MOTORBIKE rider Phil Guillou finished a creditable 17th in the 250cc Grand Prix on one of the world’s fastest road-race circuits. But hitting a speed of 160mph, the Guernseyman was fastest in a field of 38 other challengers through the speed trap in the International North-West 200 race in Northern Ireland at the weekend.
On that part of the circuit he was 3mph quicker than John McGuinness, who finished the race in second place, in front of a crowd of 150,000 people.
‘I rode a lot quicker than last year - eight seconds a lap quicker,’ he said.
‘The pace was a lot harder and faster in the five-lap race - conditions were
perfect with really nice weather.
‘I was very happy. I just rode safely and used this year as another learning year. Next year I aim to go quicker again.
‘The engine was really, really quick and local mechanic Paul Price did a good job,’ he said.
After the first qualifying session, he finished in 17th place and the second qualifying practice was abandoned after a lap due to rain.
Guillou was interviewed by Phil Clarke on the grid for the big race, which went out live on Ulster TV.
He also managed to secure a new sponsor in Northern Ireland, a company that wanted its name
on his £35,000 Yamaha machine.
And he is now looking to secure a substantial sponsorship for next year with sportswear company The Outlet alongside another rider Bruce Dunn, a professional test rider for Motorcycle News.
‘We are going to try for a large amount and will see whether they accept it or not,’ said Guillou.
The next time he gets on a bike is likely to be for the local hill climb at Le Val des Terres.
After that he will probably compete in another MotorStar British 250 Grand Prix Championship round at Oulton Park.
Article posted on 16th May, 2007 - 12.00am
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