By Spartacus, the name evokes gladiatorial themes, determination in abundance.
It is the long-term nick name for 2023 Senior Manx Grand Prix, runner-up, Marcus Simpson.
A top twelve finisher within his maiden TT campaign in 2024, his second venture at pure road racing’s Daytona 500, Monaco Grand Prix, Indianapolis 500 equivalent, sees him remain astride the LMR Powered by Jon Cuff Electrical, ex KMR Kawasaki, lead the returning WH Racing Powered by Dynobike’s challenge on Fireblade Honda metal.
Already amongst the seventy fastest riders in TT Races history, Simpson has nothing but praise for his Northumberland based suitors.
“Fantastic team, excellent group of lads, know what they are doing, and we are getting along great.
I go racing because I enjoy it, I love racing of course I am hungry for success, but we ride bikes because we enjoy them, they share my same philosophy as I do, which is a bit of work hard, play hard balance.”
When asked if there is a prime target lap-speed for TT 2025, ‘Spartacus’ stated:
“I do want to keep improving, there might be a lap time in mind, I am not going to tell you! But there might be one in mind, I am not chasing it, if it comes, it comes, if it does not, it does not.
With the way this track is, the challenging year last year, this year is about making progress and been steady and safe.”
Prior to TT 2025, Simpson productively went about his business at the Northwest 200, accruing 13th, 15th, 16th place finishes.
Discussing Triangle course explorations, he said:
“100 percent Northwest was fantastic, I really enjoyed it, that is the main thing about this year to be honest, to get that fun and love back for it.
With last year been quite challenging at certain times, this year is all purely about, getting the enjoyment back and picking up some solid results along the way, solid result for me this year is a result.”
Post TT 2025, Simpson’s confirmed next road race outings will be at Tandragee, the Southern 100, Armoy.
He is also aiming to be back at the Macau Grand Prix whilst there is a chance, he might sample one of the Oliver’s Mount, Scarborough meetings.
Photo credit: Nick Wheeler
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
