Classic TT: Preview – Part 3 – Lightweight Race

Classic TT: Preview – Part 3 – Lightweight Race

Incorporated into the Classic TT schedule in 2016, this year’s Lightweight two stroke field embarking upon the Isle of Man, features TT winners, an array of 250 specialists and a selection of International road racing’s fastest rising talents.

Lots of focus will be on welcome event returnee Bruce Anstey. The legendary New Zealander who has shown true heroism, extreme courage to get back to race fitness, made an ultra impressive return to race action at the Donington Park Classic Motorcycle Festival.

2017 Lightweight Classic victor, whilst it’s been a while since he competed on the roads, it wouldn’t at all be a surprise if he makes it this August a hat trick of Lightweight Classic successes.

Photo by Tommy Vennard

Joining Milenco by Padgetts Anstey as a prime contender for class honours is none other than fellow double figures TT winner Ian Lougher.

Lougher who forms part of a three strong Laylaw Racing challenge, like team mates Dunlop Senior TT winner Dean Harrison and Goole’s Phil Harvey, is set to pilot immaculately prepared TZ 250 Yamaha machinery.

Runner up in two of the last three Lightweight Classic encounters, the twice Duke Road Race Rankings champion is ultra keen to go one better as he aims to bolster a Classic TT CV, which presently includes two race wins and in total six podium finishes.

Photo by Nick Wheeler

Added leading names TZ 250 Yamaha mounted include the Binch Racing trio of Gary Vines, Lee Johnston and 2019 TT Privateers Champion Jamie Coward.

Reigning Lightweight victor Johnston, who recently secured four rostrum finishes at the FonaCAB Ulster Grand Prix is a sure fire contender for honours, same applies to Hebden Bridge’s Coward who has enjoyed an excellent 2019 real road racing tenure.

Photo by Mark Corlett

Team mate, 2015 Newcomers B race winner Vines whilst perhaps not considered to some a podium finishing contender, is not to be underestimated and is extremely capable of been in the mix for a top calibre result.

Others to elect to pilot Yamaha’s famous TZ 250 steed include Rob Hodson, Dafabet Devitt Racing supported Chris Moore, Dave Hewson and respected two stroke machinery specialists Davy Morgan and Rhys Hardisty.

Most definitely additional contenders for podium placings, others you cannot discount from securing at minimum top six, top five finishes include the John Chapman Racing trio of Joe Thompson, eight times Sidecar TT winner Dan Sayle, Ryan Kneen & Dominic Herbertson.

Plus IRRC Superbike Champion elect Davey Todd (Milenco by Padgetts), Cornwall’s Forest Dunn, Alex Sinclair, Dave Madsen Mygdal, Hefyn Owen and Irish Roads 250 front runner Sam Grief.

Further notable entrants include teenager James Hind, Jamie O’Brien, Denmark’s Carsten Svendsen, Nige Rea, Adrian Morris, John Barton and popular French racer Richard Vuillermet.

Seven times TT winner Michael Rutter, Honda Racing’s David Johnson are also confirmed entries, but at present they are still to confirm their machines of choice for the four lap Lightweight race.

Photo by Mark Corlett

In total over 50 riders are entered for this year’s Dunlop Lightweight Classic TT, which is extremely encouraging news for two stroke fans and for aficionados of the iconic machines.

Words by Stevie Rial

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