Perfect start to road racing season for local team

It was a tremendous result for the Moneymore based team who admitted that the event would be used as a chance to fine tune their tactics and machines.

Despite completing a handful of laps at the Thruxton circuit a fortnight ago, Cookstown was Martin’s first time on a motorcycle since his win at the Ulster Grand Prix in August last year, proving that despite a varied and often criticised schedule, the Kirmington truck mechanic has kept himself in top-top condition.

Martin was happy with the Superbike win but admitted there is plenty of work ahead.

“It could have been better but a win’s a win and we weren’t a million miles away with where we needed to be. The big Suzuki is right there on the ball and only for a little mistake we could have given the Tyco Suzuki boys a double today – I’m disappointed at that”.

“It’s good though. I’ve enjoyed the run out, blown the cobwebs out and we’ll be back now for the North West in a couple of weeks and hopefully we can climb a few steps there as well.”

Team boss Philip Neill was extremely positive about how the weekend panned out and can’t wait to get up to the NW200 for an exciting week of racing.

“As much as Cookstown is an opportunity to run some final tests with our 2012 road racing bikes prior to the NW200 and TT, it is of course our local road race and one we like to support. To gain a win in the Superbike class this early in the season is fantastic and very positive for the upcoming events. Together with the race win and the fastest lap in both races was very satisfying.”

“Guy made a small mistake or would have had a certain double as he had already reeled in leader Ryan Farquhar, who is a circuit specialist, and he did it fairly easily. After that performance both Guy and the team are looking forward to our next outing on the roads where we can add Seeley and Cummins to our line-up at the North West 200.”