Newcomers visit Isle of Man ahead of 2010 TT
A group of up and coming racers who intend to make their TT debuts in 2010 spent the weekend in the Isle of Man.
Around 20 solo and sidecar competitors made the journey, completing laps of the Mountain Course with TT Rider Liaison Officers Johnny Barton and Milky Quayle, plus a number of experienced sidecar competitors.
Among the high profile 2010 TT newcomers taking a look at the course was Irish Superbike Champion Brian McCormack, British Superstock competitor Dan Hegarty and Northern Ireland’s Stephen Thompson, who has had impressive results at the North West 200, Macau and Ulster Grand Prix.
The trip was funded by the Mike Hailwood Foundation. The Foundation, created in 1981 following the death of the TT legend in a car accident, aims to maintain and develop road racing on the Isle of Man.
More than 200 riders have been assisted, including current TT stars Adrian Archibald, Ian Hutchinson, Davy Morgan and Steve Plater.
The organisation runs a number of fundraising events throughout the year and also receives income from the Mike Hailwood Centre. The centre, adjacent to the TT Grandstand in Douglas, is owned by the Foundation and rented to Island rugby club Vagabonds.
Mike Hailwood Foundation Treasurer Adrian Earnshaw MHK said:
“The Foundation was set up in honour of one of the true legends of the TT who was much loved and highly respected. By fundraising and providing assistance for promising riders to experience the course in a non pressurised environment we are achieving our stated intention of promoting and maintaining road racing on the Isle of Man.”