By Co in-siding with today’s TT press launch, we’ve found out today how the start list for the Superbike and Senior races of TT 2019 is shaping up, with the confirmation of the first ten seeded riders for the showpiece six lap races.
As in 2018 Manx hero Conor Cummins will hold the number 1 plate, at the most famous road race in the world.
Ulster GP Superbike qualifying lap record holder, Padgetts Racing’s Cummins showcased last year his notorious raw pace on route to series of big bike podium finishes, along the way nudging over the 132.5 mph lap mark.
Next up on the starting list behind Cummins is Silicone Engineering Racing’s Dean Harrison. RST Superbike lap record holder, twice Duke Road Race Rankings champion Harrison impressed many with his pace, consistency during a recent British Superbikes test in Monteblanco, Spain.
Widely tipped to secure maiden big bike TT successes in June, the Bradford racer knows he will have to be at the top of his game this summer, to add Superbike, Senior triumphs to his already much coveted road racing resume.
Holder of the three plate behind official Kawasaki rider Harrison, is none other than 23 times TT winner John McGuinness.
Three years away from TT affiliated competition, it’s difficult to state as to how competitive he will be aboard the great sounding, chrome liveried factory Norton.
One things for sure though, you right off a racer of his calibre at your peril, same notion to four plate holder Ian Hutchinson.
Hutchinson who has been banking this winter testing miles a plenty, is confident of challenging again this year for elite results, as is Quattro Plant Wicked Coatings Kawasaki’s James Hillier.
Part of the prestigious 132 mph club, Hillier will need and some all of his talent, raw pace, sheer consistency to keep at bay number six plate holder in June, Tyco BMW’s Michael Dunlop.
Sticking with the factory backed BMW outfit, there’s only one type of result that matters for Dunlop at TT 2019, race wins.
Determined to reclaim the Senior TT crown, he will no question have stiff opposition, iron like stern competition from reigning Senior champ, outright Mountain Course lap record holder Peter Hickman.
Hickman who’s still to test his 2019 spec Smiths Racing BMW, holds the 10 plate, whilst start numbers seven, eight and nine respectively are held by Gary Johnson (RAF Regular & Reserves Kawasaki), Michael Rutter (Bathams Racing) and Adelaide Mountain Course hero David Johnson (Honda Racing).
In total 70 racers have been successful with gaining entries for this years six lap Superbike, Senior TT encounters, which are certain to provide thrilling, exhilarating, compelling, pulsating action.
Words by Stevie Rial
