Cummins on song
Isle of Man racer ends nineyear drought at Ulster GP
Conor Cummins ended a nine-year win famine in the Supersport race at the Ulster Grand Prix at Dundrod before the event was abandoned due to bad weather. It was the Padgett’s Honda star’s first ever 600cc victory in a week that also saw him claim two podiums in the Superstock and second Supersport races plus set the fastest time in Superbike qualifying.
“It’s been a brilliant week for me despite the really tough conditions,” the Manxman said. Dundrod was also the venue for Cummins’ last roads success in 2009 aboard a McAdoo Kawasaki. The following year he suffered his infamous Senior TT crash at the Verandah, sustaining terrible injuries that forced several seasons of recovery. Cummins has always been a big fan of Dundrod and has consistently been in the mix. He said: “I love this circuit because it suits my style. It’s fast and has a nice flow to it. I have to carry more corner speed because, at 6ft 4in, I struggle out of the slow stuff.”
Now in his 15th season of racing, the 32-year-old has enjoyed a successful 12 months on and off the bike. Personal best performances in every class at this year’s TT produced podium finishes in the Superbike and Senior TTs. Cummins has also got married and is expecting his first child with wife Danielle. “This is my third year with the Padgett’s squad and I’ve benefitted from that continuity. I’ve had the best possible preparation this year by racing at some of the BSB rounds.” Cummins credits the influence of team boss Clive Padgett behind his improved form. “The spirit in this team is great. Everyone here has raced themselves and understands racing. You only have to look at that machine to understand the Padgett’s approach,” Cummins said, pointing towards the Honda RC213V-S race bike Clive Padgett built for team-mate Bruce Anstey. But Cummins has no illusions about how hard it’ll be to convert that good form into fulfilling his dream of winning a TT. “Peter (Hickman) and Dean (Harrison) took the game by the scruff of the neck this year but I wasn’t surprised by their speed. “They came to the TT with BSB pace and set the mark. I know I’ll have to go faster and believe preparation is key. With Padgett’s I know I’ve the tools to do that job.”