By Road Racing News roads machine of the year award goes to, drum roll, Smiths Racing’s record breaking, history making S1000RR BMW Superbike.
Prior to competitive action, BMW’s latest generation S1000RR model, carried with it a lot of hype, expectation that it would break new boundaries but not many could have predicted how potent, formidable it’s proven at the International Road Races.
In the hands of Mountain Course lap record holder Peter Hickman, the S1000RR has further cemented it’s place this year amongst the all time great pure road racing machines.
Taken to RST Superbike success, a 134 mph lap at TT 2019, the FonaCAB Ulster Grand Prix saw Hickman and the S1000RR set new landmarks for International road racing.
Unbeatable on the S1000RR around Dundrod, claiming four wins from four starts within the 1000cc races, BSB showdown contender Hickman dipped under the existing lap record during qualifying prior to race action taking centre stage.
Further emboldening his Ulster GP, International roads CV, the enthralling, pulsating Circle K Airport Road Service Station Superbike race yielded another race victory, plus a unique piece of history for Hickman.
Looking in perfect harmony with the Smiths BMW, lap three from the five lap race saw Hickman set a new outright record lap speed of 136.415 mph (timing wise – 3 minutes 15.316 seconds).
This history making lap speed/lap record allied to the aforementioned feats which additionally includes finishing runner-up in a drama filled Macau Grand Prix, makes Smiths Racing’s current generation S1000RR BMW steed a more than worthy recipient of Road Racing News, roads machine of the year accolade.
Words by Stevie Rial
