Category: IOM TT - Manx Grand Prix

1. Lintin and Mercer line up for RC Express Racing in 2017

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 28th Nov 2016

   RC Express Racing have announced that double Isle of Man TT Race winner Ivan Lintin will again spearhead their assault on the Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy and the other International road races in 2017 where he’ll be joined by new team-mate Steve Mercer. The team, owned by Ben and Roy Constable, will again campaign Kawasaki machinery in all classes.
    
   Having won the Bennetts Lightweight TT Race for the past two seasons, Lincolnshire’s Lintin will attempt to take an unprecedented treble of victories in the class around the Mountain Course.  This will be the Bardney-based riders’ third year with the team as the talented thirty-two year old seeks to build upon his previous success.
    
   With a successful 2016 TT campaign under his belt, Lintin not only defended his crown in the Lightweight category, he also secured an excellent tenth place finish in the blue ribbon PokerStars Senior TT race, with a new personal best lap of 127.948mph.  His dominance in the Lightweight class throughout the season was apparent with double wins at both the North West 200 and Southern 100 road races.  The hat-trick was only prevented due to an operation on an injured finger that saw him side lined at the Ulster Grand Prix.
    
   Kent’s Mercer, meanwhile, joins the Bristol-based team having deputised for the injured Lintin at the 2016 Ulster Grand Prix as he recovered from injuries sustained in an incident at Oliver’s Mount.  The Kent based racer immediately demonstrated his adaptability on Kawasaki machinery securing eighth and ninth in the two Superbike races as well as setting his best ever lap around the high speed 7.4 mile Dundrod Circuit at a superb 131.423mph.  Inclement weather conditions at the event resulted in limited bike time, which made Mercer’s RC Express Racing debut even more impressive.
    
   Following a hugely successful 2016 Isle of Man TT with the Jackson Racing Honda team, Mercer displayed great consistency and significantly improved form across the classes with eighth and 11th place finishes in the two Monster Energy Supersport races, where he produced a new personal best lap in the class at 124.392mph.  He opened his account for the week with a solid twelfth place finish in the RST Superbike race, where the 34-year old recorded his best ever lap of the 37.73-mile course at 129.323mph, whilst he took a fine tenth place in the Superstock race with a best lap of 127.590mph.
    
   Ivan Lintin said:
    “The confidence that I have in the RC Express Supertwin and the overall performance of the bike and team, has shown with our dominance this season.  Defending the title at the TT this year did carry some pressure, but having achieved that win which was so important for everyone, I feel confident that next season will actually be somewhat easier.  I am continually improving with the bike, strengthening my performance as a rider and I can only see us building upon our success in 2017 and more specifically dominating on the Supertwin.”
   
   “It was disappointing that I couldn’t go for the treble at the Ulster Grand Prix but unfortunately the recovery to my injured finger was just not complete.  We’ll certainly be aiming to put that one right next year.  I’m continuing to improve on the Kawasaki ZX-10R Superbike and with a new personal best lap around the Mountain Course in 2016, I feel even more confident of moving towards a 130mph lap and becoming a regular top ten finisher in races like the Senior.  This will be my third year with the team and that consistency will be a major benefit.  We’re certainly growing as a collective unit and there are some significant plans for the future so it’s certainly a great time to be part of RC Express Racing.” 
    
   Steve Mercer said:
   “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the RC Express Racing team for 2017. Having stood in at the last minute for Ivan at this year’s Ulster Grand Prix, it was great working with Ben and Roy and, more significantly, having someone with the experience of Danny (Horne) alongside me during the event.  There was an immediate connection with the entire team and with so much energy surrounding the operation, it made me feel very relaxed riding the bike, which showed with my results and lap times, including a personal best lap around Dundrod.” 
    
   “We struck up a conversation at the recent Macau Grand Prix and soon agreed a deal and it’s a great opportunity for 2017 to build myself as a rider with an aspirational, successful and growing team.  Ben and Roy have some big plans for the future and now have a new Sporting Chairman, Ian Ayre, involved with the team, which is exciting.  I was fortunate enough to meet Ian and spend some time with him at the Ulster GP and if I can be part of this future growth and some of the plans that have been proposed, it makes this one of the most appealing periods of my racing career.” 
    
