By 32 times international road race winner Bruce Anstey, goes into the MCE Insurance Ulster Grand Prix, determined to maintain his position as the world’s fastest road racer.
Having endured by his standards a fairly disappointing TT 2016, he will be aiming to make amends at Dundrod, in particular in the superbike races, as he competes for Valvoline Racing by Padgetts Motorcycles.
Photo by Rod Neill
Aiming to add to his tally of 11 Ulster GP victories, Bruce said:
“I’ve had a really good run and am hoping to keep that going. I wanted to beat my record last year in Dundrod, I thought the weather was good enough.
The temperature was great back in 2010, the year I got the average lap of 133.977mph. The track was warm and it was a really good lap. I’ll definitely be trying again this year.
Obviously I’m back with Padgett’s for the sixth year running. Having the same team definitely gives me an advantage over those getting used to a new set-up.
The other thing I have in my corner is experience. The young guys are getting quicker but the knowledge I have from so many years racing really helps, especially at a fast circuit like Dundrod.
I love competing there; it’s a real close second to the Isle of Man for me. Such a fast, flowing circuit with flying corners and that’s what I like.
I’m still really enjoying it and can’t wait to get back out there.”
Noel Johnston, Ulster Grand Prix Clerk of the Course, states that it’s likely that we could see a new lap record around Dundrod in August.
“I think the scene could be set to beat the lap record again at the famous Dundrod circuit this August.
The racing at the TT was incredible and given the weather conditions and the fact that the machinery is getting faster every year, I’m not surprised that Michael Dunlop almost beat Bruce’s record.
Watching the Senior race was a bit of a nail-biter for us, we’re proud of our status as the world’s fastest road race and want to hold on to it!
I can easily see the record going at this year’s MCE UGP, if the racing conditions are right all eyes will be on the race timings to see just what these guys can do out there.
Either way, I think we’re in for a thrilling finale to the road racing calendar.”
Words by Stevie Rial
