By Rising star Adam McLean is been tipped by many high profile figures within the pure road racing fraternity, to contend for rostrum finishes at the MCE Insurance Ulster Grand Prix.
Enjoying a stellar season, which has included thus far Supersport victories at Cookstown and Walderstown, plus a top five finish at the North West 200, he’s going from strength to strength.
Reflecting on his season to date, Adam said:
“I’ve had a really strong year and it does give me a lot of confidence coming to the Ulster.
It was nice to get the Leading Newcomer award at the TT, I’d put a lot of homework in over the winter and did a lot of laps to get used to the circuit, so I was happy.
Before I went I set myself a goal of a 120 mph lap and to do that on the third night of practice, I was over the moon.
I’ve only been road racing a couple of years really, and for this being just my second full year in road racing, if somebody had told me the results that I’ve got at this stage I’d have probably laughed at them. I am living the dream and just really enjoying it.
I have to say though that it doesn’t matter to me whether everyone is talking about me, or nobody is, I’m still going to go and give 100% as I always do so I just need to keep focused on my goals.”
Alongside the MSS/Hotties ZX-6R Kawasaki and Roy Hanna Motors/MJ Palmer ER6 Kawasaki, next month will also see Adam compete in the Dundrod 150/Ulster GP Ultra Lightweight races, on the Mark Hanna Racing 125 Honda.
Photo by Stephen Davison
Speaking about his goals for the Ulster GP, he stated:
“I’ve the best bikes I could possibly have at the minute and I have a lot of good people around me so I’m more than happy with my set-up running up to the Ulster.
I’d almost prefer to keep my goals to myself but I know what I want to achieve and I will have a really good crack at it. In the Super Twins class I’d like to be there or thereabouts with a podium or a win and I’d be really happy with a top five on the 600.
Dundrod is fast, it’s flowing and it suits my riding style, I really enjoyed last year and the fact that I’m now a lot stronger and my pace is a lot better means I’ve been looking forward to getting to it all year.
I’d like to add that we’re a small run team and it’s extremely difficult to operate financially at this level, so we’re always happy to welcome new sponsors on board.”
Ulster GP, Clerk of the Course, Noel Johnston added:
“I have a feeling that Adam could be the real dark horse of this year’s event. I have been seriously impressed with what I’ve seen of him so far and he’s only just getting into his stride.
This is a young guy that really does his homework before taking to the grid at any circuit and that’s a big plus in my book because as well as having the skill, the machinery and the speed, you need to approach any road race, but especially a technical circuit like Dundrod with a healthy amount of respect and knowledge of what you’re taking on.
Adam is one to watch for sure, in any of the classes he’s competing in. There’s an added incentive this year for him to win the Super Twins race though, as race sponsors Maxwell Freight have created a pair of customised number plates for the winner.
They’re a super company who regularly go above and beyond in their support of the event and the riders, and this is just one example.”
Words by Stevie Rial
