The famous roads of Dundrod, are primed and ready for competition tomorrow, which marks the opening qualifying sessions of the 2017 MCE Insurance Ulster Grand Prix.
One of the riders with perhaps a point to prove this week at the world’s fastest road race, is 12 times event winner, Bruce Anstey.
Speaking about what’s been thus far, an extremely challenging year within the international roads scene, aboard the Padgetts Honda’s, he said:
“At the North West I just struggled to get going and it was the same at the Isle of Man. Then in the Senior we got up into the top five and the bike let go.
The season has been pretty rubbish, but I don’t really feel any pressure here. I just want to ride well, give it 100 percent and see how we get on.”
Photo by Rod Neill
Targeting regaining the outright Ulster GP lap record, which he held from 2010 through to 2016, Bruce stated:
“Right conditions, we’ll be pushing each other and pushing 135 I reckon. I’d really like to have the record back to be honest, but we’ll see what happens. I’ll be trying.”
Commenting about his chances of adding to his current total of 34 international road race victories, the unassuming New Zealander said:
“I’ve got a good chance on everything really, and this is the first time I’ve run a 250 around here so I’m looking forward to that.
It’ll be pretty much flat out everywhere and it’s going to be good fun to ride, but the 600 is good as well.”
Photo by Arthur Allison
Speaking at the confirmation of Around A Pound, been officially unveiled as sponsors of the second Ulster GP Superbike race, Clerk of the Course Noel Johnston went onto add:
“It’s been a bit of a tough year for Bruce so far, but you’d be crazy to bet against him at Dundrod.
He can pull a little bit extra out of the bag when he needs to and I think with the extra incentive of the lap record he’ll be in the mix for sure.
One thing that you can guarantee though is that he’ll be one of the best sounding competitors out there, as between the RC213V-S and the RS 250, it’s going to be fantastic for the fans. I can’t wait to see what he can do in every class.”
Words by Stevie Rial