Milenco by Padgetts Motorcycles have expanded their line-up for this year’s Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy, with Davey Todd lining up for the Batley-based team
Todd will campaign a Honda CBR600RR alongside regular team member Conor Cummins in the two Monster Energy Supersport Races where – despite being in only his second year of competition on the TT Mountain Course – he is sure to be a major contender, given his progress in his debut season last year.
The 23-year old rode a similar Honda for the Burrows Engineering Racing team in the two Monster Energy Supersport Races in 2018 and immediately excelled with two twelfth placed finishes.
He also posted a best lap of 124.364mph on the 600cc machine, a speed which makes him a seeded rider for 2019 where he will line up with the number eight plate. Team-mate Cummins will lead the field away at number one giving the team a strong top ten presence.
The Padgetts team are one of the most successful in the history of the Isle of Man TT Races, particularly in the Supersport class where Ian Hutchinson and Bruce Anstey have given them five wins since 2009. The last decade has seen them take a total of 14 podium finishes in the Supersport class.
Last year saw Cummins take fourth and fifth place finishes, recording a new personal best lap in the class of 127.268mph, with then team-mate Lee Johnston also lapping at more than 127mph.
Todd made a name for himself in the 600cc class on the short circuits when he finished sixth overall in the 2016 National Superstock 600cc Championship with victories at Oulton Park and Brands Hatch.
His performances at last year’s TT made him the hottest property in road racing after he became the second fastest newcomer ever to have lapped the 37.73-mile circuit with a lap of 128.379mph in the Senior.
A brilliant ninth place in that race was backed up with tenth in the RL360 Superstock race as well as the two top twelve Supersport results. His stunning debut saw him win the Newcomers Trophy, the TT Privateers Trophy and the RST Star of Tomorrow award.
In addition to the Milenco by Padgetts Motorcycles ride in the Monster Energy Supersport races, the Saltburn-by-Sea rider will also contest the RST Superbike, RL360 Superstock and Dunlop Senior Races for the German Penz13.com BMW team.
Clive Padgett, Team Manager, Milenco by Padgetts Motorcycles said:
“As a team we’ve always enjoyed great results in the Supersport class and we have a very strong line up this year. Conor goes from strength to strength and is a contender in every class while Davey Todd is one of the most impressive riders to come through in recent years and hopefully we can help him build on last year.”
He continued:
“Bruce Anstey also remains very much a part of our team and we hope to have him on the Isle of Man in some capacity as he continues his recovery from illness.”
Padgett’s Motorcycles are thrilled to announce their partnership with Milenco Security.
Milenco limited, the world’s leading manufacturer of mechanical security products for leisure vehicles has launched new range of high security motorcycle locks. Milenco based in Milton Keynes England, has been producing market leading, award winning innovative locks for over 25 years and exports locks worldwide.
The entire range of locks has been accredited to the highest security standard available Sold Secure gold. There is also a new lock which is the toughest, heaviest and strongest ever made for a motorcycle which is approved to the new Sold Secure Diamond standard.
Milenco has also produced a lighter motor scooter lock approved to the Sold secure silver standard for motor scooters. The entire range of locks are very high quality and all come with a lifetime guarantee. The locks are competitively priced ranging from £49.99 up to £499.99
For 2019 Milenco is the title sponsor of Padgett’s Motorcycles. To celebrate this partnership with Padgett’s Motorcycles, the new range of locks have been named after road racing circuits, Coleraine, Dundrod and of course the toughest lock available being named after the TT mountain course, Snaefell. In addition to the new range of locks there is also a range of robust ground anchors, helmet cables that work with the locks and a carry bag for locks.
These are being shown for the first time at the Motorcycle live show on stand number 3B19. Also on the stand will be Conor Cummins 2019 Padgett’s Motorcycles Honda Fireblade superbike.
We would also like to welcome Carl Cox Motorsport to the Team, and thank all of our existing sponsors for their continued support. The full range of the Milenco Security products are available in our Batley showrooms, on our eBay shop Padgetts-online and will be soon live on our online store.
Save a Massive £1,400 on a 2018 Honda CB1000R and pay just £143.95 per month!
