Team York Suzuki/Motul Oils are pleased to announce their 2017 Classic TT plans.
The team formed in 2010 by ex racer Kevin Pearson, with the sole aim of competing in the Classic TT at Superbike level, during the last seven seasons the Team York Suzuki / Motul Oils have become one of the most successful in the class gaining two podiums, two fifth places, a sixth and two DNF’s.
The team have also been very fortunate in running some of the best road race riders in the business, including Mark Buckley, Russ Mountford, Roger Wibberley, Ryan Farquhar, James Cowton, Mark Goodings, David “Davo” Johnson and Gary “Gazza” Johnson.
Team Manager, Kevin Pearson stated:
“I am pleased to announce that for the 2017 F1 Classic TT, the team will be running two Suzuki F1 Classic Superbikes, the riders will be David “Davo” Johnson and Gary “Gazza” Johnson.
Both of whom have ridden for the team in the last two classic TT’s, gaining creditable 5th places and lapping in excess of 125 mph.
The second bike has been purchased by long term sponsor of the team Chris Brack, who felt it was too good an opportunity to let either of the two Johnson’s go.”
Chris Brack said:
“I am so pleased to be able to increase my interest in the classic TT.
Having been going to the Island for donkey’s years and during the last few years putting the board out for the team at “Creg Ny Ba”, it’s fantastic news, that we have managed to keep both riders in the team, which will make them a formidable force in 2017.
I have a long affection for Suzuki’s, been an ex motorcycle dealer myself. Kevin and his team have done wonders since 2010, on a very small budget, and now with two strings to the bow, the aim is to get back on that podium.”
Photo courtesy of Kevin Pearson
Team York Suzuki, Team Manager, Kevin Pearson added some more exciting news:
“I am also pleased and proud to announce that Team York Suzuki/Motul Oils, will be the principle Suzuki GB supported “Dealer” team in the classic TT, via their ‘Vintage Parts Program’.
I would like to thank Michael Ley-Flay and Tim Davies for showing such confidence in the team. I had a meeting with Michael and Tim at the Classic TT this year and after having seen how the team operates, they offered their support for the 2017 event.
Gary Cartlidge will continue as crew chief along with trusty technician Paul Watson.”
Tim Davies of Suzuki Great Britain, added:
“It’s fantastic to be supporting one of our dealers again without whom Suzuki GB would not be here.
The vintage parts program has been set up to give back up service to all those customers that have had their old favourite tucked away, and indeed for those who use their classic Suzuki day to day.
Being involved in the classic racing scene has helped us enormously in promoting what the vintage parts program can offer, and I am confident that with Kevin and his team on board, the program will go from strength to strength.”
The team will run in new colours, which will be press released at a later date, the team will also continue with long term sponsor, the York Suzuki Center, MD Gary Butfield stated:
“This is fantastic news for everybody concerned, we have been a sole franchise Suzuki dealer since 1968. Suzuki is in my blood, to be Suzuki GB principle dealer team at the Classic TT is wonderful news.
Been involved in the team has been great for our business, during the last seven years.
I am an ex team Suzuki rider myself, so I know what goes into running a team and Kevin with his trusty mechanics have had wonderful success on what is a small budget, I can’t wait for next years event.”
Kevin Pearson is also keen to point out that product support from Motul Oils, Maxton Suspension, Dunlop Tyres, Pipewerx Exhaust, C&A Brack, SK Wilson and York Digital Image will continue and hopefully by the end of Motorcycle Live, more product support can be announced.
The team will also continue to support the Oliver’s Mount meetings and will be Suzuki GB’s sole representative throughout the 2017 Oliver’s Mount season.
The team hopefully will also field a team at the Post TT Classic races in May, riders for these meetings are still to be decided, it is possible that the team will compete in the open classes as well as the F1 class at Scarborough.
For 2017 a decision will be made at a later date with regards to riders, for the main land meetings.
Team York Suzuki, Team Manager, Kevin Pearson, finished off by saying:
“Thank you once again Suzuki GB for the opportunity and we look forward to working alongside Team Classic Suzuki, and building on what is already a beneficial relationship, ‘LIVING THE DREAM’, as always!!”
Press release courtesy of Kevin Pearson