By For reasons unknown next generation 600’s like Triumph’s 765, Ducati’s V2 Panigale remain absent from North Yorkshire’s ‘Mini TT’, Oliver’s Mount.
Despite this quandry, Steve Henshaw Gold Cup Supersport entry numbers remain extremely positive with nigh-on fifty-five riders set to tackle the eight-lap, six-lap HMH Civils Supersport (A) & (B) races.
Anticipated leading premier class forces include Cock O’The North winner, SMT Racing’s Rob Hodson.
Twenty-four times a race winner at Scarborough, TT podium finisher Hodson will certainly be tough to defeat.
Fresh from winning the Historic Senior Classic TT, former Bob Smith Spring Cup winner Michael Browne (Boyce Precision Engineering/Russell Racing – Yamaha) is another with only eyes on P1 finishes.
Armoy ‘Man of The Meeting’ in July, few would be surprised if the diminutive rider adds his name to the Gold Cup winner’s roster.
2022 Gold Cup runner-up Jim Hind (R6 Yamaha propelled) joins Browne, Hodson amongst the pre-event favourites.
Similar vibes as well for prospective TT debutant next year, Supersport winner x2 at the Barry Sheene Festival, Cowton Racing’s Franco Bourne.
Aberdare Park Welsh Open winner Andy Smart (VRS Racing – Kawasaki), Johnny Stewart, Don Gilbert (Parker Transport Racing – Honda), King of The Mount Championship leader Aran Sadler (AS Electricals – Kawasaki), York’s Joey Thompson (TH Racing – Honda) should not be discounted either from front-running displays.
Further depth to the entry-list, is-added by to name but a-few:
John Marsh (MKM Burnley – Honda), Mark Goodings (Steady Away Racing/LMT Motorsport – Yamaha), Ryan Dixon (Trickbits Racing – Triumph), Supersport & Junior Manx Grand Prix winner Jamie Williams (NCE/JLG Racing – Honda).
Sam Johnson, new TH Racing signing Bailey Harker, Joey Lambden (Robin King/Sue Bell – Kawasaki), David McArthur (Fostec Engineering).
FB Racing’s Dan Forbes, Warrior Racing’s Jack Worth, Brook Built Racing’s Adrian Harrison, Arthur Gissing (North Lincs Components – Yamaha).
Gareth Arnold (Parker Transport Racing – Yamaha), Scott Aitkin (Kevin Liddle Motorsport – Kawasaki), this year’s rapidest Manx GP newcomer Eddy Wormald, Aarron Cooke, Adam ‘Stretch’ Rayner (PJD Engineering – Kawasaki).
The experienced group of Stephen ‘Degsy’ Degnan, Spirit of The Manx award winner Rad Hughes (National Bike Tyres – Kawasaki), Kieran Brockie, Justin Collins (Collins Racing Weeman), Mick Goodings and local favourites Paul Moir (T Shields Transport – Yamaha) and Paul Marley.
Riveting Supersport (A), (B) races pending! Now just for the weather lords to weave their magic!
Road Racing News, Gold Cup previews series continues-on Monday, focusing on Super Twins starters.
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