   Roy Constable, Team Co-owner said: “Ivan has been instrumental for the team and established himself as the leading Supertwin rider.  We have set some ambitious targets for the new season and I believe that Ivan will continue to dominate his position in the class as well as build more competitively on the larger capacity machines.  It will be our third year together and I firmly believe it will be our strongest yet.  Our key target will be a triple of wins across the three main International races.  RC Express and Ivan have grown together and I’m sure that 2017 will be another successful chapter for both rider and team.” 
    
   “Steve was an 11th hour announcement at the 2016 Ulster Grand Prix and there was an immediate connection between him and the entire team.  He was outstanding at the event considering the very limited time that he had on the bike prior to the race setting a personal best at Dundrod on the Superbike.  We immediately felt that he could be part of our future plans and engaged discussions with him at the recent Macau Grand Prix.  Steve had an outstanding 2016 Isle of Man TT and I feel that with the support RC Express Racing can offer, he will build and develop further as a rider.  We would expect Steve to increase his lap times at events like the TT and break into the 130mph club.  With our infrastructure, professionalism and support, I see no reason why Steve cannot secure some podiums along the way.” 
    
   RC Express will commence their pre-season preparations with Spanish testing at the start of 2017.  With a continued relationship on Kawasaki machinery for 2017, the team will open their campaign at Oliver’s Mount for the Spring Cup in April and the North West 200 in May followed by the Isle of Man TT in June.  For the complete 2017 race schedule please visit www.rcexpressracing.co.uk

2. Success in the Ayre for RC Express Racing

   Posted on 3:00pm Saturday 26th Nov 2016

   RC Express Racing has announced today at the NEC Motorcycle Show that Liverpool Football Club Chief Executive Ian Ayre will be joining the team in a non-executive role.
   
   Road racing fan Ayre will act as ‘Sporting Chairman’ for the Bristol based team, helping to raise the profile of the operation and the sport of motorcycle road racing. With his extensive commercial experience working across major sporting global brands, it is considered that Ayre will offer significant guidance for the team.
   
   Ayre was recently honoured by his peers, taking the accolade of ‘Chief Executive of the Year’ in recognition for his achievements within football and most notably with the Anfield based team. In his time at Liverpool Football Club, Ayre has been instrumental in raising the global profile of the club, particularly within the emerging powerhouse economies of Asia, as well as attracting investment and securing one of the most lucrative shirt sponsorship deals in football with Standard Chartered Bank.
   
   A passionate and lifelong supporter of Liverpool Football Club, away from the terraces, Ayre is equally comfortable on the grass banks and hedge rows of events such as the Isle of Man TT and Ulster Grand Prix.
   
   “I have always shared my love for football with that of two wheels” commented the newly appointed Sporting Chairman. “Road racing is extremely special and unique sport. It is something that I have followed for many years, regularly heading to the Isle of Man TT with friends on our bikes.” 
   
   Talking further on his association with RC Express, Ayre explained how the appointment to the team became apparent. “I’ve been involved in road racing as a fan for many years so when Ben and Roy explained their vision and after seeing their operation up close I offered to help in a non-executive role. The team have experienced immense success in a short period of time and I feel that they could go on to become the leading team in the road racing paddock. Working with them in a non executive capacity will enable me to help and advise them where appropriate. It is certainly exciting for me personally and something that I am extremely passionate about. There is a tremendous future ahead for RC Express Racing and I’m thrilled to be part of the project, working with Ben, Roy and the rest of the team.”
   
   Speaking on the announcements for the team, Ben Constable confirmed that RC Express was now beginning a new chapter in the team’s history. “This is certainly a very exciting time for everyone involved in the team”, commented the joint owner. “Attracting someone with Ian’s experience in sport to our Bristol based racing team, is something we could never have envisaged. Dad and I knew that Ian was an avid road racing fan, keen biker and highly successful businessman. Our aim was to simply engage in some dialogue, enable Ian to join the team at a race and perhaps seek some advice on how we build and progress for the future. We are excited that Ian is joining us in a non-executive role and will be a huge boost for the team.
    
