbike races on the Suzuki but Michael has been riding his Honda
all year and that gave him a slight edge. TAS built me a superb bike for
the meeting and only for a little bad luck passing back markers, I may well
have taken one race from Michael! The Supersport races were good fun and
trouble free, so to take the new class record was pretty satisfying.”
Ian Lowry “It has been a great weekend - working with the Beacon
TAS team, Tom and Coatesy has been a great experience. The GSX–R600
Suzuki is an awesome machine and my first outing on Pirelli tyres was pleasing – they
worked a treat. I didn’t want to do anything stupid on my first ride
with the team but I also had a point to prove. A 1–2 for any team
is the best way to finish a race and hopefully I have played my part this
weekend. Thanks to the team and everyone involved that made it happen.”
Adrian Coates “I’m a bit disappointed today that I wasn’t
able to run at the front but in hindsight I’m a bit sore after last
weekend but it has been an enjoyable meeting. The Sunflower is always a
good place to repay the local fans and the team had a pretty good weekend,
so it has been a success for all involved.”
Philip Neil, Team Manager “What can I say, the boys performed superbly
here this weekend. I knew the Superbike races were going to be tough as
we were up against three or four BSB regulars, but as usual Tom didn’t
disappoint anyone with his performances – and as the fans have seen,
Beacon TAS Suzuki can build a top quality Superbike when required to do
so!
“I take nothing away from Michael Laverty but if Tom had been a
little more fortunate passing back markers he may well have taken one win
in the class. Adrian was suffering a little this weekend but was consistent
in all three races and sixth place is no disgrace riding against BSB regulars.
”The Supersport races were very satisfying and although we were expected
to win on the Beacon TAS Suzukis, I was very pleased to come away with a
1–2 in both races. Young Lowry has ‘arrived’ and with
the help of Pirelli who sent us a technician for the weekend, he proved
a worthy team member in our set–up. He is certainly one to watch next
year in the Supersport class.
“Finally I would just like to thank the
Hillsborough Club and everyone involved in the meeting, which was superbly
organised and supported by one of the biggest crowds I have ever seen at
a national short circuit event in Ireland. Hopefully a BSB event is just
around the corner!”
For last minute up-to-date news, please visit www.tasracing.com
October 16th.