Bike GP legend Freddie Spencer returns to Classic TT
Three-time motorcycle Grand Prix World Champion Freddie Spencer is the latest high profile name to be added to the star studded line up for this year’s Classic TT Races presented by Bennetts.
The American will ride one of his ex factory Honda Rothmans Racing NSR 500 Triples at the VMCC’s Festival of Jurby on Sunday 28th August and again in the Classic Racer Magazine Lap of Honour on Monday 29th August.
In a packed schedule, be will also be a guest in the official VIP Hospitality Club, will be appearing in the ‘Paddock Carnival’ chat show on Friday 26th August and will attend the RST Legends Dinner on Sunday 28th.
‘Fast Freddie’ first came to prominence in 1978, winning the 250cc US National Road Racing Championship and gained international recognition at the 1980 U.S. versus Britain Trans-Atlantic Match races when he won two legs, defeating World Champions Kenny Roberts and Barry Sheene in the process.
He was promoted to Honda's Grand Prix team in 1982 and in 1983 he won his first 500cc World Championship at the age of 21, becoming the youngest person to win the title, a distinction previously held by Mike Hailwood.
The 1983 season is remembered as one of the most dramatic title chases in the history of Grand Prix racing; Honda's Spencer and Yamaha's Kenny Roberts fought for the points lead throughout the championship with both earning six victories. The season reached its climax at the penultimate round in Sweden when Roberts ran off the track on the last lap leaving Spencer to sprint to the finish line and victory. Roberts won the last race but Spencer finished second, securing his first world title by two points.
Teething problems with Honda's radically new V4 NSR500 coupled with injuries from crashes hindered Spencer's title defence in 1984 but 1985 proved to be an historic year for him. He won both the 250cc and 500cc Grand Prix World Championships, the last rider to achieve such a feat. His career was cut short by wrist injuries and he retired from Grand Prix racing at the beginning of 1988.
Commenting on his appearance at this year's Classic TT he said:
"I’ve really enjoyed my visits to the Isle of Man and it's a great chance to catch up with some old friends as well as meet some new ones. The Classic TT racing is really competitive and spectacular and I have a huge admiration for anyone that has raced around the Mountain Course."
David Cretney, the Isle of Man Government’s representative for Tourism and Motorsport said:
“We are delighted to once again welcome Freddie Spencer to the Isle of Man. He has already shown great interest in road racing and has made many friends on his previous trips to the Isle of Man. Freddie’s appearance will add to an already packed schedule and fans are in for a real treat at this year’s Classic TT Festival.”
Other legendary names already confirmed to attend the Classic TT include Graeme Crosby, Mick Grant, Philip McCallen and Brian Reid as well as a host of leading TT stars who will go head to head with Classic racing specialists in four races.
Photo Credit: Mortons Media