TT 2009 an outstanding success!
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When the sunset and the dust settled on TT2009, we at Team Mukkablue reflected on a thoroughly successful fortnight. Steve; made his debut in all five solo races, covering a total of 24 laps (906 racing miles) of the grueling Mountain Course, bringing his machines home in one piece in all his races. An achievement in itself seeing as many of the top teams struggled to finish in one or two of their races.
Steve overcame severe handling problems during practice week with all three bikes, in almost Mediterranean conditions, but was well rewarded by being moved up the starting order in recognition of his efforts and speed.
By the time he had completed the full week of practice Steve had covered some Twenty two laps (830 racing miles), had as good as sorted the gremlins with Supersport 600 and Superstock 750, but was still struggling with the 1000cc Superbike. Throw into the mix a high speed collision with a pheasant out in the sticks and a very low speed tumble at Braddan Bridge, (artistic merit marks were sixes across the board Steve), some pretty fancy physiotherapy and strapping for arm pump and you start to get a clearer picture of how much effort and energy Steve and the Team put into those six practice sessions.
Race week was interrupted by the weather as rain and cloud descended on the little rock in the Irish Sea but when racing resumed Steve was straight back on the pace as his results below show. |
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Race |
Start Position |
Finish Position |
| Superbike TT |
72 |
47 |
| Supersport 600 TT A |
71 |
50 |
| Superstock TT |
78 |
50 |
| Supersport 600 TT B |
71 |
38 |
| Senior TT |
75 |
34 |
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All in all a tremendous achievement for a little privately funded team from up North. Steve would like to take this opportunity to thank a few people who without their kind generosity and friendship this whole chapter of his racing career would not have taken place.
Firstly and most importantly a massive thanks goes to Stevie Holding and DHT Servlite who supplied Stevie with two of his machines, Scotty Wilson and Billy Marshall for the use of the motor home, pop ups and accessories. Damo of Daytuner Performance who helped prep’ the machines and being Ste’s number one pitman for the fortnight, Andy Wilson, Henry Jones and John Foy for filling in at the eleventh hour in the pits. Phil and Manda Jolley for all their support behind the scenes back on the mainland and the countless others, you know who you are, a very, very big thank you to you all.
Plans have started already for TT 2010 and it will hopefully be bigger and better than ’09. With your help and support the 120mph lap and fistfull of replicas are within easy reach.
If you would like to help out Team MukkaBlue, don’t be shy and contact either Ste or Phil using the details listed on the contacts page of this site. |
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What or who is MukkaBlue?
Spirit and determination to win...
MukkaBlue is a vastly experienced motorcycle road race team, established over ten years ago and run by two ordinary, down to earth riders, who are as focused and determined today as they were when they formed. Consisting of two riders and a two man back up crew Steve and Phil are looking at taking their commitment and dedication to the next level in 2009. |
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Team Established Since 1996
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Won a National Championship in 1999
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Several Irish Road Races (Multiple top 20 finishes) and the Manx GP
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Junior and Senior Manx. Top 20 finishes from start positions outside the top 40
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Ireland and the UK short circuits (again regularly running in the top 15)
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2008 and new machinery saw regular top 10 finishes in Ireland and the UK
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7th place championship (debut season)
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2009 has all the trappings of being a fantastic year, with Phil chasing domestic honours in the UK at over 15 meetings, covering venues such as Oulton Park in Cheshire, the new Anglesey circuit in North Wales and several more ranging from Lincolnshire to Norfolk. In only his second full year of racing after working as Steve’s mechanic and right hand man since the very early days, Phil is fired up and raring to go after his recent championship 7th placing in his debut year. Nothing short of a top 3 finish will satisfy him in this forthcoming season. A goal, which is easily achievable if given the right machinery and backing.
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For Ste it now sees the opportunity to fulfil his dream of competing at the Isle of Man TT races. An endurance, time trail, road race, held around the infamous 37.75 mile Mountain Course. An event covered worldwide, by the world’s media and seen by millions via its TV and internet coverage. As well as DVD, Video, magazines and newspaper. Not to mention the tens of thousands of fans that descends upon the island every June to view it first hand.
The team will be competing in a selection of Irish Road Races too in the build up and aftermath of the TT. Steve’s favourites being the Cookstown 100, Tandrgee, Kells and Skerries Road Races. You could not wish to see a more spectacular set of races as 30-40 machines race at full throttle between the hedgerows of the Irish country lanes. All cheered on by adoring crowds of in excess of 50 thousand people.
Two of highlights split on either side of the TT are the Northwest 200 and the Ulster GP. The Northwest, the most famous of the Irish Road Races, sees its 80th year of running in ’09. Set on the Northwest coast of Northern Ireland, between the towns of Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine, this week long festival of speed attracts crowds of over 120 thousand people and it’s easy to see why with its close racing and picturesque backdrop.
’The Ulster GP, ran in mid August, rightly has the tag line The Worlds Fastest Road Race and takes place on the Dundrod Circuit, which is set high in the hills above Belfast. The circuit is just over 7 miles long and is steeped in history. Now in its 50th year of running, many things have changed since its inception. But one thing remains constant and that’s the incredible lap speeds. That now stands at a mind blowing average of over 130 mph.
So before you stands a perfect opportunity to get your company name or personal name out there to the masses of the UK and Ireland and further beyond via the various forms of media previously mentioned. Whether you are seasoned lover of our sport or a complete novice to it, we can guarantee that once you have witnessed the thrill of these men and their machines up close for the first time you will be bitten and be left wanting more and more. |
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