Ryan Farquhar back on the big bikes in 2015
Having made his comeback to road racing in 2014, Ryan Farquhar and his KMR Kawasaki team are set to have a greater presence on the grid this year with the Dungannon ace returning to the 1000cc Superbike and Superstock classes with ZX-10R Kawasaki machinery.
In addition, the 38-year old will continue to contest the Lightweight Supertwin class on his immaculately prepared ER6 650cc Kawasaki with his main sponsors again being SGS International and Manx Gas whilst he will continue to enjoy the support of many of his long-time backers.
Farquhar, the most successful rider in Irish road racing history, competed in just a handful of Supertwin races during 2014 but a lack of track time affected his results and he believes a return to the 1000cc classes will give him a greater chance of success, particularly at the International road races, namely the Isle of Man TT and North West 200.
A three time winner at the TT, it will be the first time Farquhar has contested the 1000cc races around the Mountain Course since 2012 but he hopes to add to his tally of 13 TT podiums as well as getting back on to the podium at the North West 200 where he has been victorious on four occasions.
Ryan Farquhar: “When you only have one bike at a meeting, particularly the International races, it’s a bit of a struggle as everyone is getting more track time. You’re playing catch up all the time and whilst you’re sorting out your braking points and getting used to the track conditions and the like, everyone else is already dialled in and fully up to speed. You’re behind before you’ve even got going and when you’re at that kind of disadvantage, it’s practically impossible to make the ground up. By getting back out on the 1000cc machines, I’ll be out on track a lot more and so will be able to compete on a more equal footing.”
“It also means I’ll be able to give my sponsors some more exposure and PR. I’m extremely grateful to have SGS International and Manx Gas on board as my main sponsors whilst it’s also great to retain the loyal support of my other backers, many of whom have been with me for a long time now. I’m hoping I’ll be able to get some good results for both myself and my sponsors in 2015 and I’m really looking forward to the season starting.”
In addition to the Isle of Man TT and North West 200, Ryan plans to contest the Tandragee 100 and potentially the Armoy road races and Southern 100 meeting. He will also compete at the Classic TT for Roger Winfield once more on his Paton and Harris Yamaha machinery.
Meanwhile, the KMR Kawasaki team will again field Connor Behan in the Supertwin class, the Cheshire youngster having enjoyed a superb 2014 season in the class with victory in the Irish Road Racing Championship as well as recording superb results at the Isle of Man TT and Ulster Grand Prix. Former Grand Prix winner Jeremy McWilliams will also be back in the familiar black and orange colours in the Supertwin class at the North West 200, which he won back in 2013.
Ryan will soon be flying out to join us here in Australia for the annual International Island Classic meeting at Phillip Island, which takes place on the weeked of 23/24/25 January.
Island Classic 2015 – Book your tickets now!
PICTURE BY STEPHEN DAVISON
