By Hoping to provide a Norwegian presence this year at the TT, North West 200 and MCE Insurance Ulster Grand Prix, Erik Kjuus is planning to compete for the first time at the ‘Big Three’ International roads events.
Presently his nations only competitor on the fabled Mountain Course, his team for this season has elected to run R1/YZF R6 Yamaha’s, having formed a partnership with the famous brand for his first foray into international roads competition.
30th in last years Senior Manx Grand Prix, along the way lapping in excess of the 116 mph mark, he’s developed in recent seasons into one of Norway’s most recognised motorcycle racers.
Photo by Nick Wheeler
Speaking about his enterprising 2018 plans, the ambitious racer who’s also planning to compete at the Southern 100 and selected IRRC meetings, stated:
“So for 2018, I have planned to enter the North West 200, TT and Ulster GP. (it’s an agonising wait to get the confirmation of entries been successful) also hoping for to get a Macau Grand Prix entry.
I know the TT course well, and will do my best to get a good results. North West 200 and Ulster GP, will be new experiences, so will be a learning year at both. So that a bigger effort can be made over the next few years.
Hopefully this might inspire other Norwegians to consider participating at roads meetings in the future.
If all plans go right, the season will start in the Spanish championship at Valencia followed by Hengelo in the Netherlands. Also Frohburg in Germany, the Southern 100 and some Races in Norway and Sweden are in our plans.”
He went onto add:
“So this year is truly going to be an international racing season, to my knowledge I am the only Norwegian with an international race plan.
All others are going for the Norwegian championship or taking part in a national championship in an other country. But I am the only one going for a career in real road racing.
There is not a great tradition for doing road racing in Norway, but there are a lot of fans. Plus there is a good chance there will be more visitors from Norway to the TT then there usually is at a circuit race in Norway.”
Words by Stevie Rial
