Kiwi ace hoping ‘Lidl’ improvements to his Padgetts Honda will see his success continue at the Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix

BRUCE Anstey is confident he will once again be in contention at the 2015 Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix, as the Kiwi looks to continue his stellar season at the final international meeting of the year this August.

The 45 year-old, who has already been on the podium at the North West 200 and TT in 2015, is also the reigning man of the meeting and lap record holder at Dundrod, and believes he will be in a great position to extend his fine form at the circuit.

Anstey said:

“It’s my fifth year with Padgetts and my fifth year with the Fireblade so we know exactly where we are with the bikes.

“The superbike handles so well and we’ve been making improvements to the engine year on year. It’s a proven package really so we’re definitely in a good place.”

One of the most experienced riders in the paddock, Anstey has proven that age is no barrier as he continues to go from strength to strength.

The New Zealander has been on the podium at every international road race since 2002 and is the world’s fastest road racer, having set the lap record of 133.977mph around Dundrod in 2010.

“I didn’t think that record would last this long, but I can see it going this year. If it’s dry we’ve just got to smash it. I don’t know how fast we’ll go, but with the speeds we’ve been riding this season I’d say we’re in with a good shout.

“Even last year we weren’t far off in tricky conditions so on a good day it will definitely be broken.

Anstey mastered the challenging weather at Bike Week last August to claim two wins and the overall man of the meeting crown, and he’s hoping for a similar result when Bike Week roars into action from the 3rd – 8th August.

“Last year was really good, I haven’t had man of the meeting for about ten years but I’ve always felt really comfortable around the track. It would be great to have the title again and it’s always the aim.”

Anstey’s comments came as Lidl celebrate the fourth year of their partnership with the Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix

Noel Johnston, Clerk of the Course at the Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix said:

“Bruce might be the most laid back man in the paddock but on his day there is nobody faster. His lap record is a testament to that and I’m sure he’ll be at the sharp end once again this year.

“It’s also fantastic to have Lidl back on board for a fourth year. Riders like Bruce are the star attractions at the Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix but without the support of sponsors such as Lidl the event wouldn’t be the success that it is.

“Together we’re looking forward to another stellar Bike Week and if Bruce can up his lap record it might just be a historic one too.”