Superbike disappointment for Farquhar
Dungannon's Ryan Farquhar had a disappointing start to race week at the 2009 Isle of Man TT races when he was forced to retire with an oil leak on the opening lap of Monday's 6-lap Superbike race. Riding the Alf's Motorcycles Kawasaki, Ryan had been forced to use a Superstock engine for the race when a problem with the main Superbike motor occured during the final practice session. A number of handling issues had also affected him during practice but a number of changes prior to the race were definitely a step in the right direction and Ryan's race got off to a strong start.
However, not long after the start of the race, he felt his foot slip off the footpeg and when he looked down he could see oil on his boot and he knew there and then his race was over. He managed to complete the lap in 12th place with a lap of 124.798mph but he immediately pulled in the pits to retire.
Later in the day, Ryan said: "The changes we'd made to the bike had definitely worked and it was a lot more rideable at the start of the lap. I knew the Superstock engine wouldn't be quick enough but I was hopeful of a solid result but I think the engine pressurised the crankcases and oil started to leak out, eventually finding it's way into the airbox. I knew my race was over but I just wanted to bring the bike round and get back to the pits."
"It's been a tough TT for me so far but there are 4 more races to go and I managed a near 125mph lap in this afternoon's Superstock practice so let's hope Tuesday sees a turnaround in my fortunes."
Ryan has two 4-lap races on Tuesday with the Supersport first off at 12.15pm and the Superstock going at 6.30pm.
Words: Phil Wain - Freelance PR