By With multiple iconic brands represented, alongside a truly first class entry the stage is set for a quite compelling Locate.im Junior Classic TT.
Having proven formidable in last year’s race, the always smiling, cheerful Dominic Herbertson starts for many the firm favourite for class honours.
Herbertson who has enjoyed this year impressive Pre TT Classic, TT, Southern 100, Armoy, Ulster GP tenures, forms part of a two strong Davies Motorsport challenge alongside eight times International Road Race winner Lee Johnston.
Johnston like Herbertson pilots immaculate 350 Honda machinery, which sports the Davies team’s distinctive silver, yellow, red livery.
Photo by Nick Wheeler
Former team mate Pipe Werx Exhausts backed Alan Oversby, regarded as one of the UK’s leading classic racing exponents, is another prime contender for the Junior class title.
Same notion applies to TT Privateers Champion, runner-up in June’s Bennetts Lightweight TT, Hebden Bridge’s Jamie Coward.
Piloting again the Ted Woof backed Craven Honda, it wouldn’t at all be a surprise if the affable Yorkshireman proves the force to beat this month.
Additional notable entrants Honda mounted include Michael Rutter (Ripley Land Racing), Derek Sheils (Greenall Racing), 10 times TT podium finisher Conor Cummins, Hefyn Owen, Alex Sinclair, Rob Hodson.
Craig Neve, Joe Thompson (John Chapman Racing), Ben Rea (Steadplan Primus Racing), 2016 Senior Manx GP winner Tom Weeden (Goathland Garage Classics), Andy Farrell and the CSC Racing duo of Michael Sweeney & Maria Costello MBE.
Photo by Nick Wheeler
Heading the Norton challenge is 2018 IRRC Superbike series winner Danny Webb (Dunnell Racing), whilst AJS, Velocette also enjoy prominent representation courtesy respectively of number 1 plate holder Paul Jordan (Ripley Land Racing) and PKP-Bladon Enterprises-Hall Green supported Chris Swallow.
The strength in depth of the entry is endless with proven classic racing exponents such as Bill Swallow, Steve Ferguson, Chris McGahan, Jeff Smith, Jeff Ward, Mark Herbertson, Will Loder also set for Junior class competition.
Photo by Mark Corlett
Looking towards the overseas challenge, keep an eye on France’s Lancelot Unissart, who’s proven on various occasions to have a deft touch on yesteryear machinery.
Although there not as quick as the exotic post 80’s Superbike machinery and the rasping 500’s, the entry received for this years Junior Classic TT, is sheer proof of the growing popularity of 350 machinery, whether it’s in Japanese, European or British form.
Words by Stevie Rial
