2012 Southern 100
One of the leading Isle of Man TT teams, Tyco Suzuki, reports it is pleased with its showing at the 2012 International Southern 100, despite not taking a much-wanted victory.
The meeting was dominated by three-times TT winner Michael Dunlop, but the Suzuki-mounted pair Guy Martin and Conor Cummins managed eight podiums and a fastest lap on GSX-R600 and GSX-R1000 machinery during the four-day meeting
For Manxman Cummins, it was just the tonic he needed after having to sit out 2012 TT through injury, and if anyone was ever in any doubt that he would be back to his best, then the Southern 100 erased any negative thoughts.
He led both Supersport races before give best to Dunlop, but he was in the thick of the action throughout, taking five podiums and the fastest lap in the Radcliffe’s 600cc race.
Conor Cummins says: “It was great to be back racing and more importantly great to be back mixing it at the sharp end. No complaints, both bikes were flying and I really enjoyed the scraps with Michael and the other boys.
“It sets me up well now for Armoy in a couple of week’s time. Thanks to the Tyco Suzuki boys for a huge effort this week and all my personal sponsors for their support.”
Martin also took podiums in all of his races, finishing 2nd on three occasions to Dunlop in the 1000cc classes. The Lincolnshire man was disappointed to miss out on the top step, but again proved the pace is there as the final international of the season, the Ulster Grand Prix, approaches at Dundrod in just over three weeks.
Guy Martin says: “First is first and second is nowhere… isn’t that what they say? Great meeting. Best meeting of the year as it always is and the boys did a great job, but we were just losing out in one particular area. We know what it is and I’m sure we can iron it out before the Ulster.”
Philip Neill (Tyco Suzuki Team Manager) says: “We always enjoy being part of such a friendly race at the Southern 100. It was very pleasing to see Conor back at the sharp end in his first competitive ride since his hand injury at the North West 200. It was his first ever races on the GSX-R600, so to take a fastest lap and a couple of strong second places proves the pedigree of the big man and the Suzuki package.”
“He rode the GSX-R1000 Superbike very well also, on only his second outing on it. Guy is always very competitive at the Southern and his results were also impressive, but unfortunately we just didn’t have what it needed to beat Michael Dunlop this week, but fair play to the lad, he rode very well.
“On a positive note we have another road racing outing coming up at Armoy before the final major of the season at the Ulster Grand Prix. We already know the GSX-R machinery is more than capable of winning around Dundrod and both Guy and Conor have strong records there.”
