By One of if not the biggest stories in the run up to the 2018 Classic TT Races, has been 23 times TT winner John McGuinness anticipated return to Mountain Course competition.
Recently banking the final event signatures needed for his return to top level roads action, the Morecambe great will be reunited with Team Winfield, the team that took him to Senior Classic honours in 2016.
Photo by Steve Snelling
Although he’s been out of front running action for a while, it wouldn’t at all be a surprise if he wraps up a second Senior Classic crown this month, in particular given the ultra competitiveness of his immaculate Paton steed.
Fellow Paton mounted racer Maria Costello MBE, competing again under the Beugger Racing banner, is another contender for class honours, whilst MV Agusta enjoys strong representation again, courtesy of John Chapman Racing, who have secured the services of ten times TT winner Ian Lougher and Australian roads giant, David Johnson.
Photo by Nick Wheeler
Outside of the Italian marques, race runner up last year Jamie Coward, jockeying the Craven Manx Norton, is extremely capable of going one better this August.
Don’t discount as well reigning Junior Classic TT champion Michael Rutter (Ripley Land Racing), plus IRRC Superbike series leader Danny Webb (Dunnell Racing) from being in the mix for at minimum, a podium placing.
Photo by Nick Wheeler
Honda’s challenge is anticipated to be lead by Davies Motorsport, who’s silver, red and yellow 500 steeds are piloted by classic racing specialist Alan Oversby, rising roads star Dominic Herbertson and six times International road race winner, Lee Johnston.
Others set to tackle Honda machinery include Wigan’s Josh Daley, plus the CSC Racing duo of 2013 TT Privateers champion Dan Cooper and consistent TT front runner, James Hillier.
2013 race winner Olie Linsdell (Flitwick Motorcycles), Chris Swallow, Bill Swallow, Mark Parrett, Mark Herbertson, Greenall Racing’s Steve Ferguson all add further quality to the entry.
Same applies to Mountain Course returnee Michael Russell (Izzard Racing), BSA mounted Phil McGurk, Manx GP front runner Dean Osborne and 2017 TT Privateers victor Horst Saiger sampling again the nimble Egli Vincent.
Photo by Mark Corlett
Additional riders capable within the 75 racer plus class entry of acquiring high calibre results include Hefyn Owen, Chimay Classics specialist Alex Sinclair, Lancelot Unissart, Round Oak Services backed Dave Matravers, John Barton and John Leigh Pemberton.
Words by Stevie Rial
