Tyco BMW [News] 25th February 2015

Tyco BMW [News] 25th February 2015


Guy Martin and Wiliam Dunlop dreaming of TT glory on new Tyco BMW.


William Dunlop and Guy Martin are dreaming of Isle of Man TT glory after getting together to launch Tyco BMW’s international road racing team in the picturesque surroundings of the 17th century Springhill House.

The tranquil setting, only a stone’s throw away from TAS Racing’s Moneymore headquarters, is a million miles away from the supercharged environment of the TT start line at Glencrutchery Road, and for both Martin and Dunlop the chance to put BMW’s new S1000-RR through its paces on the legendary Mountain Course in June can’t come soon enough.

Each man is still pursuing the greatest prize in motorcycle road racing and with official factory backing from the iconic German manufacturer will feel this year could finally herald a breakthrough victory on the Isle of Man.

Dunlop, who had his first taste of international Superbike success at the North West 200 last year, provided an enticing glimpse of what he is capable of in the blue riband Senior TT in 2014, setting the early pace and challenging for a top-two finish until a crash on the Mountain ended his chances.

The 29-year-old clocked a 130.8mph lap from a standing start to leave him in no doubt that he can run the 131mph pace required to be in with a shot of a coveted six-lap ‘big bike’ victory – the undisputed Holy Grail of road racing.

“I lapped at 130.8mph from a standing start in the Senior and that was even after I made a mistake in the final sector,” Dunlop said.

“I know now that I can lap at 131mph and the good thing is that I know I wasn’t pushing over my maximum, I know I’ve got more left. I just love the look of the new bike and if it goes as well as it looks then we are in for a good year.

“I enjoy working with Guy; he’s great craic and we had fun working together last year. To win a TT is the main goal for us both and on these new bikes and we shouldn’t be too far away.”

Meanwhile, Martin – regarded as the best racer yet to win a TT – stopped short of making any forecasts on whether 2015 would finally be his year, but the fact the 33-year-old is already talking in glowing terms about his new bike without having ridden it probably tells you all you need to know.

“I always give one hundred per cent effort, no matter what I’m doing but I’m not going to make any stupid predictions for the year ahead,” he said.

“I’m confident that the Tyco BMW S1000-RR will make the difference this year. The bike really does look mint.

“I wouldn’t even consider turning up if I wasn’t fully prepared. It’s not about money for me, or waving at the crowd and picking up cheques – stuff that,” he added.

“I go to the TT to try and win and I believe with the same effort as before, and with these guys behind me, the Tyco BMW will be good enough for the job.”

Martin has been at the centre of reports that he is set to cut back on his racing exploits next year but for now, his only focus is the TT.

“People have been asking questions about the retirement story that was in the press, but all I’m interested in is going to the TT and trying to win on this new bike,” he said.

“I’ll only start to think about what I’m doing after that when I’m on the boat home.”

Martin and Dunlop will have their first run out on the Tyco BMW at a scheduled test in Spain in March, when they will join the team’s British championship riders Michael Laverty, Tommy Bridewell and Alastair Seeley.


Courtesy of newsletter.co.uk