Features
- Throttle by wire
- Burnished Alloy Radiator Shroud
- All around LED lights with round headlight
- ABS with incredible braking force
- 4-2-1 Exhaust system – deep raw tones!
- 3 rider modes plus user mode
- Assist / Slipper Clutch
- Engine brake with Honda selectable torque control
- LCD instrument panel
- 2 years European Warranty
- 2 years European Roadside Assistance
- Part Exchange welcome
- Nationwide Delivery Available
- Brand new & unregistered
- Data tagged as standard
CASH PRICE – £9,899.00
Available in Matt Bullet Silver Metallic, Graphite Black and Candy Chromosphere Red.
6.9% APR Available on PCP Finance.
Bike must be registered before 31/10/2018.
The above finance example is based on a 37 month PCP, £1000 deposit, 36 payments of £143.95, Final payment of £5,178.17, GFV £5,178.17, based on 4000 miles per year, Total Amount Payable £11,360.37.
PCP Terms and Conditions: New retail Honda CB1000R registrations to 31 October 2018. Subject to model and colour availability. Representative example based on 3 years 6.9% PCP. Excess mileage rate applies. You do not have to pay the Final Payment if you return the bike at the end of the agreement and you have paid all other amounts due, the bike is in good condition and has been serviced in accordance with the Honda service book and the maximum annual mileage of 4,000 has not been exceeded. Excess mileage rate applies should this be exceeded. Indemnities may be required in certain circumstances. Finance is only available to persons aged 18 or over, subject to status. All figures are correct at time of publication but may be subject to change. Honda Franchise Dealers are credit brokers, not lenders. Credit provided by Honda Finance Europe Plc. Cain Road, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 1HL. Honda Financial Services is a trading name of Honda Finance Europe Plc. a company registered at Companies House No 03289418. Honda Finance Europe plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Financial Services Register number 312541.
An undeniable favourite this year in the Best Sports Tourer category, the Tracer900GT has scooped the award for 2018, beating the Kawasaki H2 SX and our own Yamaha NIKEN.
We also collected two further accolades, as the Yamaha R1M was nominated forBest Sports and the Yamaha Aerox 50 for Best Moped.
As the UK’s largest motorcycle marketplace, Auto Trader’s Best Bike Awards really matter to buyers and they are back for their 5th year bigger than ever.
On the 12th November 2017, Uncle Don sadly passed away in his sleep. The Padgett family have been humbled by the number of lovely comments, kind messages and others memories of Uncle Don.
Many people have been asking for the funeral arrangements and these are as follows: –
ISLE OF MAN FUNERAL – 15TH DECEMBER 2017
12 Noon – Saint Ninians Church Service, Saint Ninians Road, Douglas, Isle of Man IM2 (Top of Bray Hill at the cross roads)
The family will be leaving from Uncle Don’s home in Onchan, but with a drive through of TT Pit Lane, “Fast Past The Pits” one last time. Anyone wishing the join the drive through please meet on Glencrutchery Road at 11.45am. Cars and bikes welcome.
1.15pm – Cremation – Family Only
1.00 pm – Celebration of Uncle Don’s Life at Cat With No Tail, Hailwood Court, Hailwood Avenue, Douglas, Isle of Man IM2 7EA
CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE UK – 18TH DECEMBER 2017
2pm – Village Hotel, Inspirations suite, Capitol Blvd, Tingley, Morley, Leeds, LS27 0TS – just off junction 28 of the M62
His many friends are welcome to attend either of the services or both if they would like to.
Uncle Don lived for racing so we ask for people to attend in Team Clothing, where possible.
It is the families wish that we only have family flowers and ask instead for people to make donations to the Rob Vine Helicopter fund in conjunction with the Phil Hog fund. Please see the link below for the justgiving page we have set up.
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/inlovingmemoryofuncledon
The 3 Padgett’s Motorcycles shops will be closed for the UK Celebration of Life Service, on the 18th December 2017.
A special thanks to the TT Organisers for allowing us to use the TT Pit Lane for the “Fast Past the Pits” Drive Through.
