TT winner Shaun Harris plans to return to the event just 12 months after the crash that almost killed him.
Harris, from New Zealand, had said he was quitting the sport after the near-fatal crash during the Superstock race at the Centenary TT.
However, the 43-year-old told iomtt.com he intends to be back this year. He has already lined up a ride on the same Suzuki GSXR600 he practiced on in 2007, and is in talks with a team to run MV Agusta machinery as well.
Harris crashed at Union Mills during the Superstock race at last year’s TT. He sustained massive injuries in the 100mph smash.
He suffered life-threatening injuries – including extensive internal damage such as a shattered pelvis – but survived. He spent several weeks in hospital in the Isle of Man and England before returning home to continue his rehabilitation.
The battle for fitness was tough and led to Harris confirming his retirement from racing, although he vowed to remain involved in the sport in some capacity. However, after rumours surfaced over the festive period, Harris confirmed he is planning to take on the Mountain Circuit again.
He said:
‘I will be at the 2008 TT races! It is my intention to ride there as I always have over the years, as fast as I possibly can.’
‘We have learned that it was a mechanical failure that caused my crash there in 2007, so I am comfortable to return with a passion, and years of track knowledge. I am not coming just for a holiday, I am also not going to mouth on about what I can or cannot do, history will show all concerned what I am capable of, when things go my way in the racing game.’
‘I actually think it will be the best prepared mentally and physically than I have ever been for the races there. Since smashing myself to bits last year, I have been working so hard just to be able to walk like others, and have learned so much about my body and mind, it is incredible, I wish I knew half it years ago.’
Harris admitted his decision to return to racing had shocked some, and caused wife Fiona some consternation.
He said:
‘Some people are telling me at the moment that I am mad to come back, but fact is, the Isle of Man TT races make me feel like I am at home, and I have a lot of people to say hi and thanks to for all their efforts with me and my family last year.’
‘Fiona, my wife, is being as quiet about me riding again as you could imagine, but she has said to me a couple of days ago that you are you and knew I would always ride again.’
Harris also revealed what he plans to ride in 2008, although admitted getting the budget together may not be easy.
He said:
‘Kevin Stevens, my mechanic/sponsor for the last three or so years there, has kept the Suzuki GSXR600 that I practised on in ‘07, and I will be racing that for him, and I do remember that the bike was incredibly fast, so will be a good one.’
‘At the moment I am deep in talks with an MV team to race the TT in ’08. The way they want to do it is so professional that I really am honoured to be in talks with the team. The team owner, in my opinion, is an awesome man from the old school of life, and is very straight up and down!’
‘We would like to run two bikes there, one as a superstock bike, and one as a full-spec superbike. Budget to do such an event at a serious level is going to stand in at around £40,000 to do both bikes. Yes, expensive, but what a sweet brand to have there.’