Guy Martin full of confidence for TT despite 'terrible' day at North West 200
Guy Martin says he is ‘full of confidence’ heading into the 2011 Isle of Man TT fuelled by Monster Energy.
Despite a frustrating day at the North West 200, which saw racing abandoned after only one race due to inclement weather, a security alert and oil on the road, Martin said ready for the 2011 TT.
As his Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing teammate Alastair Seeley took a stylish victory in the Supersport race – the only race of the day – Martin had to settle for eighth after making the wrong tyre choice for the wet conditions.
Although he suffered a lack of track time at the last major road meeting before the TT, Martin said the North West had given his confidence a boost.
He explained:
“It was a tough day for everyone involved and a week’s-worth of effort for just one race. Unfortunately I made the wrong tyre choice. To come away with eighth place is nothing to shout about, but I am now going to the Isle of Man full of confidence: confidence in the blokes working on the bikes and confidence in the bikes themselves.”
“It was a terrible day for the people who turned out to watch the racing, but a confidence building day for the bigger picture: the bigger picture being the TT.”
Team Manager Philip Neill added:
“The North West 200 has always been one of my favourite events on the calendar and as Ireland’s biggest sporting occasion it’s a shame to see such a great event abandoned due to unforeseen circumstances. Mervyn Whyte and his team from the Coleraine & District Motor Club did everything in their power to save the day and must be commended for their efforts.”
“Guy made a solid debut on the international roads for our team. Unfortunately he took a gamble with his intermediate tyre choice in the Supersport race and with everyone else on wets, which was the correct choice, makes his eighth place an impressive finish given the conditions.”
“More importantly for Guy is the fact that he now feels really confident with his three GSX-R Suzukis, which he now believes he can take to success at the Isle of Man TT.”
The 2011 Isle of Man TT fuelled by Monster Energy gets under way on May 30 with the first practice session.