   “His success speaks for itself and Ian has developed Liverpool Football Club into a global commercial entity that rivals teams such as Manchester United and Barcelona. This experience, coupled with his significant knowledge of working with leading international brands can only assist RC Express Racing in our future goals and ambitions. Football and motorcycle racing are two very different sports. From our discussions with Ian, it was very clear that the financial scales between each discipline are significant, but fundamentally the principals remain the same. 
    
   “With increased global awareness for events such as the TT, rider profiles now gaining wider public awareness outside the sport and the appeal for brand association from leading businesses, there has never been a greater time to experience growth. Both sports do face similar challenges in terms of attracting investment, ensuring rider and player value is fully maximised, as well as targeting wider communities for fans through direct engagement. Ian has experience in this area and if he can bring even a small element of his knowledge to the sport of motorcycle racing, it can only be of benefit to everyone involved. The entire team is really looking forward to working with Ian and we would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his interest in our race team,” stated Constable.

   

3. Tyco BMW target PokerStars Senior TT win in 2017 with Ian Hutchinson

   Posted on 1:00pm Saturday 26th Nov 2016

   14-time Isle of Man TT winner Ian Hutchinson, who also became the World’s Fastest Road Racer during 2016 with a phenomenal lap of 134.089mph during August’s Ulster Grand Prix, has agreed terms to stay with the Northern Ireland based Tyco BMW team for the 2017 Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy and the other international road races.
   
   Hutchinson, who took Superstock wins at all three major International Road Races with Tyco BMW including the RL360 Quantum Superstock at the TT Races, and a double in the Superbike class at the Ulster Grand Prix, will also contest next season’s British Superstock Championship. The Bingley rider finished second in the series this season with Tyco BMW.
   
   Speaking of his extended deal, Hutchinson said:
   “I’m glad to have finally sorted a deal to stay with Tyco BMW for a second season. Looking back we had a very good run in 2016 with wins at all the International Road Races.  Having now worked together for a season, we know where we need to improve with the obvious goal, to go on now and challenge for the Superbike wins at all of the big three internationals.”
   
   “The BMW S1000RR still has so much potential in Superbike trim on the roads and with another season of British Superstock planned, the aim there will be to go one step better and win the championship next season.”
   
   Team owner Hector Neill said:
   “Hutchy did a great job for us this season and whether it was in British championship or the roads, he was always in contentions for wins and podiums and provided both our sponsors and fans with a lot of entertainment.”
   
   “His international hat-trick in the Superstock class and his terrific season in British Superstock proved how well he got on with the Tyco BMW, and to go on and take the world’s fastest track lap record at Dundrod was the icing on the cake.”
   
   “The goal going forward is to build on that success and I’ve never hidden the fact that the Senior TT trophy is the one we really want to win in 2017. It’s the blue-riband road race on the season’s calendar, and along with Hutchy and our dedicated team we will be giving it our very best shot.”

4. William Dunlop to spearhead Halsall roads campaign

   Posted on 2:00pm Friday 25th Nov 2016

   Halsall Racing today confirmed that the team will contest the 2017 Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy and other international road circuits with Ballymoney rider William Dunlop.  The announcement ends significant speculation on the future direction that the team would take following their recent decision to vacate the British Superbike paddock.
   
   Team owner Halsall has been a long-standing passionate and loyal supporter of road racing.  A regular attendee at the Isle of Man, the Lancashire based entrepreneur has always been open about his desire to one day compete with the team across the International circuits.  
   
   “This has certainly been a personal ambition of mine to make a move towards this discipline of the sport”, stated Halsall.  “Road racing is a truly unique experience, with so much passion and energy.  There has never been a better time to take this step and I am really excited about the prospects ahead.”
   
   Halsall and Dunlop had initially examined options for a partnership back in 2013.  “It’s true that we had explored possibilities previously, but the timing was not right.  If I cannot give one hundred percent to a project, I won’t do it.  It’s that simple.  We’ve continually maintained dialogue with a view towards potentially working together in the future.  Now is the time and I can give William my full attention for our roads campaign in 2017.”
   
   Halsall arrives on the roads with vast experience and professionalism has been gleaned from years of running a team in the domestic short circuit series.  The owner certainly has the knowledge to deliver a leading package and remains highly confident about the task ahead.
   