Rest In Peace Bird’s Eye xxxx
The Valvoline Racing by Padgetts Racing team were back in action on the famous Isle of Man Mountain Course over the weekend for the annual Classic TT races and Bruce Anstey ensured it was another highly successful time on the island as he swept to victory in Saturday’s Lightweight race.
The Kiwi dominated the race from start to finish on his RS250 Honda as he posted the fastest ever 250cc lap seen around the Mountain Course, his second lap speed of 118.774mph finally breaking former Valvoline Racing rider John McGuinness’ speed of 118.29mph which was set way back in 1999.
Anstey led from the word go, pulling away from nearest rival Ian Lougher by considerable margins at each and every timing point. An opening lap of 117.170mph gave him a 16.9s lead over Lougher but his near 119mph lap second time around saw that shoot up to 43s and he eventually won by over a minute from the Welshman. It was the 47-year old’s second Classic TT win after taking victory in the 2014 Formula One race.
On Monday, it was the turn for the four-lap Classic Superbike TT race where Bruce was on the 1992 YZR500 Yamaha and joined by Conor Cummins on the team’s ex-Rob McElnea 1989 750cc OW01 Yamaha. An opening lap of 122.033mph saw Bruce in eighth place but Conor fared worse as he was black flagged at Brandywell which dropped him down the order to 26th although he was later credited with the lost time.
Second time around and Bruce improved his pace to 123.810mph to move up to seventh whilst Conor was up to 13th and both riders improved further still on the third lap to fifth and 12th respectively. However, Bruce’s race ended on the fourth lap when he was forced to retire at Glentramman and so it was left to Manxman Cummins to uphold the honour of the team as he eventually took a fine eighth place, aided by two near 121mph laps.
Bruce Anstey: “The Lightweight race wasn’t too bad was it? With Ian starting ten seconds behind me, I knew he’d be a threat so my plan was to get my head down straightaway so he couldn’t see me and the plan worked. Track conditions were perfect although it was quite windy out there and I was struggling a bit with the gearing, especially top gear. I really enjoyed the race and it was great to be back out on a 250.”
“I love riding the two-strokes and was really looking forward to the Superbike race on the 500 but we hadn’t had much time on the bike during practice week and it took me a while to get going. I’d worked my way up to fifth and was hopeful of a decent finish but it wasn’t to be so we’ll be back next year for another try.”
Conor Cummins: “I’d never seen the bike before practice week but Clive and the whole team worked their magic again and it was a pleasure to ride the bike. It was a shame about the black flag but the marshals were doing their job and it was just a precaution so to end the race in eighth is pleasing. I got the lost time back and whilst it’s a shame Bruce had his DNF, I’m pleased to have got a finish for the whole team as they’ve all worked so hard. I’ve really enjoyed it and it’s been great fun.”
Clive Padgett: “It’s been a fantastic week and to win the 250cc Lightweight race is really special especially as Bruce won the last TT race back in 2002. What a man he is – he can certainly ride a motorbike, the Lightweight race and performance was phenomenal. The lap record wasn’t something we aimed for I’m but chuffed to have it and to lap not only quicker than what he did in 2002 but also quicker than John’s lap record was stunning. It’s very difficult to build the bikes now and we were buying parts off the internet and all sorts”
“We’re really chuffed with how Conor rode and to lap at close to 121mph on his last lap was pleasing. We’re thrilled to bits and have loved every minute of it. Hopefully, Conor will have learnt a few things about the course for next year’s TT too. Obviously, it’s a shame Bruce retired but he was running in fifth and, at the end of the day, the bike’s over 20 years old – we’re all going home safe and that’s the main thing. Overall, it’s been a tremendous week and a tremendous event – at the moment, the Classic TT is the best event in the world.”
The Valvoline Racing by Padgetts Motorcycles team will be making their third visit to the Isle of Man Classic TT event next week with Bruce Anstey competing in two races for the Batley-based outfit this year, the Motorsport Merchandise Superbike race and the Sure Lightweight event.
Held on the same 37 and ¾-mile Mountain Course which hosts the TT Races in June, Anstey has enjoyed two excellent years at the Classic TT, going head to head on each occasion in the four-lap Superbike race with Michael Dunlop. The Kiwi won the 2014 race from start to finish when he rode the team’s 1992 YZR500 Grand Prix Yamaha machine and set a new lap record of 123.894mph.
