After missing this year will be great to be back next year .......To see more racing is even better
A new race has been introduced for the 2012 Isle of Man TT fuelled by Monster Energy, bringing the Lightweight class back to the world-famous road racing festival.
The 3-lap Lightweight TT, which will take place on the morning of June 8, ahead of the PokerStars Senior TT, is for SuperTwin-specification machinery. The Isle of Man Government Department of Economic Development said the introduction of a race for 650cc twin cylinder, 4-stroke motorcycles follows extensive consultation with teams, competitors, manufacturers, race fans and the ACU.
Many leading TT riders, including Ryan Farquhar, Adrian Archibald, Dan Kneen, John Burrows and Ian Lougher, regularly compete on SuperTwin machines in National Road Races.
TT organisers said they are confident of being able to attract a high quality entry for the inaugural race based on the interest received so far. Kawasaki and Suzuki are likely to participate with officially-backed entries, and the race is also expected to attract new competitors to the TT.
Although points scored in the Lightweight TT will not contribute to the overall solo championship in 2012, the event will carry a substantial prize fund of more than £25,000. The winner will also receive the prestigious ‘Lightweight’ TT Trophy.
Technical Regulations for the Lightweight TT Race are being drawn up by race organisers ACU Events Ltd in consultation with manufacturers, riders and teams, and are due to be issued by the end of September. These new regulations will focus on containing costs for competitors and producing close and exciting racing.
The rest of the race programme remains unchanged from 2010, with two 600cc Supersport races, a Superbike race and a 1000cc Superstock race. As is traditional, the meeting will culminate with the Senior Race on June 8. Plans for the TT Zero clean emissions race will be announced shortly.
Qualifying for the 2012 TT will begin on May 26, with sessions for Lightweight machines, all solo Newcomers and Sidecars, with the Superbikes, Supersport and Superstock classes starting their qualifying programme on May 28.
Isle of Man Government TT and Motorsport Development Manager Paul Phillips said:
"Interest is growing in the SuperTwin class and a large number of competitors as well as leading manufacturers Kawasaki and Suzuki have already expressed their backing for the race."
"We feel it is the right time to introduce the SuperTwins machines to the TT programme and their inclusion will not only benefit the TT, but is likely to speed up the growth in the class at national level, and at the other International Road Races."
Department of Economic Development member with responsibility for Tourism Geoff Corkish added:
“We are keen to add as much variety to the race programme as possible and having listened to the views of the fans, the competitors and the teams, this is the right time to introduce the SuperTwins machines which will give fans different sights and sounds out on the track and add to the growing success of this great event.â€