Whilst rider recruitment continues apace, it would be easy to over-look the amount of top teams now adorning the TT Paddock. In recent years we have witnessed an overall increase, not just in the number of top teams coming to race the TT, but also the quality of these teams with all four Japanese manufacturers represented in official capacities.
Out of this year’s new arrivals, British Superbike Team Hydrex Honda will perhaps make the biggest impression in their first year at the TT having signed up road racing sensation Guy Martin. It’s an exciting tie up and one that could well bring TT victories straight off the bat. Indeed, Guy Martin is maybe the most determined of all the TT riders, and he wouldn’t have jumped ship form Yamaha if the package weren’t 100%.
During practice last year it looked like the four-time Ulster Grand Prix winner would be the man to challenge McGuinness. However, unforeseen problems with all his bikes undermined his stirling efforts. Eager to make amends and score that maiden TT win, Guy Martin and Hydrex Honda will be a force to be reckoned with.