Bruce looked like he’d serve up a repeat performance twelve months ago when he again led the race in the early stages, holding a 12-second lead at half race distance after increasing his lap record to a staggering 126.261mph. However, a broken exhaust bracket necessitated an extra pit stop and the time lost meant he had to settle for second behind Dunlop so he’ll be keen to exact revenge this time around and go quicker still on the Grand Prix machine.
Anstey has an extra race on his schedule this year as he’ll also contest the newly introduced Lightweight Classic TT race. The 47-year old won the last ever Lightweight TT race held in 2002, lapping at 118.03mph, just outside John McGuinness’ 1999 lap record of 118.29mph and whilst it’s unlikely the race will see those speeds reached, the 11-times TT winner was one of the first entries received for the race where he’ll be on board a Valvoline Racing by Padgetts Motorcycles RS250Honda. Clive Padgett’s expertise combined with Anstey’s supreme talent makes the combination the pre-race favourites for the four-lap race.
Bruce Anstey: “I’m really looking forward to the Classic TT as I’m getting the opportunity to ride my two favourite bikes on my favourite circuit in the world! Clive’s done a bit of work with the carburation on the YZR500 and even though it was only a demonstration lap, the bike felt good when I took it round the Dundrod circuit at last week’s Ulster GP. We’d been losing a bit of time in the early part of the lap at last year’s Classic TT but that should be cured now and with a bit more power again, I can’t wait for the race.”
“I can’t wait for the Lightweight race either as that’s obviously where I cut my teeth racing in the 1990s. I actually haven’t ridden a 250 one since I won the TT in 2002 so it’s going to be an interesting race. Clive’s been working flat out to get it ready in time and now that it is, it looks great so we should have some good fun on it.”
Clive Padgett, Team Owner: “It’s our third year with the 500cc YZR Yamaha at the Classic TT and we’re continuing to learn, continuing to develop and continuing to move forward with it so we’re all set for another go. We’ve made a few carburation changes which Bruce got to try at the Ulster Grand Prix and I think he’s going be really pushing for the win again this year. Getting the bike to complete the four laps is the main aim and last year proved that’s not as simple as it looks but whilst you can never be over confident, we’re looking forward to seeing how it goes this year.”
“The 250cc Honda has taken a bit of time to get ready but we’ve managed to get a nice little bike prepared for Bruce and I know he can’t wait to get out on the TT course again. We’re all really looking forward to the event.”
The Valvoline Racing by Padgetts Honda team enjoyed a superb day’s racing at the Ulster Grand Prix on Saturday with Bruce Anstey taking yet another win for the team, this time in the opening Supersport 600cc race.
It was the Kiwis 12th Ulster Grand Prix victory in total and extended his sequence of finishing on the podium at least once every year since making his debut back in 2003. And to make it an even better day for the team, Conor Cummins finished in third to put both CBR600RR Honda’s on the podium.
The duo had earlier taken fifth and tenth in the Superstock race, where Cummins was the first past the chequered flag, before finishing a close fourth and fifth in the second Supersport encounter when just 1.4s covered the leading quintet.
Anstey, meanwhile, also had two outings in the Superbike races where he was riding the RCV213-S MotoGP replica machine. On both occasions, the 47-year old battled for the lead and he was unlucky to hit backmarkers in the wrong places in the seven-lap feature race which prevented him from getting a good run on eventual race winner Ian Hutchinson. It was close though as he was only 0.274s adrift at the chequered flag whilst he also lapped at 133.743mph.
In the second Superbike race, held over the slightly shorter distance of six laps, it was a similar story as Bruce, Hutchinson and Michael Dunlop again fought tooth and nail for the entire race distance. Indeed, for much of the race there was little more than a second covering the leading six riders although it all came down to a last lap battle between the leading three.
