By Widely well documented, Shaun Anderson’s build up to Classic TT racing odysseys, has not been to put it mildly smooth.
“Were here, we are on the Island, we are trying to race bikes, I think in comparison to lots of people, these are relatively minor issues, we are in a good place.”
“Circumstances have run against us between not been on my original ride to then finding a replacement.
To the logistics of not been able to get the ride to here, to have adequate time from first night of practice, second night of practice and maybe third day of practice is going to be missed but these things are sent to try us.”
Step by step though, circumstances are looking up for the Bandridge rider, having secured replacement yesteryear Superbike tackle, thanks to Aaron Hughes of HM Racing providing him with his Yamaha.
Added positivity is via piloting the incredibly loud DKW for originally intended, F1 Classic machine providers Wiz Norton Racing and Peter Beugger Racing’s Paton, the same bike which propelled him twelve months ago to a famous Classic Senior Manx Grand Prix triumph.
“I love riding the Peter Beugger Racing Paton, obviously it brings back sweet memories from victory last year.
We did have a small technical issue last night (first Classic TT qualifying) we actually- broke third gear so we were missing third gear towards the end of the lap but when I came in and they said you’ve done 108.4, I was more than pleasantly surprised.
Because without sounding like playing anything down I don’t think we would have had the pace, Adam (McLean) seemed to be on the boil, with new tyres to scrub in, new brake pads to scrub in and it’s been a year since I’ve rode a classic bike.
So, there was a wee bit of re-learning to do from myself, so all very positive signs on that.”
Actively seeking rides for TT 2026, Anderson back in June at his home race, the Tandragee 100, showed his undoubted talents on four-stroke, classic, two-stroke metal, finishing Man of The Meeting.
“I’m very fortunate, at the end of the day when you look at the performances that both Michael (Dunlop) and Micko (Sweeney) had, I would have liked to have been able to get away with them, but me and Conor ended up in a bit of a dice and let those boys away.
But overall, a win on the Norton, a win on Cleaver Browne’s 250 and then a couple of podiums in there, it means a lot to me because it’s my home event, were ten, twelve miles away from the course.
Many, many years as a boy was spent watching at Tandragee. Many, many Sunday afternoons as a lunatic on public roads was spent going around Tandragee so to be man of the meeting really chuffed.
I was really chuffed for the club it was great to see the event back after a couple of years break and a great advertisement for road racing which is what we need at the minute.”
Photo credit: Nick Wheeler
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
