27th May 2013

JAPANESE RIDER MATSUSHITA JOINS TYCO SUZUKI FOR TT2013

Isle of Man TT Festival 2013

Tyco Suzuki is pleased to announce a third rider into the squad for this year’s TT in Japanese competitor Yoshinari Matsushita whose best finish to date is fifth place in the TT Zero race in 2011.

Matsushita will ride the team’s GSX-R600 Suzuki in both four-lap Supersport races on Monday June 3 [10.45am] and Wednesday June 5 [12pm]. Delighted to be involved with the Tyco Suzuki set-up he said:

“Tyco Suzuki is one of the strongest teams in the UK and are regular winners at the Isle of Man TT. Former Suzuki rider Mitsuo Ito will be assisting me prepare for this tremendously physical and mental challenge, and I cannot hide my excitement.”

Ito, now 76 years of age, is the only Japanese rider ever to have ever won a TT, with his victory coming in the 1963 50cc Ultra-Lightweight race. On his late appointment with Tyco Suzuki, Matsushita said:

“I think to be honest, I was surprised. As a member of this great team for the TT, I draw the full power to be able to use their experience to fight this monster course at best. I did not ever think a miracle like this would ever happen. For several years I have wanted to fulfil my ambition to race in the Supersport 600 class. I am very excited to work with members of Tyco Suzuki and riders Guy Martin and Josh Brookes.”

Team Manager Philip Neill added: “It’s nice to have a new member in the team for the TT, even if it is just for one event. I’ve heard good things about Yoshinari Matsushita, which made our decision to include him for TT2013 that little bit easier. We are all looking forward to working with him and I’m sure he will enjoy riding the Tyco Suzuki GSX-R600.”