In addition to running twice successive European Hill Climb Supersport Champion Maurizio Bottalico, Team ILR’s 2023 Manx Grand Prix challenge also sees them working with Spain’s quickest event exponent Victor Lopez Santos and Mountain Course newcomer Joe Yeardsley.
Under four weeks ago, Spanish ace Lopez Santos had been on the lookout for competitive machinery, for his latest MGP venture.
Fast forward to now and the Madrid based racer has gained a prime opportunity, with Ian Lougher’s North West 200 winning squad.
Confirmed to pilot Paton, R6 Yamaha steeds in the Junior, Senior classes, expect the ‘Tommy Club’ member to contend strongly for top calibre results in August.
For new above showcased team-mate Yeardsley, the 100th Anniversary Manx GP is certain to prove quite the experience for one of the Isle of Man’s fastest, rising roads aces.
Quickest Billown course newcomer across the most recent Pre-TT Classic Road Races, his new deal with Team ILR (Ian Lougher Racing), sees him set to race Paton tackle.
Before the Manx, his new suitors have earmarked competition aboard Paton machinery at the Southern 100 and the UK roads season opener in April, the Oliver’s Mount Bob Smith Spring Cup.
Photo credit: Nick Wheeler
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou