SYKES STORMS SUNFLOWER RACE
17 October 2005 - Suzuki Racing

TAS Suzuki’s Tom Sykes raced his GSX-R1000 Suzuki to overall victory and a new Supersport lap record followed by three podiums in the Superbike class at the end-of-season Sunflower Trophy Races at Bishopcourt, Northern Ireland at the weekend.

Young team mate, Ian Lowry (17) made his TAS Suzuki debut on Supersport machinery and didn’t disappoint with two second places. This was Lowry’s first ever meeting on ‘full–on’ race machinery and the local Lisburn rider was worthy of the publicity on the day.

Adrian Coates, still suffering the affects of his end of season high-speed crash at Brands Hatch, finished all three Superbike races in a creditable sixth place.

Tom Sykes:

“I love coming to Ireland as the fans are superb and it’s great to see the support TAS Suzuki gets at home. I’m happy enough the way the meeting went and I did expect to win a least one of the Superbike races on the Suzuki. TAS built me a superb bike for the meeting and only for a little bad luck passing back markers I may well have taken one race from Michael Laverty. The Supersport races were good fun and trouble free, so to take the new class record was pretty satisfying.”

Ian Lowry:

“It has been a great weekend; working with the TAS team, Tom and Coatesy has been a great experience. The GSX-R600 Suzuki is an awesome machine and my first outing on Pirelli tyres was pleasing as they worked a treat. I didn’t want to do anything stupid on my first ride with the team but I also had a point to prove. A one-two for any team is the best way to finish a race and hopefully I have played my part this weekend. Thanks to the team and everyone involved that made it happen.”

Adrian Coates:

“I’m a bit disappointed today that I wasn’t able to run at the front. In hindsight, I’m a bit sore after last weekend, but it has been an enjoyable meeting. The Sunflower is always a good place to repay the local fans and the team had a pretty good weekend so it has been a success for all involved.”

Philip Neill – Team Manager:

“What can I say? The boys performed superbly here this weekend. I knew the Superbike races were going to be tough as we were up against three of four BSB regulars, but as usual Tom didn’t disappoint anyone with his performances – and as the fans have seen. TAS Suzuki can build a top-quality Superbike when required to do so! I take nothing away from Michael Laverty but if Tom had been a little more fortunate passing back markers, he may well have taken one win in the class. Adrian was suffering a little this weekend but was consistent in all three races and sixth place is no disgrace riding against BSB regulars.

“The Supersport races were very satisfying and although we were expected to win on the TAS Suzukis, I was very pleased to come away with a one-two in both races. Young Lowry has ‘arrived’ this weekend and with the help of Pirelli, who sent us a technician for the weekend, he proved a worthy team member. He is certainly one to watch next year in the Supersport class. Finally I would just like to thank the Hillsborough Club and everyone involved in the meeting, which was superbly organised and supported by one of the biggest crowds I have ever seen at a national short circuit event in Ireland. Hopefully a BSB event is just around the corner!”

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