Rob returned from the Ulster Grand Prix with mixed feels after it was cancelled due to the terrible weather North Ireland suffered on Saturday. He commented ‘There was no other option but to cancel the races as the weather was so bad. Rob was really disappointed as he was consistently the fastest Newcomer in all dry Practice sessions. That was even more impressive when you consider the other newcomers Matts Nilsson, Jamies Hillier, Ollie Linsdall, Christian Elkin, and Colin Wilcocks.
Rob Ended up posting the fastest Newcomer time of 3:37.164 wiith an average of 122.689 mph. Qualifying him 15th in the main Ulster Grand Prix Superstock race. With only the well established big team riders in front of him. He felt due to the wrong gearing on the Cross Lane MOT centre Suzuki GSXR 1000 he could have pushed for 125-126 mph lap in the race. But sadly the race never ran.
Rob did race on Thursday in the Dundrod 150 national race aboard his Robinsons of Rochdale Triumph 675. He new this was going to be difficult as his triumph is a standard engine and he would be racing tunes bikes up to 750cc. He was hoping for a top ten finish. The race went better than expected with Rob quickly slotting into 3rd and chased Jamies Hillier. But he was unable to make any impression on the three-sec gap finishing 3rd with Ollie Linsdall winning. Rob Commented ‘Although my Triumph is very good there is no substitute for the power the two bikes in front had at high speed circuit like this.I was really looking forward to returning the favour in the Superstock race in which my Cross Lane MOT centre Suzuki was a match for any bike.’
Rob would like to thank Noel Johnston and everyone at Dundrod & District motorcycle club for the invite to this awesome race track. Also would like to thank sponsors Dave Cottrell of Cross Lane Mot Centre, Robinsons of Rochdale, Kais Perforamance, MTC Exhausts. Big thanks and for James Mcbride, Stuart McNulty, and Dad Phil Barber the pit crew. Without these rob wouldn’t have been able to compete.
Rob is still looking for a tyre sponsor next year. If he does secure something Rob might be forced to retire so if anyone his interested please contact him on
07920060338.
