By Reigning Duke Road Race Rankings champion Dean Harrison, goes into the MCE Insurance Ulster Grand Prix bolstered by the confirmation that he will remain with the Silicone Engineering Racing team, for the 2018 roads season.
Enjoying in my opinion, the best season of his roads career to date, the Bradford based rider this year has wrapped up thus far 17 race wins, including securing the prestigious Southern 100 Solo Championship crown, for the first time.
At home aboard the Silicone Engineering Kawasaki’s in Supersport and Superstock trim, it’s the premier Superbike class, which the Bradford based racer had focused upon in recent times.
Photo by Stephen Davison
Looking ahead to the big bike encounters at Dundrod, the Oliver’s Mount lap record holder, speaking at the launch of McKinstry Skip Hire becoming new title sponsors of the Superpole Qualifying session, stated:
“I’m feeling good to be honest. I’ve had good results at most places this year and I’m really looking forward to getting out this week. I’m now at that stage where I’ve got a good idea of where I’m going around Dundrod, so I’m confident. I feel like I can definitely push for podium in all classes.
In terms of targets, of course I enjoy riding all of the bikes, but I’ll definitely be trying hard on the Superbike. Hickman and Michael Dunlop are probably the favourites and they are riding really well, but I think we can be in the mix.
The big bikes are where I wanted to progress this year because I think you need to be able to ride the Superbike well to prove yourself, and it’s where we’ve made the most progress.
That’s the class I put a lot of time into, but then we’ve also made quite a few changes to the engine for this week too, so it will be a bit of trial and error.
We’ve a new MoTeC ignition system to try out on the ZX10, but fingers crossed it will be a flying machine. We’re doing the last four rounds of BSB later in the year, so if nothing else it will be good to get some laps under our belt to see what it’s like.”
Ulster GP, Clerk of the Course, Noel Johnston added:
“This season it feels like Dean has really come of age, especially after his performance on the big bikes at the TT and Southern 100.
He’s coming to Dundrod in rich vein of form and I’m confident it’s going to continue, especially as he’s got the same team behind him.”
Words by Stevie Rial
