Team Absol Racing was founded in 2006 along with the introduction of the newly developed Triumph Daytona 675 motorcycles.

Iain Duff is the Team manager and main sponsor with his company, Absol Engineering.

In 2006, AJ Hutchinson and Richie Kiely competed in the Bridgestone Clubmans Supersport 600s championship with selected rides at National Supersport 600 rounds in Mondello Park. AJ finished that year in 5th place in the Bridgestone Championship, 3rd in the Southern Centre Clubman SS600s, 3rd in the Southern Centre National SS600s and was also voted 'Bridgestone Rider of the Year' for 2006. Richie finished the year in 28th place in the Bridgestone Championship, 6th in the SC Clubmans and 9th in the SC National SS600s.

For 2007,the bikes were totally rebuilt and tuned for the higher demands required at National Supersport level. John O'Grady of JOG Tuning became a partner of the team with his invaluable input and experience in engine tuning. Richie Ryan (winner of Bridgestone Championship 2006) represented Absol Racing for his first year at National level thus also entitling him to compete in the Supersport Supercup Series as well as the Birrane Cup. Richie also entered the British Supersport event at Mondello but unfortunately didn't qualify due to a mishap in practice. However, he did win the Supercup Series, this now being sponsored by Absol Engineering and known as the Absol Cup Series. Richie also finished a very credible second in the National Supersport Championship.

Also throughout the year of 2007, Absol Racing competed at many pure road racing events. The debut was at Bush Road races in Antrim with Michael Dunlop (son of famous Robert) riding the new 2007 bike. Michael campaigned the Triumph at Tandragee and again at the North West 200. After that Derek Shields came to me at the end of 2007 season. I knew he would settle in fast as I have watched him for many years and he always had an ability to adapt quickly to a circuit or bike. He also has the distinction of being a past ISB champion in 2003. Straight away he was into the top 5 at Mondello. Went to the roads at Dundalk and Killalane and had great success in a 3rd at Dundalk and a 2nd & 3rd at Killalane. He came to Pembrey in Nov '07 on the Celtic Match races but also gave Ross Walter a run for his money in the local 600 class.

For 2008, Davey Finnerty replaces Richie Ryan on the track in his first year at National level, Davey was 2nd in the Bridgestone Series for 2007. He had a promising start to the season consistently getting faster as he got use to the new machine. Unfortunately he was made redundant by his work place so had to retire from racing for the rest of the season.
Derek had some good early races at Bishopscourt against Bruce Anstey and Cameron Donald, Wayne Kirwin and the top roads men who always venture out for the first few roads races.

We went to the North West 200, not really knowing what to expect, he qualified 34th, but finished 32nd in the first race. He then figured he knew where he was going for the second race and finished a brilliant 17th.

Since then it has been mixed fortune for him, between engine gremlins and weather, there have been a few dnf's. But we reckon we have the reliability problems sorted now. John was using cheap quality soft wood bearings for the big ends - it's a Kerry joke.
Whatever about the weather, I can't rectify that one.

For the rest of 2008, it looks like Derek is on for the Celtic Match races again, this year at Knockhill. Unfortunately, this year the Celtic Match races clash with the final round of the Mondello Masters on 4th & 5th October. So we will need every good rider we can possibly get.

We will be keeping this site regularly updated on results, events and things as they happen. If you are at the races, feel free to drop in.


Iain C. Duff.