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View Full Version : Ryder Cup star in Relentless Suzuki pillion ride



Matt Bleck
2nd August 2009, 08:18
Oh what a rush this would be!!!! :wari:

from>>> http://www.realroadracing.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3920

"The Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing team had a new recruit in their ranks during yesterday’s private test session at Kirkistown in Northern Ireland, where road racing regulars Bruce Anstey and Cameron Donald were putting in some final preparations for the forthcoming Ulster Grand Prix.

Portrush based Professional golfer, and self-confessed bike fan, Graeme McDowell, arrived at the Ards Peninsula venue not knowing quite what to expect, after his father Kenny had organised a ‘pillion in a million’ ride with the team as an early 30th birthday present.

The 2008 Barclays Scottish Open winner and European Ryder Cup player, who is 30 tomorrow, had never sat on a motorcycle before yesterday’s run out with the Relentless Suzuki team, but fully enjoyed the experience on the 2009 GSX–R1000.

McDowell said: “I didn’t get much of chance to be nervous as the boys had me in the leathers as soon as I arrived. Cameron Donald showed me what to do before I went out; after that I just tried to relax. Bruce took it easy for the first couple of laps; then he really opened the bike up. It was an unbelievable adrenalin rush and a real buzz. I just tried to relax like Cameron told me through the corners, but the sense of speed on the straights was amazing and the acceleration superb. I’m really glad I came down as all the boys made me feel really welcome.”

7 times TT winner Bruce Anstey, normally a man of few words, was impressed with his Kirkistown pupil stating: “I did a couple of laps just to get warmed up, then I really gave it some. For never having been on a bike before, Graeme was a pretty confident pillion. I’m sure we were touching 140mph along Kirkistown’s back straight on the Superstock GSX–R1000. I think it’ll be a 30th birthday present Graeme will not forget in a hurry.”

McDowell entertained his hosts after the pillion ride, hitting a few golf balls in that familiar style of his, also presenting team manager and golfing enthusiast Philip Neill with his Callaway driver at the end of the day. The Relentless Suzuki team returned the gesture, presenting Graeme with a signed AGV helmet.

Philip Neill – Team Principal
"As an avid golfer and a big fan of Graeme's, it was very pleasing to see him enjoying his day with the team. To see the excitement, pleasure and fear on his face was something very special, and to see him hit a gold ball up close was also pretty spectacular. The guys in the team have made a new friend today and I'm sure they will be watching Graeme's progress more intently in the future."

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Bob
2nd August 2009, 08:22
I don't know if they still do it, but at the MotoGP rounds, Randy Mamola used to take a lucky pillion out on a two-seater MotoGP Ducati for a couple (think it was three) laps of the circuit.

Guessing it went to highest bidder or maybe a raffle prize, with money going to Riders for Health.

From what I know (I've read a report from someone that went out) Mamola wasn't hanging around either.

Matt Bleck
2nd August 2009, 08:26
Yes he took Prince Harry for a spin at Doington!

saul
2nd August 2009, 08:50
Wonder how relaxed I would be ???? :shifty::laugh: Be great though.