Relentless Suzuki's Michael Laverty and Ian Lowry cap perfect season at Sunflower Trophy races

Relentless by TAS Suzuki duo Michael Laverty and Ian Lowry capped a perfect season when they dominated the Sunflower Trophy races at Bishopscourt, County Down.

Regarded as the premier short circuit event in Northern Ireland, both riders enjoyed a brace of wins on their Relentless Suzukis, with Michael Laverty receiving the Sunflower Trophy from guest of honour Troy Corser for his Blue Riband Superbike success, boosted by a cheque for £3,000.

Recently crowned British Supersport Champion, Michael Laverty was a pre–race favourite in the Superbike class and he didn’t disappoint, also winning the final solo race of the day on his GSX–R1000 K7 Suzuki by almost 10 seconds.

Ian Lowry, who finished this season’s British Supersport Championship in second place behind his team–mate, won both Supersport races at Bishopscourt before turning his attention to a one-off Superbike ride.

Never having raced a Superbike before this weekend, Lowry deservedly lifted the man of the meeting award with a double podium, following his team–mate home in second place in the final race of the day.

Michael Laverty said: “Apart from the first race where we made the wrong tyre choice I’m pretty happy with the results here today. My aim was to win the Sunflower Trophy and we did that.

“In the last race we made more progress on the Superbike and I think it showed with a comfortable win. It’s always nice to win in front of the home fans, and to cap a perfect season on home soil with Relentless Suzuki is very satisfying.”

Ian Lowry added: “Fantastic! That’s how I’ll sum up today. My 600 Suzuki never missed a beat all weekend and to be honest I didn’t change a thing from last weekend at Brands Hatch, the bike was that good.

“The Superbike was mind blowing… unreal, and when I jumped back on the GSX–R600 it made me really appreciate how good it also is. It’s the perfect end to a perfect season for me.

“I wasn’t sure if I was ready today to jump on the Superbike but after the test on Wednesday and today’s races I must admit I really, really enjoyed the experience – what a bike – it just suited my riding style.

“Again thanks to everyone in the team. All credit must go to them for what we have achieved this year.”

Team boss Philip Neill revealed that he’s already offered Ian Lowry a deal to race in British Superbikes for the 2009 season.

Neill said: “Ian came of age today, and I told him that after finishing second to Michael in the second Superbike race. He got two wins and broke Tom Sykes’ Supersport lap record in the process.

“Riding the Superbike today was a little bonus for him, but hey… didn’t he do well. After seeing him ride it, I’m glad I’ve done a deal to move him into the Superbike class in 2009 – he was very impressive.

“It was also pleasing for the team to finish 1–2 in the final race of 2007, which leads us nicely into the winter break.

”What started as a difficult day turned into a perfect weekend for us, and the perfect end to the season in front of our home fans.

“I was slightly concerned with the damp patches early on with the cloud cover on a cold track, but thankfully Michael overcame his nerves to record his fifth Sunflower Trophy win, and on a GSX–R1000 K7 Relentless Suzuki.

“In the second Superbike race he annihilated the field showing just how much of a class act he is on a Superbike.

“This week has been a good opportunity for us to start testing the Superbike for 2008, even though the new machine will be superior in every department.”