TYCO Suzuki has officially taken the wraps off its new 2013 machines as the Northern Ireland team builds towards the opening round of the British Superbike Championship and the beginning of the international roads campaign.

Mercurial Australian star Josh Brookes and young American hot-shot PJ Jacobsen give team manager Philip Neill a strong hand as the Moneymore team chases down a breakthrough title in the eminent Superbike series this season.

Brookes almost delivered the coveted British crown in 2012 but in the end had to give second best to Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne on the Rapid solicitors Kawasaki, who sealed a third BSB championship success at the final round at Brands Hatch.

The 29-year-old is one of the biggest threats to Byrne’s and Japanese ace Ryuichi Kiyonari’s bids to become the most decorated riders in British Superbike history as they seek an unprecedented fourth title.


Jacobsen, meanwhile, has been nothing short of sensational after making selective appearances for the Moneymore outfit last year, showcasing his versatility by picking up victories in the Superstock 1000 and Supersport classes.

The talented New Yorker has been granted his chance to shine on the bigger stage by Neil and along with fellow BSB newcomer and Ulsterman Keith Farmer, is tipped to prove he fully deserves the second Tyco Suzuki BSB seat.

Tayor Mackenzie heads up the team’s Supersport challenge on the GSX-R600.

On the roads, Guy Martin is back for another crack at the Isle of Man TT races, where his relentless pursuit of a maiden Mountain triumph has become one of the enduring tales of the greatest motorcycle road racing challenge known to man.

The wonderfully unfathomable Lincolnshire thrill-seeker has entered next month’s Cookstown 100 road races prior to the North West 200 to sharpen his senses before his annual pilgrimage to the Island for yet another attempt at writing his name into the annals of TT history.

Brookes is set to join him on the Tyco Suzuki GSX-R1000 machines as the Aussie fulfils a long-held ambition of competing in the legendary 37.73-mile Snaefell Mountain time trial, although as yet there has been no official confirmation on whether the BSB frontrunner will partner Martin at the North West in May.


Certainly, it’s all systems go for team principal Neill, who is bracing himself for another high-octane year at the helm of one of the biggest teams in the British championship and road racing paddocks.

“After another long hard winter pulling everything together, I hope you’ll agree, the 2013 Tyco Suzuki livery is a vibrant and refreshing change and should be easy to spot this season both in the British championship and also at the international road races,” said Neill.

“It really is good to see the bikes looking so well and it’s a credit to everyone involved, including our designers and painters for coming up with something fresh – whilst keeping in tune with the corporate colours of our title sponsor, Tyco Security Products.

“This also gives us the luxury of keeping all our racing GSX-Rs in the distinctive colours of Suzuki who we are proud to represent once again in 2013,” he added.

“Hopefully the new livery can be matched by something just as sharp on track this season.”

Neill believes Brookes’ familiarity with the big Suzuki this year can prove decisive in what promises to be a frenetic championship showdown.

“Josh Brookes is now in his third year with us at TAS Racing and I’m sure that consistency will prove to be vital in our championship aspirations with him.

“PJ Jacobsen came in late last year and was like a breath of fresh air to the team, but as a BSB series rookie there will be no undue pressure put on him this season – although he is a talented individual and will no doubt be looking to push into the sharp end of the action sooner rather than later,” he said.

“Everyone at Tyco Suzuki and TAS Racing can’t wait to get started.”



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