TT 2016 was launched yesterday, as many of the leading contenders around the Mountain Course, talked about their ambitions for this years TT Races.
First on stage at the Villa Marina in Douglas, Isle of Man was reigning lightweight TT winner Ivan Lintin, who talked about his Devitt RC Express Racing machinery for TT 2016, which includes a brand new ER6 Kawasaki.
Photo by Jim Gibson
Michael Rutter commented on his new team Bathams SMT Racing, whilst Ryan Farquhar spoke about his great opportunity that beckons with Tyco BMW.
The much anticipated MMX 500 Suter was previewed by Ian Lougher, David Johnson was confident that Norton are in a better place this year than in 2015, with one of the main improvements been the electronics.
Gary Johnson talked about his three competitive rides for TT 2016, Penz 13.com BMW, Team T3 Racing Triumph and the factory CF Moto super twin.
Peter Hickman stated that the GB Moto Racing Kawasaki’s that he will be piloting, will run Dunlop Tyres, Hicky also mentioned that he will be running his own team for the Monster Energy supersport races,
James Hillier sounded arguably the most confident out of all the riders last night, going into TT 2016, as he targets superbike and senior TT victories.
Dean Harrison said he’s as happy as he has been in a long time going into 2016 pure road racing season, as he embarks on a new challenge with Silicone Engineering Racing.
Lee Johnston spoke extremely highly of his East Coast Racing team, General Lee’s roads season begins this weekend, at the Spring Cup National Road Races, at Oliver’s Mount.
Ben Birchall and Tom Birchall stated that it’s a possibility that the sidecar TT lap record could go this year, the duo are running their own outfit with backing from IEG (International Energy Group).
17 times TT winner Dave Molyneux was positive on the outlook for his Honda powered Klaus Klaffenbock backed outfit.
Whilst 2014 sidecar TT championship winner Conrad Harrison, was joined on stage by his new passenger for TT 2016, Dean Kilkenny.
John Holden talked about the camaraderie in the sidecar paddock, as one of their main rivals the Birchall brothers have built John and passenger Andy Winkle’s new outfit.
The Isle of Man’s fastest two competitors around the Mountain Course, Conor Cummins and Dan Kneen, where on stage together, as they talked about their TT expectations, as they line up for the official Honda and Yamaha teams.
Alex Polita was the only TT newcomer in attendance, Alex stated that competing at the Isle of Man TT, is a dream come true and that he’s just going to enjoy his first two weeks competition at the most famous road race in the world.
Photo by Jim Gibson
Rounding off the evening where Michael Dunlop, Ian Hutchinson and John McGuinness, who was introduced as the king of the mountain, although it should be mentioned the legend that is Joey Dunlop still has more victories (26), so in my opinion he is the one who still carries this title.
Where just 43 days till TT 2016, a quite magical two weeks of pure road racing action is in prospect.
Words by Stevie Rial