Farquhar determined to forget "frustrating" TT
Wednesday 10 March 2010
TT
Record-breaking racer Ryan Farquhar is determined to put his disappointing 2009 TT behind him as he bids for more glory around the Mountain circuit in 2010.
During a stunning season last year, the Dungannon star took 61 race wins and surpassed Joey Dunlop’s record of Irish national race wins. He also claimed the prestigious Duke Road Race Rankings title for the fourth time and was voted Irish Motorcyclist of the Year by fans.
However, his TT was one low point in an otherwise amazing year. Despite being one of the most experienced racers on the Mountain, Farquhar was unable to add to his tally of two TT wins.
Speaking in the latest issue of the TT Newsletter he admits last year's event was ‘frustrating’, but he is confident the 2010 TT will be better.
Reflecting on 2009, he says:
‘There’s been a few highlights – the Ulster GP was great for me with three wins and I always enjoy the Southern 100. The Scarborough Classic Meeting was amazing with 18 wins from 18 starts – that was a busy one! And Killalane was where I took Joey’s record, so that was emotional.’
‘The TT was frustrating, I spent too much time developing the Superbike and maybe neglected the other classes a bit. All change for this year though!’
At the 2010 TT, Farquhar will again ride Kawasaki Superstock and Supersport machinery prepared by his own team, KMR. However, his Ninja ZX-10R Superbike will be supplied by MSS Colchester Kawasaki. It will be similar specification to the team’s British Superbike Championship bikes.
He tells the TT Newsletter:
‘I spoke to Michael Johnstone at Kawasaki UK through the season and he arranged a meeting with Nick Morgan, it was all sorted out by the NEC. So now I have a fully prepped Superbike for the season.’
‘My own Superstock bike was good, but you need more for the NW and TT and I think the experience that MSS have from their BSB racing will mean a great package.’
‘The bike will differ to the BSB machine – we’ll be running Maxton suspension and will run everything a bit stronger for the bumps and jumps. We obviously need a starter motor but engine-wise it’s as good as a BSB motor, so big power!’
In the interview, Farquhar also discusses the Irish fans who flock to the Isle of Man for the TT, the appeal of racing in the Island and what he does away from the circuit during the fortnight.
Read the full interview by downloading the Isle of Man TT Newsletter Issue 3 now.