Hutchinson would again win the race, this time by 0.8s, as he also bettered Bruce’s six year old outright lap record but Bruce himself lapped at 133.913mph, a phenomenal achievement on a bike that only turned a wheel for the first time in June and was seeing the Dundrod circuit for the first ever time. Including his victory in Thursday’s Dundrod 150 race, it meant Bruce ended the week with two wins and two seconds to his name to ensure it was another successful visit to the Ulster Grand Prix.
Bruce Anstey: “I can’t complain at all about how today’s gone and we’ve had a great set of results. In the first 600cc race, I knew I had to try and make a break from Hutchy although slight drizzle beforehand certainly made the first lap a bit exciting! I was extra careful through Deer’s Leap after being caught out there last year and once we got the first lap out the way, conditions were perfect. I didn’t get much dry time on the bike in practice but I was delighted to get another UGP win.”
“In the Superbike races, I got held up a bit by backmarkers towards the end of the first race and that prevented me from having a real go at Hutchy. The bike was working really well although in the second race I was struggling for grip a bit in first, second and third gears. Hutchy was getting away from me out of the corners but once I got to fourth, fifth and sixth, I was able to start reeling him back in. I’ve got to be pleased with a win and a pair of seconds today though – it’s not bad for an old man is it??!!”
Conor Cummins: “It’s been a brilliant day for me and whilst it’s great to get a podium on the 600, I was most pleased with my Superstock result. The Ulster’s the fastest road race in the world and we’ve shown with fifth place today just how good the Honda Fireblade is. Riding is the easy part but the team have put together a great package for me and we were always in the mix.”
“Clive and the team got me out of a bit of a hole just before the TT and I’ve had two really good meetings. I knew they’d give me what I needed which is exactly what they’ve done and I’ve really enjoyed my time with them. The results I’ve had on the Valvoline Racing machines have been superb – they’ve got me competitive and back up at the front which is just what I needed.”
Clive Padgett, Team Owner: “We’re absolutely over the moon with today’s results at the Ulster Grand Prix and to have practically every bike finish in the top five is an excellent achievement for the whole team. Taking first and third in the Superstock race was pleasing as was being first and second quickest through the speed trap. Conor’s shown what a good 600cc rider he is and we’ve been really pleased not only to put him back on the map but also with how well he’s gelled with the team.”
“Bruce has again proven what a phenomenal talent he is. We made a few changes to the RCV after the TT and although we didn’t get much dry practice, Bruce lapped at 133.9mph which showed just how good a motorcycle it is. The bike’s developed a bit more, we’ve learnt a bit more and the fans have loved seeing it go round the Dundrod circuit so it’s been a superb day for everyone.”
The Valvoline Racing by Padgetts Honda duo of Bruce Anstey and Conor Cummins enjoyed a highly productive day at the Ulster Grand Prix on Thursday with both riders excelling in what was a difficult and challenging day for all concerned.
Poor weather on Wednesday had already left everyone on the back foot and heavy mist in the County Antrim hills on Thursday morning led to the start of qualifying to be delayed by over three hours. However, once the action got underway just after 1pm, both Anstey and Cummins were well to the fore.
The Superstock qualifying session was the first to take place and saw the worst of the conditions as the 7.4-mile circuit was still damp but with laps of 119.926mph and 119.508mph respectively, Conor and Bruce qualified in fifth and sixth respectively and on the second row for Saturday’s 6 lap race.
The Superbike session soon followed which saw Bruce back in action on the Honda RCV-213S MotoGP replica bike for the first time since the Isle of Man TT in June and the bike was certainly flying, ending up quickest through the speed trap at 196.3mph. On the overall times, it was quick too and a lap of 130.220mph put Bruce in third overall, not only showing how much conditions were improving but also how well the RCV-213S was working around Dundrod.
The third and final qualifying session of the day was for the Supersport class and it was the one where Bruce really excelled and he continually set the fastest lap during the 30-minute session. Drizzle brought the session to a slightly early end but with a lap of 125.944mph, Bruce will line up in pole position on the Honda CBR600RR for Saturday’s two races.
Despite his 6’5 frame, Conor also excelled and his fastest lap of 124.530mph will see him join Bruce on the front row on Saturday with the Manxman setting the third fastest time.
