Norton returns to Isle of Man TT
Thursday 27 November 2008
TT
Norton will return to the Isle of Man TT in 2009, it has been confirmed.
The news the world-famous motorcycle manufacturer would compete on the Mountain Course for the first time in 16 years was announced at the International Motorcycle and Scooter Show in Birmingham.
In an historic deal, the brand was recently brought back to the UK after 15 years stateside by bike enthusiast and owner of Norton Racing Stuart Garner.
Michael Dunlop, 21, son of the late motorcycle legend Robert Dunlop, will ride the Norton NRV 588 on its TT debut in the Senior Race.
Michael said:
‘This is a fantastic opportunity to make history with Norton’s return to one of the world’s most famous races - a real highlight of the racing calendar.’
‘It means a lot to me as I will be following in my father’s biketracks, as he finished third on his JPS Norton when he competed in 1992.’
Stuart Garner, chief executive at Norton Motorcycles, added:
‘This is the first time since 1993 that an official Norton team has raced at the TT. We have a fantastic racing pedigree with the brand established over 100 years ago and our aim is to emulate the success Norton race bikes achieved particularly in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s.’
‘The 588cc Norton race bike has been developed over the last year by Brian Crighton and the Spondon engineering team and we are confident that 2009 will prove to be a significant milestone in the history of this famous UK motorcycle brand.’
Isle of Man Tourism and Leisure Minister Martyn Quayle said:
‘Having Norton back in the TT is sensational news.’
‘It will truly be an historic occasion within the competitions history. They were a fabulous crowd pleaser and we have every confidence this will be the first of many successful races for the Norton team.’
Norton Motorcycles UK manufacturing plant is at Donington Park. The company plans to hand-build 200 race bikes and a road-legal version of the NRV 588 in 2009, both of which will go on sale in the spring.