By 2013 lightweight TT winner James Hillier goes into TT 2016 confident of challenging for victories, across all classes having shown impressive pace, during the Vauxhall International North West 200.
Having enjoyed productive practice plus qualifying sessions, the Quattro Plant Muc Off Kawasaki rider went into race action around the Triangle, quietly confident of securing many a stand out result.
The supersport races saw James wrap up series of seventh place finishes, following series of highly accomplished performances.
Photo by Tim Keeton
He showed his proven pace on the 650 super twins, in the opening super twins race, finishing a great second, having throughout been in contention for race victory.
His race action at the Giant Causeway based meeting on Saturday, came to an abrupt end, due to an incident in the opening superstock race, where he suffered slight concussion, ruling him out of the rest of the meeting.
Reflecting on Saturday’s action, at the Vauxhall International North West 200, a philosophical James said:
“Today’s been frustrating to say the least and I think I was just pushing that little bit too hard early on in the Superstock race.
I was running a softer tyre I hadn’t had much time on so it was a bit of a stab in the dark and I didn’t quite have the grip I needed, high-siding on the way out of University.
I thought I’d saved it and almost landed on the seat but then it went again and fired me over the top. I don’t think I was fully knocked out and feel absolutely fine but the rules are rules and I had to miss the rest of the races.
It’s a real shame as I was saving myself a little bit for the Superbike races but, fortunately, I’m ok and am looking forward to the TT now.
I’m really happy with all the bikes and am feeling confident that we can get some good results again on the island.”
Words by Stevie Rial
