STOBART DOUBLE JOY
19 August 2006 - Stobart Honda

Stobart Motorsport celebrated a pair of rare podium finishes with a superb performance by Ian Lougher at today’s Ulster Grand Prix.

Ulster Grand Prix 2006 – Northern Ireland – 17th to 19th August 2006

The Irish based Welshman, who has been riding for the Stobart Motorsport Team at all the major road races this season, secured a second and third place finish at the event held on the Dundrod circuit to the West of Belfast.

With record breaking crowds as well as speeds, Lougher warmed up for today’s two Superbike races with a battling fourth place in Thursday’s Dundrod 150 race aboard the VK and Vent Axia backed machine.

Following on that successful outing, Lougher took a fine third place in today’s opening Superbike race before landing second position in the later event, which was stopped due to rain late in the race.

Commenting on his double podium, Lougher said “I’m happy enough with second and third position but if I’m being honest I’m disappointed that I didn’t win because this team deserves a victory. The bike was a lot better and the improvements we made helped but it still wasn’t perfect, and what I’d like is to take this bike back to the Isle of Man because it’s so much better than when we raced it in June. But either way it’s a double podium, I’m delighted and it’s great for Stobart Motorsport to share in this success.”

Meanwhile team boss Paul Bird was delighted with his rider’s performance. “That’s just the tonic that we and our sponsors needed after what has been a very difficult season. With us only having the one BSB podium to date it was vital that we got some more silverware, and Ian has done a fantastic job for us all season long and he deserves his double podium here today. Our sponsors haven’t had much to celebrate this year but hopefully this goes some way to paying them back because the Ulster Grand Prix is a very important race. Ian has put himself in the shop window and we’d very much like to work with him again in a similar capacity next year.”

Team co-ordinator Stuart Bland said “We made some big changes to the bike after Thursday and these paid dividends today. Whilst we’re happy with a double podium it was so close we could have been celebrating a double win, but it’s great to see everybody in the team back with a smile on their face.”

The team goes back to short circuit action over the Bank Holiday weekend when regular riders Michael Rutter and Michael Laverty hope to continue the team’s success when round eleven of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship gets underway at Cadwell Park.

Jester Interactive UGP Superbike Race

1, Guy Martin, 129.168mph (avg), 2, Raymond Porter, 3, Ian Lougher (Stobart Honda).

UGP Supporters’ Club Superbike Race

1, Guy Martin, 128.755mph (avg), 2, Ian Lougher (Stobart Honda), 3, Ian Hutchinson

www.honda-racing.co.uk

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