By In the run-up to TT 2019, one of the most surprising it’s fair to say confirmed rider/team combinations was 2017 Senior race winners Buildbase Suzuki joining forces with New Zealand’s Jay Lawrence.
Whilst TT 2019 marked Lawrence’s TT Races debut, he wasn’t a newcomer to the fabled, mythical Mountain Course having previously taken in the Classic TT Races.
Speaking about the deal with the Hawk Racing ran Buildbase Suzuki squad plus heaping praise a plenty on Carl Cox Motorsport for their role in bringing the link-up to fruition, Lawrence stated last year via Facebook:
“As an extremely well established and winning team, they give me the best possible opportunity for me to excel on my TT debut.
I thank Suzuki Bikes UK for their recommendation of me for this ride, and Carl Cox Motorsport for their hard work in bringing this relationship to fruition, along with support from home from TSS Motorcycles (along with the time off to go and do this!) and Bruce McLaren Motorsport Park. Let’s do it!”
Photo by Mark Corlett
Despite been a 1000cc racing TT debutant, the Lower Hutt racer gave a good account of himself during last year’s TT race week, registering three top five finishes including placing 17th within the Royal London 360 Superstock race.
24th fastest competitor from TT 2019, Lawrence’s PB lap speed of 125.034 mph, makes him currently the 70th quickest racer in TT history.
Words by Stevie Rial
