Fresh from his podium places at the Cookstown 100, Keith Amor was the toast of Tandragee on Saturday as he swept to victory in the feature race at the Tandragee 100 road races. The Wilson Craig Honda rider ensured it was another day to remember as he also added a brace of seconds to his collection in the Open and Supersport 600cc races.
Using the new CBR1000RR Honda Superbike for the first time this season, Amor got his day underway in the Open, race leading the pack away from the line. The Falkirk ace was under constant pressure from regular nemesis Ryan Farquhar but looked like he'd open his account with a win until he encountered backmarkers on the final lap. Easing off slightly, Farquhar found his way through and with no time left to make a move, Amor reluctantly had to settle for second.
The Supersport 600cc race saw Amor have his first ride on the '09 Supersport machine and he again battled with Farquhar whilst Michael Dunlop was also in the equation and it was he who took the chequered flag after another hard fought race, Amor again securing second at the chequered flag. With two seconds to his name, Amor was keen to go one better in the final race of the day, the feature Tandragee 100 Open race, and this he duly did. Once more, it was another titanic battle with Farquhar but Amor put in a superb 8 laps to hold off his rival by just 0.275seconds!
"It was great to get a run out on the new bikes for the first time this year and I'm really happy with how the day has gone. I thought I'd done enough to get the win in the Open race but I got held up by the backmarkers and as I slowed up, Ryan found a way by so I was a little disappointed to have finished second. Michael was riding well in the 600cc race and I just had too much deficit to make up on the final lap so I settled for a good second but the new bike felt really strong so I know there's plenty more to come there," said Amor.
"In the final big bike race I was determined to get the win and me and Ryan had another great battle but, on this occasion, I was able to hold him off for a good win. It's been a great shakedown for the North West 200 and I'm feeling really good about everything heading in to the meeting. Wilson and all my sponsors have given me terrific support and a great package for 2009 so I'm feeling really confident that I can reward them with some good results at the International races."
Amor's next outing will be at the International North West 200, which takes place on the 8.9-mile circuit linking the towns of Portstewart, Coleraine and Portrush between May 12-16.
