Dom
02-03-2006, 08:19 PM
I'm not going to post this on the main site as it's borderline PR nonsense, but some of it is semi-interesting, especially if you like your road racing.
THE GREEN TEAM VISIT THE EMERALD ISLE
Kawasaki's Shinya Nakano and Randy de Puniet managed to fit a whistle-stop tour of Ireland into their busy pre-season schedule, before heading out to Catalunya for the first of the annual IRTA tests.
The two riders were in Ireland at the invitation of Bridgestone, who are again supporting the Grand Prix coverage by Ireland's national broadcaster, RTE.
Nakano and de Puniet started their mini-tour of the emerald isle with a trip to the North Antrim coastal town of Portrush, where 13-times race winner, Robert Dunlop, gave the two Kawasaki riders a guided tour of the world famous Northwest 200 road-race course.
A public roads circuit, the Northwest 200 course runs for nine miles between the coastal resorts of Portrush and Portstewart and the county town of Coleraine. More familiar with closed circuit racing, both Nakano and de Puniet were amazed to discover that during the race riders reach speeds of more than 200 mph, just inches away from trees, lampposts and other roadside furniture.
"I have seen real road racing from Macau on television, but this is the first time I've actually been round a road circuit," said Nakano. "It's amazing that the riders reach such high speeds on a normal road, it must be extremely exciting for both the riders and the spectators, who are stood right next to the circuit. I'm not sure I'd want to try real road racing myself, but you've got to admire the skill of the riders who do compete on road circuits."
"It is a shame that this year's race clashes with the French Grand Prix at Le Mans, because I would have liked to visit again to see the race; it must be incredible with more than 100,000 people lining the circuit," continued the 28-year-old Kawasaki rider.
Having decided against entering this year's Northwest 200, the two Kawasaki riders travelled south to the market town of Dromore, to present prizes to schoolchildren as part of a competition organised by Bridgestone Ireland.
Nakano and de Puniet then headed for Dublin in the Republic of Ireland for the public launch of the 2006 Grand Prix coverage on RTE television, which is again being supported this season by Bridgestone Ireland.
Both Kawasaki riders were interviewed on stage by RTE commentator, Peter Collins, who asked de Puniet whether he would be interested in racing the Northwest 200 in the future having been given a guided tour of the course.
"No way," declared de Puniet emphatically. "I think I'll stick with the short circuits thanks, real road-racing looks far too dangerous to me!"
Both Kawasaki riders were also given the opportunity to sample the delights of Guinness, brewed in Dublin, but famous throughout the world, with amusing results.
"They might call it 'Mother's Milk' here in Ireland, but Guinness is not for me," declared de Puniet, after just one sip from the proffered glass!
Both Kawasaki riders will continue their preparations for the 2006 MotoGP season at the Montmelo circuit in Catalunya, where the annual IRTA test runs from 3-5 March.
THE GREEN TEAM VISIT THE EMERALD ISLE
Kawasaki's Shinya Nakano and Randy de Puniet managed to fit a whistle-stop tour of Ireland into their busy pre-season schedule, before heading out to Catalunya for the first of the annual IRTA tests.
The two riders were in Ireland at the invitation of Bridgestone, who are again supporting the Grand Prix coverage by Ireland's national broadcaster, RTE.
Nakano and de Puniet started their mini-tour of the emerald isle with a trip to the North Antrim coastal town of Portrush, where 13-times race winner, Robert Dunlop, gave the two Kawasaki riders a guided tour of the world famous Northwest 200 road-race course.
A public roads circuit, the Northwest 200 course runs for nine miles between the coastal resorts of Portrush and Portstewart and the county town of Coleraine. More familiar with closed circuit racing, both Nakano and de Puniet were amazed to discover that during the race riders reach speeds of more than 200 mph, just inches away from trees, lampposts and other roadside furniture.
"I have seen real road racing from Macau on television, but this is the first time I've actually been round a road circuit," said Nakano. "It's amazing that the riders reach such high speeds on a normal road, it must be extremely exciting for both the riders and the spectators, who are stood right next to the circuit. I'm not sure I'd want to try real road racing myself, but you've got to admire the skill of the riders who do compete on road circuits."
"It is a shame that this year's race clashes with the French Grand Prix at Le Mans, because I would have liked to visit again to see the race; it must be incredible with more than 100,000 people lining the circuit," continued the 28-year-old Kawasaki rider.
Having decided against entering this year's Northwest 200, the two Kawasaki riders travelled south to the market town of Dromore, to present prizes to schoolchildren as part of a competition organised by Bridgestone Ireland.
Nakano and de Puniet then headed for Dublin in the Republic of Ireland for the public launch of the 2006 Grand Prix coverage on RTE television, which is again being supported this season by Bridgestone Ireland.
Both Kawasaki riders were interviewed on stage by RTE commentator, Peter Collins, who asked de Puniet whether he would be interested in racing the Northwest 200 in the future having been given a guided tour of the course.
"No way," declared de Puniet emphatically. "I think I'll stick with the short circuits thanks, real road-racing looks far too dangerous to me!"
Both Kawasaki riders were also given the opportunity to sample the delights of Guinness, brewed in Dublin, but famous throughout the world, with amusing results.
"They might call it 'Mother's Milk' here in Ireland, but Guinness is not for me," declared de Puniet, after just one sip from the proffered glass!
Both Kawasaki riders will continue their preparations for the 2006 MotoGP season at the Montmelo circuit in Catalunya, where the annual IRTA test runs from 3-5 March.