The Tyco Suzuki team announced its first major signing for the 2012 season. Conor Cummins will be racing for the Northern Ireland outfit at the Isle of Man TT this year, as well as the North West 200 and the Ulster Grand Prix.
Cummins, who is regarded as one of the fastest racers on the circuit, had a highly publicised accident around the mountain course in 2010. But the Ramsey Rocket is back and is looking to start a new chapter in his career.
"This is the ride I've been wanting for three or four years," Cummins said. "I'm thrilled to have been given the chance to ride for a factory-supported team in Tyco Suzuki and to be working with the boys at TAS Racing. I've been training hard with gym sessions and out on the pushbike over the winter, so I'm relishing the thought of getting aboard the big GSX-R1000 Superbike in testing. I'd say I'm not far off being as fit as I ever was and having been over to the workshop to meet the boys in Northern Ireland and have a look at the bikes – April can't come quick enough to get racing."
Cummins, 25, has already taken three TT podiums. He recorded the fastest standing start lap, 131.511 mph, at the IOMTT, and is the only Manx rider to record a lap over 130 mph, something that he's done on multiple occasions.
"After months of speculation and negotiations it's great to finally welcome Conor Cummins to our team for the 2012 road racing season," said Team Manager Philip Neill. "It's fair to say there has been a little bit of pressure to return to a two-rider team on the roads – so once we'd reached that decision Conor really was the obvious choice. I've always been hugely impressed with Conor and his riding skills were evident to everyone after those blistering lap speeds at the 2010 TT.
"However, probably more impressive is the determination he has shown in his comeback from injury, and for me, that was more than enough to justify a factory-supported ride with us here at Tyco Suzuki. I'll be looking forward to working with Conor both on and off the track this season, as he has the attitude and personality I was looking for in a rider."
