Roads: Jay Lawrence gets Isle of Man TT call up with Buildbase Suzuki

Kiwi rider Jay Lawrence will make his Isle of Man TT debut with Buildbase Suzuki this year, having ridden a Katana for Team Classic Suzuki at last year’s Classic races.

Lawrence will be riding a Suzuki GSX-R1000R in the Superbike and Superstock classes, with additional support from Carl Cox Motorsport, having finished 21st in the RST Classic TT Superbike Race in 2018.

The partnership was announced yesterday at the beginning of this week’s North West 200 races, with Lawrence saying: “It was great to get those first laps at the Island under my belt with Team Classic Suzuki but now it’s the real deal.

“I have to thank Carl Cox again for supporting me and the fantastic opportunity we have with Buildbase Suzuki / Hawk Racing who have such a strong TT pedigree,” he added.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know them better and spin some laps, before we head across to the Island in a few weeks time.”

Lawrence has previously enjoyed success with the GSX-R in New Zealand, winning the prestigious Cemetery Circuit races last year. 

“I’ve always loved street courses like the Cemetery Circuit back in New Zealand,” Lawrence explained, “but of course the TT is the absolute pinnacle for me and many road racers. 

“I’m under no illusion as to the size of the learning curve needed and the strength of the competition, but we have to start somewhere!” 

Speaking about the partnership, Buildbase Suzuki team manager, Steve Hicken, added: “It’s a different approach to the TT for us this year, but something we’re looking forward to all the same.

“Jay’s got an impressive CV, Suzuki GSX-R1000R experience, and has already completed laps of the TT course so we’re not starting from scratch. He’s going to be coming in with his own goals, and if we can help him have a safe couple of weeks and improve his pace every time he goes out, it’ll be a successful couple of weeks.”

More from MCN:

• Agostini to ride Classic TT parade lap
• Entries open to Oliver’s Mount
• 2019 TT start numbers announced