There was also a race on Thursday with the Dundrod 150 Superbike race taking place and although he had only qualified in tenth place, by the end of the first lap Bruce was up into fourth and challenging for the lead. Second time around he lapped at 131.603mph to move up to second but as the leaders started their third lap the red flag came out and the race was stopped. With the time approaching 8.15pm, the light was fading rapidly and so the race was declared a result with Bruce awarded second place.
Bruce Anstey: “I’ve had a good day and to get pole on the 600 is a great bonus. We haven’t changed anything on the bike and I had a good run during the session but I could see the weather was closing in a bit so got my head down from the start and managed to reel off a succession of quick laps. I didn’t want to get caught in any traffic and with the rain coming in, it all worked out perfectly.”
“The RCV’s still work in progress and Clive’s made a few changes to the bike since the TT whilst we had a few little problems with the electronics during the sessions as they didn’t seem to like the ups and downs of the course. I’ve turned everything off now and it’s working really well through the fast stuff and I’ve been able to build up my speed each and every lap. It was a shame the Dundrod 150 race got red flagged as I’d just set my fastest lap on the bike and we were fighting it out for the lead but it showed the pace of the bike and we should be there or thereabouts come race day.”
Conor Cummins: “It’s been a fantastic day for me with the Valvoline Racing by Padgetts Honda’s and they’ve been working brilliantly. The weather certainly threw a spanner in the works but the Ulster GP organisers did a great job in fitting everything in and making sure everyone got out on track. It’s my first time on the bikes since the TT and I’ve had a good, consistent day with the 600 bike especially absolutely flying. We’ve plenty to aim at for the main race day on Saturday and with the weather forecast looking a lot better, we should be in the mix.”
Clive Padgett, Team Owner: “It hasn’t been the easiest days for anyone what with the weather being how it was but full credit to the organisers for keeping the show going and they made all the decisions at the right times. We all love the Ulster GP and I’m over the moon with how both riders performed today. Neither Bruce nor Conor have ridden since the TT but they’ve shown today what quality road racers they are and also how well they enjoy competing at Dundrod. They’re extremely completive and the bikes are working really well so I’m confident of some good results on Saturday.”
This week see the Valvoline Racing by Padgetts Motorcycles team return to race action with the third International road race meeting of the year taking place – the Ulster Grand Prix.
The third of the ‘big three’ International road races to be held in the UK, the Ulster GP takes place on the high-speed Dundrod circuit, just outside Belfast, Northern Ireland, and it should be a tremendous week’s racing on what is the fastest road course still currently in use.
Valvoline Racing’s Bruce Anstey has held the official circuit lap record for an incredible six years with the flying Kiwi lapping at an average speed of 133.997mph in 2010, which to this day remains the fastest average lap speed of any road race in the world.
With Michael Dunlop obliterating the Isle of Man TT record with a lap of 133.962mph, Anstey will need to up the ante as this year’s Ulster Grand Prix gets underway next month if his lap is to remain the world’s fastest.
Just as he did at the Isle of Man TT, Anstey will race the RC213V-S MotoGP but this will be the first time he competitively rides it fully fit, after suffering bruising from a crash during practice at the TT. Anstey will ride the bike in Thursday’s Dundrod 150 Superbike race as well as in the two Superbike races on the main UGP race day on Saturday. In addition, he’ll also campaign the team’s Honda CBR600RR in the two Supersport races and the CBR1000RR Honda Fireblade in the Superstock race.
Like all of the International road races, Anstey has a tremendous record at the Ulster GP with no less than 11 wins and 25 podiums to his name, the latter the third highest of all time. Last year saw him win the feature Superbike race for the fourth time in his illustrious career whilst he also took victory in the Dundrod 150 Superbike race.
Joining Anstey in the Valvoline Racing colours will again be Conor Cummins with the Manxman contesting the Supersport and Superstock races for Clive Padgett’s Batley-based squad. The 30-year old had an excellent set of results at the TT on the CBR600RR and CBR1000RR Fireblade and the Ramsey-based rider is also a former outright lap record holder of Dundrod.
