2012 Isle of Man TT
William Dunlop is targeting victory and a 130mp lap at the 2012 Isle of Man TT fuelled by Monster Energy.
Speaking to the Belfast News Letter, Dunlop said he is heading to the TT to win and he hopes the Wilson Craig Hondas are straight on the pace.
It is the 26-year-old’s second season with Wilson Craig and after making huge improvements during 2011, he has high expectations for this year – especially the TT.
Speaking to the Belfast News Letter, Dunlop says: “I can’t wait to get going again and I’ve been training hard during the winter. I’ve put on about a stone in weight because I’ve been bulking up to build up my strength for the big bikes.
“Fitness is a big thing now and especially at the TT it makes a difference when you’re in a six-lap Superbike race. I’ve had a full year now on Wilson’s bikes and we should be able to make a fast start this year, which will be a first for me.”
Dunlop showed enough last year to suggest he will be in contention at the 2012 TT the News Letter reports, pointing out he set his fastest ever lap at 128mph in the Senior race before a broken steering damper on lap two slowed his progress.
It adds he nursed the bike home in 8th and left the Isle of Man confident he could challenge for the podium in 2012.
William Dunlop says: “I just know I’ll be able to lap at 130mph this time. I lapped at 128mph from a standing start on Wilson’s Superbike before the steering damper broke and I know I can push on this year.
“I know where I’m going now at the TT and the bikes are first class, so I’m going to the TT to win.”
Dunlop narrowly missed out on rewarding Wilson Craig with international success at the Ulster Grand Prix at Dundrod, where he twice lost the lead of the Supersport races on the final lap at the hairpin to brother Michael. Although he did manage a string of national wins, Dunlop’s primary aim this year is to seal an international triumph at the TT.