Road Racing guide 2015

Your definitive guide to all this Year’s action on the roads TYCO BMW: ’s time to shine? –The TT’s scariest corners 2015’s rookies, stars and best events –Plus lots more! NUMBER ONE ON WET ROADS.

WATERWON’T CATCHYOU UNPREPARED. With ROADTECZ8INTERACT™ we onlyhavetoworry aboutour next destination. Roadtec™ Z8 INTERACT M/Ohas been considered N°1onwet roadsaccording to atestperformed in February2012comparing it with DunlopSportmax RoadsmartII, Michelin PilotRoad3,Bridgestone BattlaxBT023 andContinentalRoadAttack2,ona120/70 ZR and180/55ZR17set. The season’s end, at Macau... Time to focus CONTENTS 04 Introduction very yeyear,ar, just after Christmas when bikes are sorely missed and 06 Stars of 2015 testosterone levels rereachach new highs, I fancy a crack at roroadad raracing.cing. 10 Tyco BMW S 1000 RR ENothing else on the planet can contest the undiluted thrills of the 14 TT’s scariest corners sport, the close spectator proximities and the general vibe of a roroadad raracingcing 21 Paul Phillips paddock. But then rerealityality hits home, I look down and rerealisealise I haven’t got 24 A year in the life of the gargantuan testicles of these gladiatorial mavericks. Instead, I enjoy 26 New blood writing about them and looking at pretty/utterly insane pictures. 28 Metzeler By the time yoyouu rereadad this, the Irish roroadad raracingcing season will be getting 30 Calendar the green light closely followed by the North WeWestst 202000 kicking off the international season. It’s all veveryry wewellll wawatchingtching on the TV, but standing in a hedgerow with yoyourur mates, beer in hand as a bike flashes past at 200mph, is a completely different and utterly essential endeavour. It’s the old cliché, but it gets better every year. More manufacturers, bigger teams, better sponsors: the pure world is set for an epic 2015, as new blood joins the fray and some of the more elder statesmen, like Keith Amor and , return for more thrills. The inherent danger is an intrinsic and accepted aspect of the sport, but that doesn’t make things any easier. In 2014, we lost two big names and two massive characters from the paddock in Simon Andrews and Karl Harris. We also said goodbye to several other fallen riders last year, all of whom contributed to the sport we love. So here’s to a safe but spectacular 2015 – Alastair 2015. Guy’s year? www.faSTbikESmag.COm

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Road RacinG Guide 2015 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM 3 Get the show on the roads

2015 promises so much in the road racing world. New bikes, epic circuits and some of the most skilled and brave racers you’re ever likely to meet... n a world where health and safety reigns across all classes. This’ll be your first chance to supreme, it’s refreshingly to see the road see household names and big teams in 2015 Iracing world growing in stature. From new action, after some major off-season seat laws that allow flexibility for road closures in swapping and new partnerships. Ireland – an essential piece in the puzzle for Just weeks after the NW200, the circus moves weather and financial intentions – to a near to the for TT fortnight; the focal certainty that we’ll see a TT ‘World Series’ in a point for anyone’s road racing season. And in few years from now, the sport is undoubtedly August we have the world’s fastest race – the going from strength to strength. Ulster GP – before heading back to the Isle of Early this year, it was announced that plans to Man for the Classic TT. The 62nd Macau Grand stage an international World Series have been Prix rounds off 2015. given the go-ahead to start cementing proposals. Looking at the big boys, Phillip and Hector The Manx government has put the promotion Neill’s Tyco squad switch from to BMW rights up for tender, which will also include a machinery for 2015 and retain their rider pairing ‘commercial partner’ to run the TT itself. With of Guy Martin and William Dunlop. also 43,000 race fans flocking to the island and keeps the same bums on seats with John contributing around £25m to the local economy, McGuiness and , while Valvoline someone is onto a winner... Racing by Padgett’s field . This is massive news and could spell the end It’s a shame that Milwaukee Yamaha’s Josh of racing’s ‘off-season’, with events in Brookes will be absent from the roads to the southern hemisphere during the UK’s winter. concentrate on short circuit obligations, although This is welcome news for riders, who could signing boosts the team through potentially earn a living throughout the year the roof. Dunlop will run his own bikes in rather than relying on a small wage and supersport and superstock. start/prize money. It could also be a catalyst for James Hillier will be looking to improve on a riders to make a proper career out of the sport. disappointing 2014 and once again spearheads The once again kicks off the Kawasaki’s chances on Quattro Plant Ninjas. international calendar with a massive entry list Also representing in an official Team Green capacity is GBMoto, who make their pure roads debut with Gary Johnson. And Paul Bird’s PBM squad returns to the TT with Ian Hutchinson. Although Michael Dunlop dominated 2014, nearly stole the show with a frankly ridiculous 129mph TT lap, and makes his return with the RAF Reserves BMW team. Others worth a shout include MarTrain Racing’s Dean Harrison, who looks to build on his Lightweight TT win last year. A shout goes out to our technical partners at JHS Racing, who have landed a big-name rider in the form of local lad, . And ex-WSS madman, Robbin Harms makes his TT debut this year. Who’s going to take the big wins? Who knows!

There’s no time to be enjoying the scenery at over 180mph... here are a staggering T dozen riders STARS entered in the TT superbike classes who have lapped at OF over 130mph –and this year’s racing will be the most open for years. With entry lists bigger then ever across all the major road races, 2015’s action is sure to be sizzling all season. Here 2015 is how we rate all the big boys’ chances…

Michael Dunlop John McGuinness We shouldn’t be surprised if McGuinness is still riding motocross and enduro bikes, but heads into Mickey Dunlop rocks up and 2015 without any debilitating injuries. A buggered scaphoid pretty wins the lot. Plenty of much screwed the Morecambe brickie’s efforts armchair fans have been last season but he’s now fighting fit. Ish. writing him off after the ex- A ‘clash of sponsors’ means that McPint won’t BMW man signed for Shaun be riding the Padgett’s bikes (Valvoline Muir’s Milwaukee Yamaha sponsors Padgetts, Motul doesn’t). squad, claiming that the all- Instead, he will join Conor Cummins on new R1 isn’t proven. The BMW Jackson Racing CBR600RRs in wasn’t a proven package supersport classes, and gets all Guy either, and look what Martin in the superstock class – happened in 2014... And running his own Fireblade out of judging from the way Roosty the back of his van. Whatever has been waxing lyrical about the team, McGuinness will be a the R1, Dunlop is a guaranteed favourite and goes after each way bet. He looks fitter ’s all-time than ever, too. Let’s say wins record. Might sneak a at all the International races few from Dunlop, but Having a and four at the TT. not on a 600… little nap...

Winner!

6 Road Racing guide 2015 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM Not beaming, WilliaM Dunlop but a Beemer... The elder and much quieter of the Dunlop duet remains with the TAS Tyco squad, but like Guy Martin, should enjoy switching to BMW power in 2015. He’ll also enjoy riding again after that horror smash at at last year’s TT, which broke his leg. Like Guy, William has never won a TT (taking five podiums) but is a winner on the roads. Remember that race with his brother at the NW200 last year? He’s certainly hungry. Podiums. Guy Martin It’s now or never for the lorry mechanic/pork scratchings connoisseur/tea drinker/TV star. Some would argue that the out-dated Tyco Suzuki machinery of the past few years hasn’t been good enough, but now he’s riding verified, race-winning bikes across all classes, although we’re sure Michael Dunlop won’t be sharing BMW set-up data. Much has been made of Martin’s ride on the Smith’s Triumph in the supersport class, ‘pinching’ Gary Johnson’s seat in the process. Whatever happened behind the scenes, GM is on Will the BMW another race-winning bike and 2015 looks like his best move suit chance of a debut TT victory in a long time. He always Dunlop Snr? goes well at all other major road races, too.

Bruce anstey Anstey continues to Gary Johnson The current TT outright impress with his silent 2011 and 2014 supersport race winner, lap record holder is but violent attitude, Gary Johnson has been ejected from the Smiths back again with taking four TT podiums team but makes a switch to ‘full-factory’ Valvoline Racing by in 2014 and annihilating Kawasaki big-bike machinery in the hands of Padgett’s and is the competition on GBmoto – the BSB outfit making its Isle of Man TT another favourite in all a YZR500 at the debut. His supersport seat has yet to be classes – including the Classic TT. Bruce also confirmed, but once again Johnson will pilot the TT Zero, has ten wins to his WK Supertwin in the Lightweight class. Judging where he’ll name at both the from his pre-race comments, he’s fired right up partner NW200 and the and is another favoured frontrunner. McGuinness Ulster, and the for more 45 year old The Lincs Mugen shows no sign effect... dominance. of slowing Bruce down...

Super fast, super Bruce!

RoaD RaciNg guiDe 2015 Cameron DonaLD Conor Cummins Let’s be honest; if the Norton even finishes a race Embarking on his second consecutive season with at the TT, it’ll be like a win for Cameron Donald. Honda Racing and John McGuinness, ‘Conrod’ will be The Aussie’s best chance of wins comes via a looking for his first TT win and building on last year’s supersport ride with Valvoline Racing by Padgett’s brace of podiums on the factory Fireblade. The which should fire up the first man to top 131mph Manxman will also compete at the other big races and at the TT. is well over that horrific crash of 2010. Before that smash, Cummins was making epic progress and challenging the stalwarts. Expect podiums.

Sweet Aussie adventures... cheeks!

Lee Johnston James hiLLier A Kwak The pint-sized ex-British A member of the elite 131mph attacks... champion rides for East Coast club, and the fifth fastest rider Racing again this season, ever at the TT, the Ringwood rider racing at the TT, NW200, Ulster remains with the UK’s official GP and Macau. Like many in Team Green entrant: Quattro 2015, Johnston switches to Plant Kawasaki. He’s limiting his BMW power for the big competition to racing the NW200 classes and a Triumph 675R and TT, plus the Classic TT, but for supersport. He’s been a looks to build on his debut win consistent top-ten finisher at in 2013. Regular top-five in the TT in recent years, with a the big bikes and is fit again best lap of 127mph. Might after breaking his leg scrape a top-five on The before last season Mountain course but he’s a had even begun. frontrunner at the NW200.

Dean harrison Last year’s Lightweight TT winner is probably the hottest up and coming pure roads talent. Harrison joins Mar-Train Yamaha in the official UK entry onboard the all-new R1, lining up at all the major events –plus a few of the Irish rounds, where he’s gone well at in previous years. More wins An outside tip are imminent. A tight squeeze... for honours?

8 RoAd RAcing guide 2015 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM Peter Dan kneen The Manxman was HIckman royally rogered when Smashing a 129mph lap a big sponsor pulled on his first visit to the out just a few weeks ago. Island, Hicky has left At the time of writing, he everyone with high hasn’t got a big-bike deal hopes for his return in sorted, but will race the 2015. He’ll be riding the JHS Racing Supertwin in RAF Reserves BMW that the Lightweight TT. The he’ll campaign in BSB, Suzuki Gladius has been so should benefit from vastly outnumbered by knowing the bike. Top- Kawasaki’s ER-6 but the fives are a big ask but JHS bike is very, very he’ll soon be a member fast, and with a top rider of the 130mph club. like Kneen onboard, it’ll be even faster. 100bhp Hicky behind Milky from a happy shopper? on his first TT lap... Very naughty.

Honourable Seeley Ian HutcHInson does it... Hutchinson looks to be in good mentIons: shape, much happier, and back – The North with a team he knows well. West 200 is the Wee Wizard’s Hutchy has signed for Paul Bird’s sole road race of the year. Kawasaki team in an attempt to The Tyco BMW rider is fifth in regain some of that magical form the all-time winners’ list, with from 2010, where he romped to 12 victories at the triangle. five TT wins with Padgett’s. He’s Regardless of machinery, getting bored of journos asking Seeley will be right up there in him how his gammy leg is, so all classes. he’ll let his riding do the talking. Only time in the seat will see Ivan Linton - RC Express Hutchy back on the box. Racing’s new rider is lightning quick on the smaller bikes, taking Ivan, not terrible... wins at the Ulster, and Scarborough in recent years. He was also fastest qualifier at The Blade last year’s Lightweight TT, and unplugged... should further excel with the race-winning team.

Both Keith Amor and Ryan Farquhar make their comebacks in 2015 and the pairing will be looking to beat up some of the youngsters. Amor loves Unlikely to challenge for race the TT wins at the TT but will be a force at the NW200. Talking of Weight lifting old boys, Michael Rutter has is all part of swapped his bus pass for a race the training... licence again and, although not finalised, looks like he’ll ride for Penz13 on .

RoAd RAcIng guIde 2015 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM 9 TYCO BMW Weapons of mass destruction

After 15 years with Suzuki, the TAS squad has ended They look proper a relationship synonymous with Suzuki GSX-Rs, fast already… switching to German machinery in 2015…

he team’s name may have altered several times over Tthe years but the father and son duo of Hector and Philip Neill remain firmly unchanged. TAS Racing, or nowadays Tyco BMW to give it the full commercial stage name, is one of very few teams that combine short circuit and pure road racing with genuine success. We caught Winners… up with Philip Neill and asked...

...Why BMW? Is this a BMW UK deal or do you get full- “I’ve been kekeepingeping an eyeeye on the S 10100000 RR for a factory support from ? few years now, as has everybody, since the “We’ve got great support from BMW, both in the UK superbike first came out and hit the race track. It and directly from Germany. They have a fair few was a very impressive package from day one, years of experience tucked under their belt at World especially if you can make a bike that good Superbike level, although the model has changed within the first year. People said it would take a now. We are getting a significant amount of support few years for it to be a force to be reckoned with. from BMW, but it’s fair to say it will be our project. In the past couple of years, in my opinion, it’s The majority of the direction of where we’re going been the bike of choice – if you could have had with the bikes will be our own decision and most of that choice, of course. the parts used on the bikes will be developed in- “At that early stage, we weren’t sniffing around house, by us, by TAS Racing. Chassis wise anyway, for any other manufacturer but that doesn’t stop that’ll be exclusively ours. The engine, we’re taking you looking at bikes you’d like to be on if you a higher level of assistance from Germany.” were making a move. When the opportunity came this time round, a number of things built up to be in How different will the bikes that William a position to except the offer [from BMW]. And Dunlop and Guy Martin ride at the TT to when the opportunity came round, it was a no the BSB Beemers of Bridewell and Laverty? brainer for me really. Had it been any other “Nowadays, the British Superbike and TT bike won’t manufacturer, I’ve got to say I don’t know whether differ so much. A few years ago, it’s fair to say the we would have changed from where we were, bikes would have been significantly different. The because we obviously had a great time with Suzuki rules and regulations that have changed in various and a good relationship. But this BMW offer was too championships in the last couple of years, and the good to miss.” fact that TT rules are following these rules means

10 Road Racing guide 2015 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM we’re certainly closer in the direction of the other probably have to say that the knowledge that the championships [BSB]. It’s got to a point now where guys at BMW picked up from the TT last year, and we’re using the same spec engines in both BSB and all their various racing across the globe, that will all TT, and that’s a new thing this year. In 2014 we were be relevant and go into the mix to produce the 2015 still able to use a full FIM-spec superbike engine. bike, which is obviously different to the 2014 bike. “Even with the electronics there’s not a huge I’m sure it wasn’t specifically built for Michael, and difference. You’ve got the option to run the BSB I’m assuming they took little extracts from all the package or run the manufacturer’s own package. racing activities in producing that bike. When you’re that close in those two things, which “The engine support that we’re getting from are fairly fundamental parts if the bike, there really them, they obviously would have learnt from isn’t much point in trying to develop two separate last year, but again, the engines that Michael motorbikes. Although they will be separate bikes, would have run at the TT last year would have they’ll be very, very similar, aside from small detail been full FIM spec. Ordinarily we would have had changes like steering head angle (offset) and access to, but you’re not allowed to use them suspension linkages.” anymore. Between the 2015 model being an all- new package and the engine specification being Given BMW’s success at the TT last changed, it really is a very different motorbike year with Michael Dunlop, what can than what they raced at the TT last year. you take from 2014? I’m sure Mickey D “That’s how we like it anyway. That’s how we won’t be sharing data, but there must be want it. We don’t really want to be given someone some benefits. else’s data, as we’d rather create our own “Nothing really, I think it’s fair to say. It’s not package. If we have success with it then it’s our something that we’ve been given access to and it’s success, and if we don’t have success then it’s our not something we want access to. But I would failure, you know?”

Road Racing guide 2015 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM 11 Philip Neill on his Tyco BMW pilots… Guy Martin Entering his fifth season with TAS, this has to be Guy Martin’s best shot at winning a TT. What’s he like to work with? “Guy is part of the furniture with us now, and hopefully he feels that same towards us. We’ve been working together for quite a long time now, although it seems a lot longer! “This is Guy’s fifth year with us now. We know each other inside out. Clearly he’s a bit different. I find him easier to work with now than when we started. You might find that odd as his life outside of bikes has changed significantly in the past few years, but he has a better grip on his general schedule these days, and I certainly don’t have issues with him. Yes, he’s a little different and he’s sometimes not as involved away from the race track as some riders like to be, but that suits us. We keep him informed when we need to and Guy was Like herding cats! a significant part of the decision making process to go with BMW in the first place. He was the first rider that we shared the idea with to gauge his “It goes without saying that Guy will go out and thoughts on it. Even more so because we knew he do the best that he can do, put a 101000 per cent effort was very likely to continue with us.” in like he always does, and wewe’ll’ll put a 101000 per cent effort in for him like we always do, and then it’ll Guy’s always talked about how relaxed largely depend on what everyone else can do. What the agreements are with you guys. Is it I would say is, and I think it’s relevant, we won’t simply a handshake to get the deal done? base this whole relationship and the success of the “Pretty much. I mean, we do have a piece of paper year on whether or not Guy wins a TT. It’ll be a but whether that forms a contact now remains to be massive boost for all of us, and for motorcycling in seen. At the end of the day, there’s a piece of paper general if Guy wins at the TT.” somewhere just in case he or I was run down by a bus and weren’t here tomorrow. From day one, the Much has been made of GM’s recent agreement with Guy Martin was done on a retirement comments. What’s the deal? handshake. It’s usually been done before the Ulster “He and I have just laughed about it really, because Grand Prix in August. It’s really nice when it works I asked the question recently, had anyone actually like that and it’s a bit of fresh air working with Guy. spoken specifically about, or used the word Don’t get me wrong, we’ve had other options over retirement. I can’t speak for him, he’s his own man the years and I know Guy has had other options, and could change his mind either way, but I think but it’s nice in this day and age that we seem to like what he was trying to say was that he’d like to working with each other, and we’ll stick with that have a bit more time away from racing, because he regardless of the fact we haven’t won a TT for him likes doing other things. And I understand that. If and he hasn’t won a TT for us yet. Guy wants to step back and do less racing than he “We have the ‘will Guy win a TT’ all the time does now, I’m happy enough with that. We’d be but what I would say is that the move onto the fairly flexible on our agreement with Guy, in fact, BMW is a positive one from that point of view. we have been this year. We were pretty used to that What I’m saying in a roundabout way is that it in the early days with Mr Anstey! I don’t think Guy should increase Guy’s chances of winning a TT. will ever fully retire, but that’s just my opinion.”

12 Road Racing guide 2015 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM WILLIAM DUNLOP Over 35 years has passed since Hector Neill sponsored a certain Joey Dunlop on a Suzuki RG500. In 2015, Joey’s nephew joins TAS Racing for a second crack. Is this William Dunlop’s year? “I think this is William’s year. He’s a super, super lad, and he’s fitted into the team with us really well. It’s very hard to get to know him because he’s so deep and guarded, but when you get to know him, boy, he’s a different character from the outside. I’ve gained a real affection to William and I Prince William! think he’s had a number of bad deals in his time, and been unlucky. I think he’ll be the first to admit he didn’t spend enough time on big bikes, but he’s “I wawass speaking to him this morning and I started to look really at home in the past few years. genuinely don’t think he could be any happier at And I’ll tell you what, judging from the Almeria this point. He said himself, and I don’t think he’d test, he looks at home on the BMW. It just looks mind me quoting him, that he beli belieeveves for the first like the bike was made for him. time he can win on this bike.”

The Tyco team getting miles under their belts in Spain

ALASTAIR SEELEY

Alastair Seeley has already won a never any drive from my side to push them into championship for the Neills, lifting racing the TT. If Alastair was to come to me and the 2009 British Superstock series. seriously discuss an interest in riding at the TT, The Wee Wizard mixes British Superbike then I would do everything that I can to make responsibilities with road racing – that opportunity happen for him. He has never although he’ll only join them on the done so, and we’ve never talked about why he roads at the North West 200. doesn’t want to. If the NW200 are his limits to “I don’t really know why Alastair doesn’t do the road racing, then so be it. But I have no doubt that TT. We’ve got a rule that we never break, that I if Alastair Seeley decided to spend two or three don’t coax anyone into doing the TT. As with Josh years learning the TT, he would be capable of Brookes, when he was racing with us, there was running at the front.”

Road Racing guide 2015 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM 13 Gary Johnson’s ScarieSt cornerS at ththee tttt

Lined with walls, trees and houses, with 9.99 per cent of any road racing course provokes brown trouser moments just the odd gathering of spectators thrown 9thinking about it for those that don’t have to in, every inch of the TT circuit is a scary compete there. But what about the racers? These hooligans are the only ones who can describe the place for us mere mortals. Each corner most scary corners with any authority. looks dangerous to the likes of us, but Asking a TT racer about what parts of the course they find bum clenching is like asking a some must be more frightening than surgeon what they find gory about their job. others to the pros? Speaking to Gary Johnson, we were talking ourselves around the course, and all of Gary’s Photos: Dave Collister words were coming naturally and instinctively.

14 Road Racing guide 2015 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM gorse lee It’s just after the Hawthorn and been claimed there. It’s lined with lamp there are spectators right on the edge posts coming into it and I use them as of the circuit, with some people reference points for braking and tipping hanging over the walls. When they’re in. You’re virtually into a two-wheel looking one in front of the other, it can slide and that’s flat-stick in fifth. When I make your sight looking through the set off at number one back in 2009, corner a little bit harder. They’re not in there was a rabbit running round in the the way, but it can be a bit distracting middle of the road and I virtually took because you are talking ridiculous the hairs off the back of its neck. It’s speeds. You’re coming into there on a flat in fifth and you’re only just making superbike flat in fifth gear. It’s a double- it as it is. To put a rabbit into the apex, with the second apex totally blind equation wouldn’t have ended in a nice with zero runoff, and a few lads have way for me.”

Ballagarey (also know as Ballascary) “Ballagarey is renowned for its danger, what with Guy Martin’s big crash there. It’s a fifth gear corner and as soon as you’ve committed to it, it’s flat-stick again. There’s no run off and it’s a fast, fast corner. You’ve just come out of a dip and over a rise, and everything is happening within a split-second. You can’t see the inside apex and you’ve got to do it all at such speed to get to that apex and get back on the gas. You don’t let off the throttle again until you’re at , so it’s an important corner to get right for a good first sector. It’s dangerous and a bit scary.”

Reach and you’re through…

Gaz at Gorse…

He didn’t have to think too much about 37 miles of road to reel off his scariest sections. We started off at . “When you first start the TT, Bray Hill can be a little scary, but it’s not what I class as one of the scariest points. It’s blind as you approach it and you’re wiggling across one side of the road to the other, and you’ve got to do it before you even see where you want to go. The track is nice and smooth down there, and you are keeping the bike fairly upright. Then again, if your bike isn’t working right, it’s not a good place.” OK then…

Road RacinG Guide 2015 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM 15 32nd-33rd “You’re crossing the white lines here, little wells around the white lines. The fourth gear at 32nd and fifth gear at water takes a lot longer to dry just on 33rd. The road is cambered, but if you the edge of these white lines, which get it wrong, you’re straight off the makes it tricky, and although the edge of a cliff, so it’s going to be a big circuit may be dry, there could be old fall at them speeds – much the damp patches and you obviously don’t same scenario as Verandah. The road want to be losing it on these corners. can be dry but the rain can sit in the There’s a lot to factor in here.”

Don’t get white line fever...

Ballacrye HillBerry “It’s the corner just before Ballacrye jump. You’ve “Hillberry is fourth or fifth gear up just gone over Bridge and you’re back the hill. You’ve come out the Creg, up into fifth before you tip right for the jump. down into Brandish, the run up the Again, it’s blind with walls either side, and if you hill and it’s that fast right-hander. don’t hit the jump square you’re going to get into There’s a bump in it that’s got trouble. It’s not always the jump that’s the worse in the last year, which problem – it’s the corner before setting you up to unloads the bike. I had a big slide hit the jump straight, and although there is time on the Triumph in the race I won to lift the bike afterwards, you have to be bang- last year, as it was a bit damp and on. Not everyone would say that corner, but can stay damp because it’s ultimately you’ve got to get that covered by the trees. It’s one committed and done safely, so you’ve got to commit hard to but it adds a few extra bits into with a bump there, it can get wild. the mix. The main part of the It’s a big balls corner.” story here is it’s another fifth gear flat-out corner Nearly home, and there’s a fair bit of but not out of commitment there. You just the woods roll it and power through it.” just yet…

The corner before Ballacrye jump is the ballsy one!

16 RoaD RaciNg guiDe 2015 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM

The Man WiTh THE PLAN

Paul Phillips is the Isle of Man TT’s development manager, the man that’s, ahem, managed the development of the TT into the global success it is today

Can you give us a description of your for TV, marketing, merchandise, digital, print, role and how you got involved? ticketing, hospitality, licences and sponsorship. And I got involved in 2005 when I was contacted by the then I’m also responsible for the racing product then Department of Tourism and Leisure and asked itself so am the first point of contact for the to share my views regarding the future of the TT. manufacturers, teams and riders. It’s a fairly At the time I was working in IT for a bank, but in dynamic and unique role and you get dragged into my own time I was fairly involved in motorcycle all sorts of things. You have to be prepared to get road racing, team PR, that sort of thing. your hands dirty and work long hours at times. No Primarily, my role is to manage the TT’s two days are really ever the same, especially on the commercial programme. That includes responsibility build up to and during the event itself.

Have bikes always been a part of your life? My father raced and has always been a huge fan so as I was growing up, was always a big part of my life. I raced motocross as a kid for a few years and growing up right on the TT Course on Sulby Straight there was no getting away from it.

