By Thirty-three times TT winner Michael Dunlop MBE, as tipped by certain road racing insiders, is at the controls of Norton machinery (WRS 588cc – rotary Norton) for this month’s yesteryear Superbike (Formula 1) Classic TT, replacing Shaun Anderson (actively seeking Classic SBK ride) in the Wiz Norton Racing squad.
For ‘MD,’ who briefly rode works Norton equipment in 2009 at the TT Races, this marks a poignant moment for him, piloting similar rotary equipment, which his illustrious dad, five times TT winner Robert took to a hefty number of tumultuous results.
1992 Senior TT winner with Steve Hislop, the distinctive sounding rotary Norton is one of those bikes, which evokes great racing memories.
I and tens of thousands of real road racing aficionados, when witnessing it on any track, immediately think of it dicing for Northwest 200, TT, Ulster Grand Prix wins in the early 1990’s.
A return to the Mountain Course race podium finishers circle, this month?
Never underestimate Michael Dunlop on any steed but clearly it is going to be a tough challenge, given the potent, forthright opposition.
No matter the potential, finally achieved result, Wiz Norton Racing are-as highlighted in a recently issued update on Facebook, delighted to be working with the three times Senior TT winner, fifty-one times overall TT rostrum finisher.
“It’s an honour to be able to work with Michael, and whilst we know the bikes might not have the edge on the competition and that getting to the finish line is a big enough challenge in itself, we hope that seeing him on the bike will evoke special memories of the iconic pairing of his father in JPS Norton colours, and we’re certain he’ll be able to get the best out of the bike and the team.
We are also delighted to announce that we will also be running Trevor Nation in the TT Rewind: 80s & 90s Parade Lap.
As a team, it is a shame that we are only able to field one bike competitively this year, but we are really looking forward to contributing to what should be a memorable return for the Classic TT. Thank you to all our sponsors and backers for making this happen.”
Quotes via Wiz Norton Racing Facebook page.
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