He too has an excellent record around the 7.4-mile circuit with 2015 seeing him take the runners-up spot in the second Superbike race. His career record at the UGP reads one win – in the 2009 feature Superbike race – and nine podiums and, like Anstey, he’ll be amongst the pre-race favourites coming into the event.
Bruce Anstey: “I wanted to beat my lap record last year as I thought the weather was good enough so I’ll definitely be trying again this year. Obviously I’m back with Padgett’s for the sixth year running and having the same team definitely gives me an advantage over those getting used to a new set-up. The other thing I have in my corner is experience. The young guys are getting quicker but the knowledge I have from so many years racing really helps, especially at a fast circuit like Dundrod. I love competing there; it’s a real close second to the Isle of Man for me. Such a fast, flowing circuit with flying corners and that’s what I like. I’m still really enjoying it and can’t wait to get back out there.”
“I’m really pleased that we’re able to bring the RCV to Dundrod and that I’ll get another run out on it before the season ends. It’s fantastic to ride and should handle the fast, flowing corners of the circuit with ease. I’m looking forward to riding the RCV at full fitness too. I got a bit knocked about and bruised with my off at the TT so this is my chance to get out there and do the bike justice.”
Conor Cummins: “I’m really looking forward to coming to the Ulster GP this year with Valvoline Racing by Padgetts. We had a solid enough set of results at the Isle of Man TT which has given us a base to work on heading into practice on Wednesday. I’m really enjoying working with Clive and the crew and love the Dundrod circuit so I’m confident we can get some good results – I’m definitely aiming for the podium.”
Clive Padgett, Team Principal: “The Ulster is one of our favourite meetings of the year and it’s one we always look forward to. With a mass start, it’s obviously different to the TT and with fast, close racing, it’s always a joy to be part of. Bruce is back to full fitness and can’t wait to get out on the RCV whilst having Conor on board again is great for all concerned so we’re quietly confident that we can get some good results. The organisers have done a great job with the safety side of things and whilst we all want the weather to be smiling on us it’s fair to say the meeting will be a cracker no matter what.”
One of the most anticipated bikes to have ever ridden the mountain course, Bruce Anstey and his Honda RCV213V-S didn’t disappoint in last nights practice session clocking an average speed of 122mph from a standing start and an impressive 193.4mph through the Sulby Speed trap.
All eyes were on Bruce Anstey as the opening Isle of Man TT Superbike practice session got underway this evening, with the New Zealander taking to the track on his RC213V-S MotoGP replica for the first time.
The 10-time TT winner headed out on his CBR1000RR Superbike first but after just a lap he returned to the pits to swap to the exotic Grand Prix replica.
On his first lap, he recorded an average speed of 122mph from a standing start – a remarkable feat considering the bike wasn’t even running 24 hours ago.
On his second run from a standing start, Anstey upped the pace to 127mph and looked set to go faster on his first flier until he encountered traffic on the course. He was fastest through the Sulby speed trap, clocking 193.4mph on his fourth and final lap.
“We’re over the moon with how fast the first couple of laps went,” Clive Padgett told MCN. “It’s always a gamble with a new bike. We did two laps with the new fuel tank so that’s another box ticked and it’s very encouraging.
“This is incredibly special for us given that the bike didn’t start until this afternoon and last night it wasn’t even running! There’s hopefully still a lot more to come from both the bike and Bruce.”
Despite a strong start with the RCV, Padgett admits there is debate as to which bike they will run come Saturday’s Superbike race.
“It’s up to Bruce which bike he will race. He is now starting to debate it. We have a very fast Superbike which broke the race record last year and did 209.8mph at the North West. It’s both fast and proven but we will see.”
Bruce Anstey had his first view of the Valvoline Padgetts RCV 213 Honda that he is set to ride in this year’s Superbike and Senior TT races on the Isle of Man today.
“It looks like a proper racing motorbike.” the 47 year old Kiwi smiled as team boss Clive Padgett and his mechanics put the finishing touches to the exotic £138,000 V4 machine. Anstey had hoped to lead the newcomers round for a lap on the V4 during Saturday night’s opening practice session of TT 2016 but the bike wasn’t ready in time. So far the Marc Marquez replica has only been run on the dyno in the team’s Batley workshop as the mechanics have worked flat out in a secret location on the Isle of Man in an attempt to get the V4 ready for Monday evening’s opening big bike session.