Paul Phillips has been at the helm during the TT’s TV deals have boom years… increased the TT’s global reach…

We have increased commercial income by over 1000 per cent, and that is immensely satisfying... What are the best and worst bits The TT in a nutshell of your job? Working on the commercial areas has been a big learning curve for me, but I have always enjoyed Pure road racing seems to be on a bit of working on something where you can directly a renaissance. Why do you think this is? measure the impact you are able to make in any I’d like to think that the renaissance of the TT given area. We have increased commercial income underpins any success in road racing generally. The by over 1000 per cent since I have been in the role TT was undoubtedly a sleeping giant for many and that is immensely satisfying. The worst thing, years. It has history that can’t be bought, it has a if that is the right description, is losing motorcycle unique circuit situated in a beautiful location and racing as a hobby. It took time, but to be successful what happens on the course when the roads are at this job, and for my own sake and sanity, I have closed remains one of the most incredible sights in had to let go of motorcycle racing as a hobby. Don’t world sport. So it just needed a little bit of care and get me wrong, I still love bike racing; especially the attention and all of a sudden it becomes cool again. TT. I just view it differently. It’s so different compared to anything else in motorsport. The riders that are attracted to it are What’s your take on the ‘TT world series’? often quite maverick in their approach to life, My personal view on the series idea is that it is part which makes them interesting people to follow. It’s of a critical step in terms of the future sustainability very blue collar as well and more accessible than and growth potential of the TT itself. The just about any other sport I can think of. So it had fundamental issue that this project addresses is the potential, it just had to reinvent itself for the reviewing the viability of moving the commercial new millennium a little bit and that success has programme out of the public sector and into private flowed through to some of the other events, which sector management. So the series itself is in many act as supporting events to the TT itself. ways a secondary issue, but I believe that it has merit and that it’s exciting and probably most of all Epic racing, awesome event that it is the right time to be looking at it as the event is clearly on the crest of a wave. There is some risk attached to progressing the series concept, but as we sit here today there isn’t a no-risk option. The Isle of Man is already getting close to capacity for TT within its existing travel and accommodation constraints so the economic impact of the event will start to plateau, even thought we are looking at as many ways as possible of increasing and maximizing capacity. Also, the commercialisation of the TT is getting close to its peak due to the restrictions of a one-off event.

22 Road Racing guidE 2015 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM Monster excitement… Star names, star jumps!

Two busy ferries for two weeks…

Do you ever get time to chill out and watch some racing with a pint in your hand? I have little time to do anything at the TT never mind watch the racing. I see the start and the finish and that’s it. I would love to get back out onto the course with some sandwiches, a programme and a radio and watch the racing like I used to. I used to like going on my own, somewhere secluded and taking it all in, away from the very popular places.

Who’s the biggest name that has nearly ridden at the TT? Perhaps the one that in some ways frustrates me the most is . We have come close with Stuart a number of times. He wanted to ride in 2007 as a very late entry but we blocked it as he hadn’t had the chance to prepare properly. But I rate Stuart very highly and think he is one of the most naturally talented riders to emerge from the UK in the past 20 years. But there has always been something - bad luck or otherwise - which has held him back from realising his true potential. For me, his style looks Easton at the TT; so perfect for the TT Course. Stuart is the one out of all close, yet so far... of them that has the potential to be a TT legend.

Road Racing guidE 2015 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM 23 A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF A

Old bike, TTRACER new speeds!

James Hillier on babies, text message “ he baby wawasn’tsn’t due until the 13th of agreements and drinking beer… Just as TMarch but Monty (James’ first bambino - T Ed) seized up coming out the last time, as I was speaking to James, his second he was too big. New baby is out Thursday and then I go to Spain testing on the Monday, so it’s worked child was due to be ejected from the out nicely as long as there are no complications. sunroof. The sign of any racer –plan a The deal I have is with Pete Extance who owns the dealership, Bournemouth Kawasaki. There’s no baby’s birth during racing off-season... contract as such, no letterheads – I’ve got a text message agreement with Pete. It’s not un-factory either, but being a professional racer has its pros and cons. I do go to the gym but try not to brag about it or take selfies. I probably do more than people think... It’s part of the job to get fast. You have to be pretty sharp. If you look at Michael Dunlop, either he’s got issues or he’s worked hard at the gym and The worst lost a lot of weight, because he used to be a bit of a brolly girl in porker didn’t he? And McGuinness. Hopefully he’ll the paddock... get slower, but he’s still on it. It’s got to the stage now where you have to be fit to do six laps of the TT course. It’s a long haul. It’s mentally tough as well, not just a physical race. I got to the fattest I’ve ever been after this Christmas, so I had to work quite hard. I would say I’m close to my peak fitness of last year, so I’m in good shape. This time last year, I’d just broken my femur on a motocross bike, so a year ago I was only just walking and swimming.

24 When I was in hospital, I wanted to keep it quiet. I told the team boss straight away and the guys at Kawasaki knew, but it would have been an excuse (for poor results) and unwanted publicity really. If I ever do it again, I’d probably share it and send some cool pictures and x-rays! The last time I rode a bike was at the 2014 Classic TT in August, so it’s a long time to be off a bike, and sitting on a superbike is quite a shock. It helps knowing that people like Bruce Anstey don’t do anything and go out there and set lap records. Mentally, it’s a case of ‘if he can do it, I can do it’. I definitely agree that riding as much as possible is a good thing, but if you’re happy with Ten out of what’s underneath you and you enjoy riding, that’s ten for style! just as important. We could go and ride 1,000 laps of Almeria now and we’d obviously benefit from that, but we’d get more of a feel for the TT by doing 30 laps of the North West. Saying that, I wouldn’t excuse the after the tt last year NW200 as a test – it’s still a recognised event that I want to go well at but it is more about preparation i drank beer everyday for for the TT. The main focus for me is the TT. The North West about three months. it’s a 200 is a bit of a test for the TT, to get your brain up to speed, but obviously you still want results there. massive comedown... We’re better off having a few problems at the NW200 and being strong at the TT. We don’t try and break things at the North West but we try and I don’t think I’ll be doing the Ulster GP. I did it in eliminate any potential problems there so we don’t 2008 and never went back. I don’t know why really. have any at the TT. I like the circuit and I’d ride round there all day There are only two weeks between the NW200 long, but it gets a bit close for my liking. It’s pretty and the TT, and one weekend off between them, committed and you’re in a big group, and I don’t but I’m hoping to go to Matterley Basin for the really enjoy people coming up the inside of you at British round of MXGP. I don’t know how Rhianon 180mph. At the TT is pretty civilised in comparison. (James’ better half –Ed) will take it, but I want to I’ll be back at the Classic TT again in August, watch that, chill out a little bit. Prior to the North riding a few old and the same ZXR750. It’s West, we’ll be doing some short circuit racing to get a good bike and I rode it to what I thought was my Mountain licence. I’m just not sure yet – either best. There’s no way I was going to be able to supersport or superstock. compete with Bruce on that 500. There was more After the TT last year, I reckon I drank beer to come from it, but I just rode to the pit boards everyday for about three months. That’s part of it I and kept it steady, and did a high 121mph lap. think, you build up with all that preparation and Speaking to John McGuinness at the Excel show afterwards, it’s a massive TT comedown. For a (the London car boot sale), he was saying that in while, I still wake up in the morning smiling at 1992, on the old Norton did a 122mph what I’ve been doing in those two weeks. It’s such lap on old, shit tyres and the course was slower. a cool feeling. When he told me that I was pretty devastated…

