Suzuki will return to the Isle of Man TT in 2011 with Northern Ireland-based TAS Racing, the team has announced. TAS, one of the TT’s most successful teams, and Suzuki are continuing a partnership established more than a decade ago. The father and son team of Hector and Philip Neil will spearhead Suzuki’s efforts in the British Superbike Championship and the International Road Races, including the TT. There is no word yet on whether TAS will retain Cameron Donald and Bruce Anstey for next year’s road racing season, but there will be a two rider line-up and an announcement is expected in the next few weeks.
TAS returns to Isle of Man
Team manager Philip Neill said: “To say that my Father and I are honoured to solely spearhead Suzuki’s official racing effort in 2011, taking in both British Superbikes and International Road Racing, would be an understatement. 2010 completed an unbroken decade for TAS Racing representing Suzuki. It’s a period of time that doesn’t even take into consideration my own racing efforts with the official Suzuki Motocross team, nor my father Hector’s success in the halcyon days of pure road racing, operating as a semi-supported Suzuki team. So I think it is fair to say, deep down, the Neill family are Suzuki through and through. Taking the current economic situation into consideration, we fully understand that the commercial side of racing is very difficult these days. We also appreciate the tough decisions Suzuki had to make regarding their future racing plans, and with this in mind, we are delighted that TAS Racing will be entrusted with the overall Suzuki racing programme within the UK.”
“We understand and accept that with this new position will come a number of increased expectations – none more so than the delivery of results – but are determined not to let this affect our approach. As a team, we always apply one hundred percent effort to our racing and no one expects more from any given season than our team members themselves. Our approach will remain as it always has been: to carry out the role in a professional manner, build the strongest possible team structure, including our rider line-up, and just as important – we will continue to enjoy what we do. In addition to showing our appreciation to Suzuki and each member of the team, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our very loyal partners, some of whom have been with TAS Racing from the beginning. Without the support of Relentless, Beacon Security, Leo Vince and many others, we simply would not be in the position we are in today.”
via iomtt.com
