Lightweight and Ultra Lightweight TT information released
Tuesday 29 January 2008
TT
With Lightweight and Ultra Lightweight races set to return to the TT this year, the organisers have issued an information pack for riders.
The Billown Circuit in the south of the Isle of Man – the home of the popular Southern 100 races – will host the Lightweight TT and Ultra Lightweight TT on Saturday June 7, the day after the Senior TT.
As expected, the impending return of the 125cc and 250cc machines has sparked interest among riders and fans.
As the information pack says:
‘It is expected that the races at Billown will attract THE best field of 2 stroke racers anywhere in Britain.’
‘There has already been a huge amount of interest in these races, both from TT and Billown regulars to Britain’s leading 2 stroke short circuit riders. Come Saturday June 7, there will be only one place to be for riders and spectators alike.’
For more than 50 years some of the biggest names in the sport have competed on the 4.25-mile Billown Circuit, including Bob McIntyre, Phil Read and Joey Dunlop, as well as many of the current crop of TT stars.
Based in Castletown, the Billown Circuit offers wheel-to-wheel action and some of the closest racing anywhere, with just fractions of a second splitting today’s racers.
As Guy Martin, who rode to three podium finishes at the Centenary TT last year, said:
‘Billown is a cracking little course…Great Meadow has to be one of the bets places on Earth to ride a bike fast. Absolutely awesome!’
The Lightweight and Ultra Lightweight TT Races, each featuring 10 laps, are part of an action-packed day on the circuit. There will also be a chance to see the Steam Packet National Races, featuring 600cc and 1000cc machines.
There will be plenty of practice ahead of the Lightweight and Ultra Lightweight TT Races, with the winners being presented with the historic TT trophies bearing the names of such legends as Joey and Robert Dunlop. Silver and Bronze replicas will also be awarded, as in other TT races.
Plus, riders will still be allowed to compete at the Manx Grand Prix after taking part in the Lightweight and Ultra Lightweight TT Races, even if they win.
For more information about competing in the TT races at Billown, contact the TT and Motorsport Development Team by emailing iomtt@gov.im or calling +44 (0)1624 687059. Or you can download the Lightweight and Ultra Lightweight TT Races 2008 Information for Riders.