Road Racing guide 2015 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM 25 NEW BLOOD Road Racing’s renaissance depends on new blood coming onto the scene... Peter Hickman Peter Hickman took on the mammoth task of riding the North West 200, the TT, the Ulster GP and Macau as a rookie in 2014, and you could say he did all right. ‘Hicky’ smashed the newcomers’ record with a blisteringly rapid 129mph in the Senior race. How? Why? WTF? We asked the man himself... “At the end of the day, without being big- headed, I know how to ride a bike. So all it was for me was a new bit of Tarmac that I’d never ridden before. I figured that the more laps I did, subconsciously, as long as I kept going roroundund and roround,und, it wowoulduld sink in. That was my theory and I think it woworked!rked! I didn’t stick my There’s another neck out anywhere, I didn’t get lost once during 5mm there…

GBmoto’s How will the team How will the bike differ? approach the TT “Our roads bikes will likely run a new scene… in comparison with lazier steering geometry I would It’s not just rookie riders popping British Superbikes? have thought and in general, there their road racing cherry in 2015. “Our focus will be to try to learn will be a trade off between extreme British Superbike contenders as much as we can about racing weight saving and making sure GBmoto are an official Kawasaki on the roads successfully, as things will be strong enough and entrant and have TT-winner, Gary quickly as possible. We are lucky in tight enough. We have already Johnson on the team’s ZX-10Rs. We that we have already amassed developed engine characteristics spoke to GBmoto team boss, Mark some real roads experience that we think will suit the circuits we Smith-Halvorsen… already, but we’re not will be racing at, including the TT.“ underestimating the task. Speaking Gaz has form on to and working with Gary Johnson How did you get involved the ZX-10R… will also help us to get it right too, with TT in the first place? we know he has a lot of “We got involved in discussions experience that we should pay with KMUK in the autumn of last attention to. We are preparing as year. We want to build seriously and professionally as relationships with people at all we do for BSB. We won’t be levels within Kawasaki, so far the going into this with any less relationship has been really good ambition either!” for us; and between us. Putting

26 Road RacinG Guide 2015 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM the whole two weeks I was there, I didn’t get one moment where I thought, ‘oh, what comes next?’ I knew exactly where I was 100 per cent of the time. Fastest tt rookies: “I did seven trips and I did at least 10 laps on Peter Hickman Horst Saiger every trip over the Island, so at least 70 laps. That’s 129.104mph –2014 123.486mph – 2013 NEW obviously a lot of laps and a lot of hours, as it takes David Johnson an hour just to do one in a car. Plus, I was putting 127.726mph – 2013 123.838mph – 2010 in the Playstation game laps too – it’s quite an old Gary Johnson game now, but it’s pretty accurate as far as the 125.808mph – 2007 122.859mph – 2007 layout goes. It’s also good because you’re actually Simon Andrews Jimmy Storrar doing something; OK, you’re using a controller but 125.134mph – 2011 122.185mph – 2012 I’m pressing something to brake and again, Keith Amor Guy Martin subconsciously, I’m actually doing something at 124.856mph – 2007 122.100mph –2004 that point on the circuit. I put it on manual gear change too, so I was doing everything at the points I wanted to do it at, so doing all the braking wedge of money to take to a team. I’d already been markers, the acceleration points, gear over to the TT in 22001133 for the first time changes, eveeverything. Although it was since I wawass a kid and I wawass just having painful to do it, I think the game was a look around. The place is amazing a big help, too. anyway, and I needed to make a “I started riding bikes because I decision –will doing the TT raise love it and enjoy riding, but there my profile? The answer wawass yes. comes a time when you have to “I didn’t get nervous at all. I make a decision to keep it as got excited but not nervous and just a bit of fun, or make it your on my first lap I did a wheelie job. Right from the start I was all the way down Glencrutchery desperate to make it my job. Road. Apparently nobody in the Through one rereasonason or another, it history of the TT has eveever done hasn’t worked at BSB and that’s that, as most of the time they’re Your Jedi powers not necessarily my fault either. shitting themselves! I didn’t put are strong... Sometimes yoyou’veu’ve got to be in the right myself under any pressure, or set place at the right time and know the right myself any targets. I thought to mysmyself, people. I had a bit of an averaaverage 20201133 and I was we’re just going to put fuel in the bike, ride it, and struggling to find a ride for 2020114,4, unless I had a big see where we end up…”

Making The BSB boys are taking on stuff fit… the road racing world...

that aside, we were also keen to take on the challenge of the roads and believe that we can do a good job. TT racing and running at the front of that illustrious, world famous event, is now big news and is going through some form of a renaissance, but if I thought we could not do the project real justice, we wouldn’t be going.”

