Just some of the interesting bits of news circulating around the TT paddock ahead of this evening’s opening practice session include; Paul Jordan adding a Superstock Honda Fireblade to his machinery roster for this years TT Races, having recently struck up a deal with TT paddock stalwarts TC Racing.
Next gen racer Jordan who recently tested his new 1000cc steed at Jurby, is looking forward to sampling the RST Superbike, Royal London 360 Quantum Superstock and Pokerstars Senior Races at TT 2018.
Carrying on with the Honda theme, the Japanese manufacturer is uniquely providing this year not only SP2 Fireblade’s for the travelling marshals but also for the first time supplying course cars in the form of the marques latest generation Civic Type-R.
Further sponsorship news for TT 2018 includes Locate.im taking over from Sure, as title sponsors of the three lap Sidecar races.
Contrary to a vast amount of rumours, Josh Brookes will be the sole Norton racer at TT 2018. Many had anticipated the iconic British marque would have a replacement lined up for John McGuinness, ruled out through leg injury but this has proven not the case.
54 out of the 78 entrants for the Superbike, Senior races are either BMW or Kawasaki mounted whilst in total, nine manufacturers enjoy representation.
Photo by Jim Gibson
There has been a lot of Classic TT news circulating the grapevine this week which includes Ivan Lintin being confirmed to pilot a priceless MV Agusta triple machine courtesy of long term race enthusiast/sponsor John Chapman.
Twice Lightweight TT champion Lintin is also set to compete this August on a RS 250 Honda, for the Lightweight 250 race plus potentially one of Honda’s iconic RC30 steeds.
It’s been an end of an era for the TT Supporters Club with the club’s popular magazine after almost 30 years published for the final time this month.
I must pay tribute to the magazine which for a while now has had a Road Racing News advert within it. It’s been one of those rare publications which has been able to truly showcase the unique talents of Mountain Course competitors.
Words by Stevie Rial