Padgett handed the key of the road bike over to Anstey, warning him not to lose it.
“Keep that in your leathers or we won’t be able to get the bike started again after the pit stop.” he joked.
The ten times TT winner says he can’t wait to get out on the Mountain course on the nimble V4.
“I think it will be a good TT bike because it is so small and will be able to turn well plus it is slightly longer than my Fireblade superbike so it should be stable too.” he said.
With the special factory supplied race kit fitted the RCV is expected to produce almost 220bhp and Padgett has fitted K Tech front forks with TT spec settings alongside retaining the standard Ohlins rear shock.
“The RCV is a fantastic motorbike straight out of the showroom.” Padgett explained as he saw two months work come to fruition.
“We have just tried to beef it up a little for the challenge of the TT course. A lot of new parts such as the 24 litre fuel tank and the rear subframe have had to be specially manufactured.”
Bruce Anstey is set to race a Honda RC213V-S at the 2016 Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy.
The Valvoline Racing by Padgett’s Motorcycles team has confirmed that the New Zealand rider will have a race prepared version of the exotic V4 machine for the RST Superbike and PokerStars Senior TT races. Anstey has yet to test the machine but he will practice on it along with the superbike spec Fireblade that he rode to his first 6 lap Superbike race victory last year.
“It has always been a dream of mine to ride a MotoGP bike at the TT and this is as close as I will ever get, Clive is the only person in the world who could put something like this together and if he says it is OK I am with him 100%. He hasn’t just pulled it out of the crate and said we are racing it. Clive and the team have done a lot of work to the bike to make it ready for the TT.”
– Ten-time TT Race winner Bruce Anstey
Anstey is convinced the compact V4 will be well suited to the Mountain course. “The RCV should be an absolute weapon because it has loads of power but it feels as nimble as a 600.” he said. “It should be stable too as it’s over 2 inches longer than a Fireblade but is still really small and compact. I am really looking forward to seeing how it handles through the quick corners because it will be able to turn so fast.”
Valvoline Racing by Padgetts Motorcycles team boss Clive Padgett said that the idea for the incredible venture to race a production version of Marc Marquez’s Grand Prix bike on the 37 ¾ mile Mountain course originally came from a customer:
“I was having a few pints of Guinness with a customer who had just bought an RCV from us and he said wouldn’t it be great to see one of them going down Bray Hill. That planted the seed in my head and it has been germinating ever since,” he said.
He continued:
“The TT is all about pioneering innovation and I really wanted to do something different. I see this as being in the spirit of what Mr Honda did when he first came to the TT with his race bikes in 1959. I think this will bring even more global attention to the TT this year and that can only be a good thing. I am really giddy about it all. I might be over 50 now but inside I am still a 19 year old racer!”
Preparing the RC213V-S for the rigours of the world’s toughest motorcycle race has been a huge challenge for Clive Padgett and his Valvoline backed squad. “It has been a very difficult project to pull together,” he admits. “We have had to beef the bike up for the TT course and we can’t get anything off the shelf so everything has had to be made bespoke. Things like the wheels, the K-Tech forks, the rear shocks, the brakes and the radiator guards have all had to be specially made.”
The RCV’s standard package produces a mere 159bhp but with the £10,000 race kit fitted, which includes a titanium exhaust and a special ECU, the V4 delivers over 200bhp. “I love Bruce to bits and I wanted to give him the best motorcycle in the world to ride. That’s what this bike is all about,” concluded Clive Padgett.
Of the last 39 TT races that the team has started around the Mountain Course the Batley team has finished in the top four on no less than 33 occasions and of those 27 were podium places with 11 wins. The team is probably most well known for Ian Hutchinson’s five wins in a week in 2010. The team has also secured numerous lap and race records including Bruce Anstey’s RST Superbike win in 2015 in a record winning time of 128.749mph (1:45.29.902).
Padgetts Motorcycles, through their partner relationship with Honda, secured a number of the new RC213V-S machines in March 2016 and these will be available to purchase from the Batley based dealership.