Road Racing guide 2015 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM 27 METZELER RACETEC RR

Did you know Metzeler is the only tyre manufacturer to exclusively produce motorcycle rubber? No? Neither did I until the other day. The Germanic-Latin brand has also been busy creating a successor to the Racetec Interact, the Racetec RR, which has strong associations to road racing and was developed at the major races (NW200, TT, Ulster) in 2014 before being released for public consumption.

ary Johnson and his Smiths Triumph periods when the bike is upright, the side Daytona 675 bagged a 2014 supersport win compounds are already at working temperature. Gfitted with fitted with Metzeler Racetec RRs “The pure grip has been improved but also in a in development stages. It wasn’t an all-out wider range, which has been a very challenging prototype though, as I was expecting. Paulo Brivio, target. A tyre with lots of grip and performance in a Metzeler’s head of R&D Racing explains: “The tyre narrow range is very dangerous at races like the TT. that Gary Johnson won the supersport race on was Sometimes the temperature in Douglas can be mid- a K1 front and rear, and nothing special. It was the twenties but can drop a lot on The Mountain.” last stage of development because for sure, we Other than some of Metzeler’s technologies, cannot race with a full prototype tyre because that nothing remains from its predecessor. The project would be dangerous, and we are not foolish or has been two years in the making and the front tyre crazy!” In 2014 alone, Metzeler riders stood on the has a completely new sharper profile, steering podium 39 times, winning 16 races. quicker with a bigger diameter. The rear tyre has a Using pure road racing as a proving ground and new carcass fabric, which is stiffer to offset a with input from the likes of Guy Martin and Gary J, decrease in vertical stiffness and provides a mass of the Racetec brags the patented ‘Cap and Base’ stability to counteract a bike’s inherent wavering at technology, which generates and distributes heat speed. This also means the tyre tracks the surface into the shoulder compounds from the harder better under impact and rebound. middle compound. Metzeler claims that after long The rear’s compound is also completely new, as Mr Brivio explains: “It’s different in terms of how we decide which polymers and resins we use, and how we mix them. The target was very high: simple but very high. We made the tyre better in every way, then we focus on the warm-up, because it’s really important for the road use, for sporty riders but for road use, because even on the road, there are a lot of times when you start and stop, and not only at the beginning of the ride – like fuel stops, lunch and taking in the views. It’s also very important in the racing application because warm-up not only means the first kilometre but how is the grip condition of the left side after Gary Johnson on the RR victory parade…

SizeS mean prizeS The RR is available in various 160, 180, 190 and 200 rear sizes and a 120/70-17 front, and K1/2/3 compounds of yesteryear. K1 is used for hot conditions and abrasive Sportec m7 rr surfaces, K2 is for colder The M7 RR has convincing racing connotations conditions and the K3 is a pure road tyre with and links to the Racetec RR, hence the RR mileage allowances. Whereas the K3 was the only appendix. It’s a proven tyre for road use and high road-legal tyre from the Interact, Metzeler have mileage, but wouldn’t be out of place on a track made all three compounds legal for the road. and is simply stunning in the wet – like kneedown stunning. The M7 RR uses the 0-degree steel belt and Interact technology, which gives different 4 minutes of only straights or right-handers. This is tension zones across all lean angles, and also a key performance that we stress.” features a radial carcass with a rigid structure to Big news for the RR is that all three compounds preserve the tyre’s shape under load. have been homologated for road use. Whereas The front tyre uses just one compound with previously the K3 was the road-only option and OE 100 per cent silica, while the rear is a bi- rubber for many peng sportsbikes, the softer K1 compound with softer shoulders (again, all silica) and K2 compounds are deemed fully capable of for wet and dry grip. The harder middle compound coping with road etiquette. “The K1/2/3 sit in the is 45mm wide and allows decent mileage. The M7 same position in the range but in a much wider uses brags a land/sea ratio of 14.7 per cent on the area of functionality. The K3 is in another front and 11.1 per cent on the rear. dimension compared to the K1/2,” says Paulo.

Road RacinG Guide 2015 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM 29 MaJor road

raCes The season kicks off soon, then refuses to stop until after the party’s over at Macau. If you’ve never seen a road race before, then do yourself a favour and pick any of these – all of them are 2015 epic, you can’t go wrong!

24th-25th April: 6th-9th July: 15th-16th August: Above: William Cookstown southern 100 faugheen Dunlop going banzai above Belfast... 1st-2nd MAy: 11th-12th July: 29th-31st August: tandragee walderstown ClassIC tt

12th-16th MAy: 18th-19th July: 5th-6th north west 200 CoCk of the north, septeMber: Below left: Give your sCarborough kIllane ears a rest during 30th MAy- the Zero TT... 12th June: 24th-25th July: 12th-13th Isle of Man tt arMoy septeMber: Below centre: Want sCarborough more IoM action? Try 20th-21st June: 5th-8th August: gold CuP the Southern 100! kells dundrod/ulster gP 19th-22nd Below right: Head to 3rd-4th July: 8th-9th August noveMber: Macau for the eand skerrIes la baneza, sPaIn of season party...

30 RoAD RAcInG GuIDe 2015 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM AUTOGRAPHS: Sign up your favourite racers!

Road Racing guide 22001155 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM 31 metzeler.co.uk

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