Cam to Relentless Suzuki for TT2008
Wednesday 05 September 2007
TT
Australian sensation Cameron Donald will contest the 2008 TT with Relentless Suzuki by TAS, it has been confirmed.
After bursting onto the Isle of Man TT scene in 2005, Donald proved a road racing sensation in 2006 – notching up what was then the third fastest time around the Mountain Circuit and second place in the Senior TT Race.
He was tipped to be the man to watch at the Centenary TT, but was forced to pull out due to injury. Now he is determined to make the most of the opportunity to ride for one of the leading teams.
As well as the TT, Donald will be in action at the North West 200 and Ulster Grand Prix, as well as one of the British championship classes.
He got his first taste of the GSX-R Suzuki line-up in a closed test session at Kirkistown, completing 100 laps of the County Down circuit. In the afternoon session, on the GSX-R1000 superbike, he consistently dipped under the outright lap record.
Donald said:
‘It just doesn’t get any better than this – I’m wrapped! I feel privileged to ride for Relentless Suzuki and it’s a great opportunity for me.’
‘Once we’d sorted out the deal I was anxious to get out on track and try the bikes. We all know how good the supersport and superstock Suzukis are, but when I came in after riding the superbike I couldn’t stop smiling. I just thought, I can definitely win on this bike.’
‘I haven’t stopped smiling to be honest. It’s a new challenge for me and I’m also really looking forward to riding at the British circuits in 2008.’
Team manager Philip Neill added:
‘Cameron is a phenomenally talented rider with a good level of technical ability. He also has a great personality and PR skills to match, so obviously we are delighted to have him on board for 2008.’
‘My dad and I have actually had our eye on him for quite some time. He was unlucky to miss out on some international races this year due to injury, but he has all but dominated the national scene in Ireland for the past two years. His second place at the 2006 TT in the Senior race was very impressive, especially as he also recorded a lap of 128mph in only his second appearance in the Isle of Man.’
‘I am also pleased that we were able to give him a taste of what’s to come in a recent test session and he loved the GSX-R Suzukis. After completing around 100 laps on various machines he was able to consistently lap over half a second under the official outright lap record at Kirkistown on our superbike.’
The team is due to make further announcements about signings for 2008 soon.