By Very few riders have, the opportunity to hold, carry the number one plate in races on the fabled, mythical Mountain Course.
For Waterford’s Brian McCormack, competing this week for Angus Greenall’s stellar Greenall Racing set-up, it was a chance he couldn’t pass by.
“It’s an honour, I was asked over a month ago would I be interested, would I do it, obviously a bit nervous about it but it’s an honour to be asked, so should be fun, hopefully won’t get to see anybody for the whole race that would be a good outcome.
Will be a few extra nerves, but we’ll go and enjoy it the team deserve the No.1 plate to be fair, one, two (Derek Sheils) and five (Rob Hodson) is good for them.”
Close to the rostrum last year, McCormack presently second in this year’s Principal Insurance Masters Superbike Championship, is determined to add MGP podium spoils to his road racing resume.
“Last year we were so close, the bike is well good enough to be there and to win, it’s just down to me really.”
Reflecting on first qualifying (Sunday 18th August), the highly respected Irishman stated:
“It was good, first time riding this bike around here, I’ve rode all three bikes now (Greenall Racing Kawasaki’s), there’s not much difference between them, little bits to learn, but it was good.
Just kind of getting myself back into it, few injuries still hanging over me, so good to get back into it.”
Overall, happy with how 2024 has gone racing wise, McCormack admitted he was a little bit disappointed with his latest TT tenure.
“The TT was a little bit disappointing, seven starts seven finishes, riding better than what the results show there was a few little problems going on but apart from that it’s been a great season.
Been struggling with injuries all year which look we all are, every rider has their little niggles, hinders me in certain ways.”
Considering outings later in the year at Oulton Park (BSB), events in Spain, McCormack went onto state his thoughts about his Roadhouse Macau squad running Eoin O’Siochru within the 101st Anniversary Manx GP.
“That’s a difference experience, because every-time you see red-flags, you can get very, very nervous, you’re thinking about them more.
So, it’s a different side to it which I’m enjoying but it’s a bit nerve wracking but hopefully something we can do more of in the future.”
Photo credit: Nick Wheeler
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
