Exceptional interest in Billown races
Monday 26 November 2007
TT
Leading TT competitors have confirmed they are considering entering the reinstated Lightweight and Ultra Lightweight TT races in 2008.
Last week the Isle of Man Department of Tourism and Leisure announced the classes would be returning. In the announcement, made at the NEC Motorcycle and Scooter Show in Birmingham, it was revealed the races would be held on the Billown circuit in the south of the Island.
It will be the first time the 4.2mile Billown circuit has been used for TT racing. The races will carry full TT status despite not being on the Mountain Circuit.
Following consultation with the riders and teams, the DTL, promoters of the TT races, have partnered with the Southern 100 Motor Cycle Racing Club to add the races to the TT2008 schedule.
The Lightweight, for 250cc machines, and Ultra Lightweight, for 125cc machinery, will be the feature races in the Steam Packet-sponsored event on Saturday June 7th. The event will also include supporting races for Superbike and Supersport machines, which will not be part of the main TT programme.
Following last week’s announcement, the DTL has revealed a ‘host of leading riders’ have been in touch expressing interest in competing in the Lightweight and Ultra Lightweight classes.
Several TT winners have already committed to the races, including seven-time winner Ian Lougher, three-time winner Chris Palmer and two-time victor Ryan Farquhar.
They could be joined on the start line by Guy Martin and Manxman Conor Cummins.
Thirteen-time TT winner John McGuinness, who has yet to compete on the Billown circuit, has confirmed to organisers he will consider making his debut in the 250cc class, subject to contractual arrangements for the other classes.
The riders will be competing for a total prize fund of £16,800.
Contact has also been made by several British Championship riders including Superstock regulars Gary Johnson and Paul Shoesmith, former double British 125cc champion Christian Elkin and current 125cc championship frontrunner James Ford.
DTL TT and Motorsport Development Manager Paul Phillips said:
‘Having only made the announcement that we will be running these races a couple of days ago I am amazed at the interest already being shown by riders.’
‘We were confident that by using this format to reintroduce the Lightweight and Ultra Lightweight races to the TT programme we would be able to attract the best riders possible, and already this looks like being the case.’
‘We will be talking to a lot more riders about the races starting this week, and will make subsequent announcements as and when riders sign up.’
Southern 100 MCRC Secretary George Peach added:
‘The announcement last Thursday has certainly started off some healthy debate, and there is a lot of interest in these new races.’
‘We are delighted to be working with the DTL on the TT Races, and feel confident that we will be able to put on the strongest two stroke races in the UK and Ireland next year, and a great spectacle for TT fans, as well as providing a significant boost to racing at Billown and the two stroke scene in general.’