McGuinness again is the man to beat. But what in the pretenders’ armoury will push him hardest – Archibald, Anstey and Lougher’s experience, Farquhar and Porter’s commitment or the precocious youth of Finnegan and Martin?
These nine men are Island Racer’s pick of the ’06 TT crop. Some could be headed for major TT honours for the first time, others will be disappointed if they don’t add to their tally of TT wins, but all will be going flat-out to add to their Island CV. Luckily for them, and for we TT watchers, all began their 2006 campaigns in full racing fitness.
Even last year the McGuinness began each TT race as the bookie’s favourite, despite some doubts that he could maintain the sensational form – and good fortune – of his record-shattering 2004 TT.
We needn’t have worried, for the Morecambe man shrugged off any pressure to consolidate himself in top spot. McGuinness is fast because… well, because he has the most speed. But of all current TT riders he has the most impressive short-circuit pedigree. It’s his ability to harness that basic gift to the challenges of the Mountain Circuit that makes him so hard to beat.
Paradoxically last year’s Superbike victory was his first over six laps. Thanks to his deal with HM Plant Honda, 2006 should also see him with better team support than ever before. After a disappointing few seasons, during which their commitment seemed to waver, this year Honda are expected to be back in force and will be running McGuinness at the NW200 and Ulster GP as well as the TT. The effort will be spearheaded by a CBR1000RR Fireblade built to similar spec to the full factory British Superbike machines, along with a Superstock ‘Blade and Supersports CBR600. He’ll also be campaigning the Superstock CBR in British Superbike meetings. Although the 600 is now relatively long in the tooth, it’s a well-sorted package with, McGuinness reports, blistering speed.
As last year, McGuinness will enjoy special support with Dunlop NTec tyres. Early indications are that, in the year that marks the centenary of company founder Sichiro Honda’s birth, Honda will be making a bigger TT effort than in recent years. Honda racing boss Neil Tuxworth will manage their TT assault.
Ryan Farquhar
After what seems like aeons flying the Kawasaki flag almost single-handed, Farquhar switches to Suzuki machinery in the TAS squad this year. On paper this represents the best backing the young Dungannon rider has enjoyed, for team boss Hector Neill will be hoping last year’s aberrations were a one-off. Nonetheless, there are doubts about the sometimes volatile star meshing with a team used to more relaxed riders. Indeed, in Ireland it was often said that this was the pairing that would never happen.
Farquhar’s Island pedigree is already impressive. He won there on debut with the 1999 Newcomers’ Senior GP, following up with a full Senior win the following August, both on McAdoo Kawasakis. His first TT win came in the Production 600 event of 2004, which he followed with an assured ride to take last year’s Supersports ‘B’ race. In fact ‘assured’ became last year’s adjective of the week for the Irishman. Riding for Nick Morgan’s MSS Discovery team, he showed a new level of confidence and maturity. Unfortunately much of the rest of his TT was characterised by poor reliability which denied him of two other possible rostrum finishes.
Although continued frustrations with reliability culminated in his switching to Mark Johns’ Honda during the Ulster GP, Farquhar appeared to harness his innate aggression and speed in a more productive way than hitherto in a season in which he accumulated no fewer than 25 Irish road race wins. This can only enhance his future performances, and he will begin every race this year as a genuine rostrum contender.
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