Bullet is fired up for a busy season
Barry Furber has kicked off his racing season – and it looks to be the busiest he has taken on in quite a while.
The Bishop’s Castle bullet is determined to spend more time on the circuits during 2019, to put him in an even better position when it comes to tackle his first love – road racing.
Furber, 34, raced at Wirral 100 in Anglesey over the weekend of March 23-24, before heading out to Oulton Park, Cheshire, in April.
And after a steady start in Anglesey, he came home happy and with some top-10 results.
“It was great to be back on the bikes again,” he said. “I made some big improvements with the new CBR600 throughout the weekend and it’s feeling good straight away.
“The ZX10R has been rebuilt over the winter and we made some suspension changes that worked really well.
Perfect
“A steady start with some top 10 results and a signature in the bag towards the TT.”
The circuits will provide the perfect format for him to try out all his bikes, which includes three different manufacturers, ready to hit the Isle of Man TT, Ulster GP in Northern Ireland and the Southern 100, also on the Isle of Man, as well as some Irish National road racing meetings if time and money allows.
And having raced primarily in the superbike, superstock and lightweight classes in recent years, he has added a supersport machine for 2019, which means he will be entering even more classes.
“My 2019 plans are moving on nicely,” said Furber. “I have a brand new Honda CBR600RR for the supersport class and Gary Gittins, of Braddan Performance, is tuning the engine.
“I will be riding a Kawasaki ZX10R in the superstock, superbike and Senior TT class on the Isle of Man, the Honda CBR600RR in the supersport, and in the lightweight class I will be riding a Suzuki SV650.
“My main focus this year is the Isle of Man TT and the Ulster Grand Prix, although I hope to be able to race again at the Southern 100 and also some Irish Nationals.
“I’m racing on a shoe-string budget this year and still searching for sponsors to join the team.
“I am happy to have Shropshire company Morris Lubricants on board again to supply oil for the bikes, as well as huge support from DC Auto Repairs Newtown Ltd, HF Pugh & Sons and Bumble Bee Racing.”
Furber, who races as privateer – under his own Baz Furber Road Racing banner – has progressed well since finishing runner up in the Newcomers B Manx Grand Prix in 2014.
During last year’s TT, he finished an impressive 12th in the lightweight race – the fastest Suzuki-mounted rider in the entire field – as well 31st in the Superstock TT.
During his debut at the Ulster GP in 2018, he finished 12th in the lightweight race, 22nd in the superstock, posting a fastest lap of 124.5mph, and 28th in the superbike race.
And this year he will be aiming to enter all the petrol classes at the both the TT and Ulster GP, having added the Honda CBR600RR for his supersport challenge.
His numbers have also been released for 2019 TT fortnight too. He has number 54 for the two supersport races, 42 for the superbike, superstock and Senior TT races, and 23 in the lightweight class.
Furber added: “Due to various small issues in 2018 I didn’t show my true potential, so I’m really looking forward to shining this year and competing across all classes with a total of 6 races.
“The addition of a brand new CBR600RR will bridge the gap between the 650cc supertwin and the superstock bike.
“I could really do with a more competitive lightweight ride if anybody has one available.
“Thanks to all those who support me. If anyone can help please get in touch and join the team, as advertising opportunities always available. Support big or small is always needed and appreciated.”
