2010 Team Profile

Conor Cummins

National Superstock 1000 Championship



Conor Cummins is already recognised as one of the UK's most talented road racers, and one of its current hottest prospects, and he further cemented this reputation in 2009 with a string of brilliant performances. Going into the 2010 season, Conor has the support of one of the finest teams currently operating in the world of motorcycling - Blackhorse Kawasaki.

Twenty three year old Conor Cummins' career began in 2001 when the then 15-year old took to the Jurby airfield circuit, just a handful of miles away from his hometown of Ramsey on the Isle of Man and he soon made an impact on the results sheets. As his career developed, so did his height and standing well over 6 feet tall it was clear a move away from the 125's had to be done and by 2004 he was making great strides in the Supersport 600cc class. A move to the Virgin Mobile Yamaha R6 Cup, a series that has launched many a name, saw Conor become one of the leading lights on the UK circuits and the exposure gained both at the British Superbike meetings and on the TV put him well and truly on the racing map.
After two hard fought seasons of R6 competition, Conor found himself at somewhat of a crossroads and, despite being only 20, he turned his attention to racing on the public roads. Quite simply, he hasn't looked back and Conor has now established himself as one of the top ten road racers in the world.

His debut at the Isle of Man TT Races in 2006 saw him win the coveted Newcomers Trophy and with selected other outings, which all reaped rewards, it was enough for him to focus on the roads full time in 2007 with a full season of racing in Ireland, and it was a fairytale season as he swept to both the Superbike and Supersport titles.
It was his performances at the International road races that really catapulted him towards the very top of the sport. Four top-8 finishes at the TT, just one year after his debut and one week after his 21st birthday, including a stunning 126mph+ lap and two podiums at the Ulster Grand Prix in difficult, treacherous conditions showed not only his talent but also his speed, maturity and consistency.

Having achieved his aims in the Irish National Championship, Conor set his sights on International success in 2008 and a return to the British Championship classes beckoned. The season started in style with a stunning third at Round 2 of the British Superstock Championship but mechanical problems thwarted him at both the North West 200 and TT. Nevertheless, he still recorded a number of top ten positions, including an excellent 5th in the Superstock TT, and further strengthened his tag as the fastest Manxman ever to have lapped the 37 3/4-mile Mountain Course.

Conor also impressed at the Southern 100 with a number of podium finishes and he looked set to do the same at the Ulster GP until bad weather caused the meeting to be abandoned. In an up and down year, Conor completed his short circuit season with Team Blackhorse Yamaha with more top 12 results achieved and he ensured his season finished on a brilliant high at the Macau Grand Prix. Riding for AIM Racing, Conor set pole position on the demanding street circuit, finishing half a second quicker than his nearest rival and setting the best ever qualifying lap in the process. He was on course for third place, at least, in the race until an electrical problem forced him out but it proved, if it needed proving, that Conor could run with, and beat, the very best in the sport.

2009 saw Conor continue to mature and learn under the guidance of Ian Lougher and a solid season in the British Superstock Championship saw him secure an excellent top ten finish in the championship.

Conor is no stranger to Kawasaki machinery and 2009 saw him record some brilliant performances. At the Isle of Man TT he was third in Supersport Race 2 and he became the first Manxman to stand on a Senior TT race podium since Gary Carswell in 2004 with a brilliant second. Conor took victory in a thrilling Superbike race at the Ulster GP whilst he also created history earlier in the week when he set the fastest road race lap in the world. He lapped at an astonishing 133.284mph on his way to winning Thursday's Dundrod 150 Superbike race, the phenomenal speed re-asserting the 7.4-mile Dundrod course as the fastest road race in the world.

At the Macau Grand Prix in November Conor again finished a fine second.

In the colours of Blackhorse Kawasaki for his short circuit campaign and with an infrastructure that's second to none, the team will be a real force to be reckoned with, giving Conor an excellent chance to step onto the number one step on the podium.

Conor has already displayed the kind of talent and determination needed to run at the front and, in addition, his warm and friendly personality has endeared him to all who have met him.

Conor Cummins:
'' I am really chuffed to be riding for Blackhorse Kawasaki and once again for Ian Lougher in the British Superstock Championship. We had a solid, consistent year in 2009 and I loved every minute of it and working with Ian and the entire squad was a truly fantastic experience. I'm confident of even better things to come in 2010."

Conor Cummins Profile
Marital Status: Single
Date of Birth: 27th May 1986
Home Town: Ramsey, Isle of Man
Weight: 61kg
Height: 6ft 4in
1st Race: Aintree 2001
1st Win: Three Sisters 2001
Favourite All Time Rider: Joey Dunlop
Most Respected Rival: Everyone
Likes: Winning
Dislikes: Losing and Big Egos
Favourites Drink: Water
Favourite Food: Italian
Hobbies: Motocross, Enduro & Mountain Bikes
Favourite Music: Rock
Favourite Circuits: Isle of Man TT, Dundrod & Oulton
Favourite Event: Isle of Man TT
Own Bike: Kawasaki KX450F
Own Car: Vauxhall Corsa
Helmet: Shark
Leathers: Scott
Boots: TCX
Gloves: Revitt
Hope for 2010: Win everywhere!
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