Conor Cummins - Photo Credit: Suzuki Racing
Tyco Suzuki have confirmed Conor Cummins as the first signing for their 2012 road racing squad. The TAS Racing team will have a full programme in 2012 with Cummins set to compete in the North West 200, Ulster Grand Prix and his home event, the Isle of Man TT.
After a horrendous crash on the mountain course two years ago, Cummins feels he is starting to return to full fitness and is relishing the prospect of riding for such an experienced team.
“This is the ride I've been wanting for three or four years. I'm thrilled to have been given the chance to now ride for a factory-supported team in Tyco Suzuki and to be working with the boys at TAS Racing. I've been training hard with gym sessions and out on the pushbike and mountain bike over the winter, so I'm relishing the thought of getting aboard the team's GSX-R1000 Superbike in testing. I'd say I'm not far off being as fit as I ever was and having been over to the workshop to meet the boys in Northern Ireland and have a look at my bikes – April can't come quick enough to get racing!”
Team Manager Philip Neill is delighted to have completed the signing and sees him as the ideal rider for his road racing outfit.
“After months of speculation and negotiations it's great to finally welcome Conor Cummins to our team for the 2012 international road racing season. It's fair to say there has been a little bit of pressure to return to a two-rider team on the roads – so once we'd reached that decision, Conor really was the obvious choice. As a person I've always been hugely impressed with Conor and his riding skills were evident to all after those blistering lap speeds at the 2010 TT.
“However, probably more impressive is the determination he has shown in his comeback from injury, and for me, that was more than enough to justify a factory-supported ride with us here at Tyco Suzuki. I'll be looking forward to working with Conor both on and off the track this season, as he has the attitude and personality I was really looking for in a rider.”
Team Owner Hector Neill already has his eyes on the 2012 Isle of Man TT races and hopes the GSX-R1000 can power Cummins to home glory.
“It's no secret the Isle of Man TT is the highlight of the racing season for me, and with that in mind, it was important to have a two-rider line-up. It's also widely known that my number one desire in racing is to again win the Senior TT trophy. So what better way than to win it with a Manxman on board.”
