TT2008 race programme welcomed
Friday 23 November 2007
TT
The new-look TT race programme for 2008 has been welcomed by leading riders, including 13-times winner John McGuinness.
It was revealed at the NEC Motorcycle and Scooter Show in Birmingham yesterday that an extra Supersport TT race will be part of the action in ‘08.
Lightweight and Ultra Lightweight classes will also make a return. They will run on the Billown circuit, in the south of the Isle of Man, but will carry full TT status.
The announcement was made on the opening day of the high-profile NEC show.
Isle of Man Government Department of Tourism and Leisure TT and Motorsport Manager Paul Phillips took to the Black Horse Stage with McGuinness, Ian Hutchinson, who won his first TT during the 2007 event, and fellow TT winner Ian Lougher.
TV MotoGP commentator and former rider Steve Parrish quizzed the group about the new schedule.
McGuinness said he was ‘all for two races’ for the Supersport machines – despite losing out in the class to teammate Ian Hutchinson in ‘07 – and was glad to see two-strokes make a return to the TT.
However, the TT course outright lap record holder said while he would ‘love’ to race 250cc machines around the Mountain Circuit again, he could ‘struggle’ at Billown.
Asked if he would contest the smaller classes, he said:
‘I wouldn’t know if you turn left, right or go straight on. I will have to look at it, I don’t know really. A track’s a track, and I know I would enjoy it.’
Hutchinson, whose first TT victory came in the Supersport race at the Centenary meeting, said the class is ‘really good’.
He added:
‘It is really enjoyable riding around there on a 600. It is where I got my win, and I might be able to get a few more.’
Hutchy is also unsure if he will compete in the TT races at the Billown circuit.
He said:
‘I like to go there to watch, it looks great to watch. I probably would enjoy it, but I don’t want to add to many road races to my list.’
Veteran racer Lougher said he is very excited about the return of the Lightweight and Ultra Lightweight classes to the TT. The smaller bikes, and the Billown circuit, have always been kind to the Welsh star.
He said:
‘Of course I’m delighted, the first road race I competed in was on that circuit.’
There was a strong turnout of TT stars for the opening day of the show. Also spotted at the NEC were Manxman Conor Cummins, Guy Martin, sporting the injuries suffered in his Macau crash, Bruce Anstey and more.
TT Rider Liaison Officers Richard ‘Milky’ Quayle and John Barton, both former TT competitors, also attended.
Visitors to the Motorcycle and Scooter Show will be able to find out more about the TT throughout the show, which runs until December 2, by visiting the dedicated TT desk on the Duke stand (2H50) next to the Black Horse Stage.
December 1 will be a day dedicated to marking the Centenary of the TT, with several special events organised. Legendary motorsport commentator Murray Walker will be one of the star guests, launching the new film TT: Centenary Celebration and signing copies.
To view the full 2008 schedule visit the TT2008 Race Calendar page.