Guy Martin focused on 2012 TT win after committing to Tyco Suzuki
Wednesday 25 January 2012
TT
Guy Martin is fully focused on finally claiming his maiden Isle of Man TT victory after re-signing for TAS Racing.
He enjoyed a good season with the Northern Irish team in 2011, but he was unable to finally capture that elusive TT win.
However, after confirming the much-anticipated re-signing, Martin said this year is all about taking victory at the 2012 Isle of Man TT fuelled by Monster Energy.
He said:
“It’s taken a while, but it was always on the cards. I’m happy to be back with the team for a second year and I love the new Tyco Suzuki colours. Great job.”
“I couldn’t knock last year to be honest; the only thing we didn’t do was win a TT, but hopefully we’ll put that right in June. That’s the box we want to tick.”
“The North West and Ulster are great events, but it’s a TT win I really want. The team is good enough, the bikes are good enough and I believe the rider is good enough, so it’s time to go out and bloody win one.”
Moneymore-based TAS Racing, one of the TT’s most successful teams, will run as Tyco Suzuki this year.
Martin, the 2011 Ulster Grand Prix Superbike winner and quadruple podium finisher at last year’s TT, will partner Manxman Conor Cummins in an all-new line for the three major International Road Races, the North West 200, the Ulster Grand Prix and the TT.
They will be joined by British Superbike Championship rider Alastair Seeley for a three-pronged attack at the NW200 in May.
Martin has secured 13 podium at the TT since his debut in 2004 and enjoyed a very successful event in 2011 which saw podium finishes in the two Monster Energy Supersport and the Royal London 360 Superstock races, and culminated in the thrilling PokerStars Senior TT, where he led John McGuinness at the end of the second lap before finishing 7 seconds adrift in the 6-lap race, one of the closest Senior TT finishes in history.
He also finished third in the overall championship.
Tyco Suzuki Team Manager Philip Neill said:
“After all the speculation it’s nice to finally be able to officially announce that Guy Martin will continue to race for TAS in 2012, in the new Tyco Suzuki livery.”
“I think we both knew that it was going to happen. We made a verbal agreement to each other last August at the Ulster Grand Prix, but all the speculation has brought great publicity for our sponsors, the team and Suzuki, which is great. But I suppose when Guy gets out of bed these days he gets media coverage.”
He added:
“He’s a hard man to pin down with such a busy schedule, but Guy proved last year that he has all the ingredients required to go all out for that TT win in June. It’s eluded him so far, but we’ll go all out together to make it happen.”
“He’s not just the most popular rider in the UK these days, but also very popular outside the sport, which is good for motorcycling in general. Everyone at TAS, Suzuki, Tyco and existing sponsors like Ian Glen from Beacon are delighted to see him stay for a second year. And with Conor on-board and now Guy I think we have strong team looking ahead to the three international meetings.”
Isle of Man Government TT and Motorsport Manager Paul Phillips is delighted Tyco Suzuki will be a two-man team at the 2012 TT.
He said:
“It’s always exciting for the fans, and the organisers, to see strong riders sign up for the leading teams and the Tyco Suzuki outfit will attract huge interest with both of their riders.”
“Although neither has yet won a TT Race they both have gone very close and with a bit of luck either could already have stood on the top step on the TT podium. They’ll both have plenty of support at this year’s event and will definitely be one of the teams to beat.”