Guy Martin will make his road racing debut for the Relentless Suzuki by TAS team next weekend when he takes part in the Cookstown 100. The event marks the start of the Northern Ireland road racing season and takes place on the Orritor circuit in County Tyrone.
The Lincolnshire rider will ride the GSX-R600 and GSX-R1000 Superstock machines as he continues his preparation for the North West 200 on the 17th-21st May.
Martin will also be representing the Relentless Suzuki by TAS outfit in the British Superbike Championship this year, with the opening round taking place on the Brands Hatch Indy circuit this weekend.
Despite his upcoming British Superbike campaign, Martin admits he couldn't resist the opportunity to compete on the roads of Northern Ireland.
“I’m looking forward to Brands but it’s hard to beat a bit of pure road racing. We’ve had plenty of testing time, but ‘yeah… there’s nothing like a bit of racing to get you ready for the real thing. This will give us a chance to try the bikes out on a road circuit, which at the end of the day is where we intend racing them. I haven’t been at Cookstown for quite some time but it’s only a little circuit so we’ll be spot on.”
Team manager Phillip Neill feels it will provide perfect preparation for the main event in Coleraine in May, and is looking forward to what is another home event for the team.
“The organisers and local fans are very enthusiastic about the Cookstown 100 and with our team based just up the road in Moneymore; it’ll do us no harm to show them a bit of support. We always try to make an effort and go there when circumstances allow, and even though it clashes with the Oulton Park BSB we will work around it. It’s always beneficial to get out on a road circuit before the North West 200, but with Guy being a relative newcomer to Cookstown, we will be realistic with our expectations.”
