Anstey makes Ulster GP history

From Team Suzuki News Service

Kiwi Bruce Anstey and his Relentless by TAS Suzuki GSX-R1000 Superbike made history by becoming the world's fastest combination of rider and machine ever in the Ulster Grand Prix at Dundrod in Northern Ireland, averaging an astonishing 133.977mph on Sunday.

Anstey's record-breaking lap aided his Superbike win in the final race of the day, taking the TAS Racing team's top step tally to 12 at 'The Ulster'. And judging by the reaction of the 30,000 strong crowd at the County Antrim venue, the London-based Kiwi was also the event's most popular winner around the 7.401-mile circuit.

Anstey was unfortunate not to have also taken the opening Superbike race win in a six-lap thriller that involved up to six riders. The 41-year-old suggested in a succinct manner afterwards during a radio interview, that backmarkers probably blighted his cause at the Lindsay Hairpin on the final circuit, but was happy in the circumstances with second place.

"I said before today that our bikes were very competitive and while I missed out in the cat-and-mouse game for victory in the opening Superbike race, I wasn't going to make the same mistake twice," Anstey said. "Granted, there wasn't much in it between the top four or five guys today, but ultimately we proved that the GSX-R1000 in Relentless Suzuki trim is not only the best, but the fastest road racing Superbike on the planet. A big thank you to all the boys in the team today for a big effort - they work hard all year and it's nice to give them something to boast about at the end of a tough season."