   “This will be a challenge for sure, but I am optimistic about our potential prospects,” stated the owner.  “With our proven ability to operate a leading race team, coupled with William’s extensive roads knowledge, we can make this very successful.  I know how to build a team and we will be recruiting key individuals with unparalleled experience in road racing to ensure that our package is the best.  Our focus and attention will be on William and on him alone.  He will have the right infrastructure around him and it will be dedicated to ensuring he has everything he needs to be successful."
   
   No details have been provided on the machinery that the team will be running with a further announcement expected in January.  However it is understood that both Halsall and Dunlop are considering a ‘variety of options’.
   
   “With no ties to any one manufacturer, this offers the flexibility for us as a privateer team to select the right tools for the job and choose the most suitable bikes for each discipline.  Bikes that William feels can give him the best opportunity across each of the classes.  He will have whatever he needs for Superbike, Superstock and Supersport.  We are being guided by his experience and choice of manufacturer.  Our aim is to confirm this fully in the coming weeks and months.” added Halsall.
   
   Having finalised an agreement with Halsall Racing earlier this week, thirty-one year old Dunlop outlined how the opportunity with the Lancashire based team was certainly worth the wait.
   
   “Martin runs a very strong team and you only have to look at what he has done and achieved on the short circuits to see that he ensures everything is done in the correct way.  It’s sleek, professional and highly driven. To have the team dedicated to me alone, will certainly raise my game. It’s the ride that I have been seeking and it’s been worth the wait to finally get this agreement in place.  We’ll be learning a great deal along the way, but I’m confident we can deliver some success in 2017 and I can’t wait to get started. This is also an opportunity for me to express my thanks to the loyal supporters and sponsors that have backed me in 2016 and have been extremely positive about the move to Halsall Racing.  I’d like to thank everyone for their continued support”, stated the Ballymoney rider.
   
   The team will begin an extensive programme of Spanish and UK testing during the early part of the New Year.  “Time on the bike is so important ahead of the new season”, commented Dunlop.  “It worked this season as we saw, particularly on the Superbike at the TT for riders that had the preparation before the start of the roads season.  I was not as sharp at the start of 2016 because I had very limited time on the bike in those opening months.  By the time we arrived at Portrush, that deficiency was very clear for me.  It really set the tone for my season and I don’t want to be in that position next year.  Our plan with Halsall Racing is to ensure that I am in the best form by the time we arrive for the North West 200”, concluded Dunlop.
   
   The main focus for the team will be the three main International road races, but owner Halsall also indicated that further to discussion with the rider, a number of Irish road events ‘may be considered’ as part of the 2017 schedule, but emphasised that the full programme of events would be released in the New Year.  

5. Ian Hutchinson and Michael Dunlop set to renew their rivalry at 2017 motorcycle festival

   Posted on 11:00am Wednesday 23rd Nov 2016

   The schedule for the Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy will remain unchanged for the 2017 edition of the worlds most famous motorcycle race.

   The 2016 event saw records tumble as the fierce rivalry between Englishman Ian Hutchinson and Northern Ireland’s Michael Dunlop saw the pair dominate proceedings, taking five race wins between them, with the outright lap record for the infamous 37 and ¾ mile long Mountain Course being obliterated in the process by both riders.

   The Isle of Man’s population will swell by over 50% for two weeks again next June with an ever increasing number of motorcycle racing enthusiasts from all corners of the world expected to converge on the small Island in the middle of the Irish Sea to see Hutchinson and Dunlop continue their epic battle for TT supremacy.

   However, with a host of former winners and up and coming hopefuls also expected to feature on the entry lists, they will not have it all their own way, with veteran campaigners John McGuinness and Bruce Anstey who have 23 and 11 wins to their names respectively, leading the charge against their younger rivals.

   British Superbike Championship star Peter Hickman is just one of those looking to open his account in 2017. Still the fastest ever TT Newcomer, Hickman has built up his knowledge and experience over the past three years and is ready to fight for the coveted ‘Mercury’ trophies. Meanwhile, having recorded three podium finishes apiece during 2016, Dean Harrison and James Hillier will be serious threats in all classes.

   Other star names in the mix include local favourites Conor Cummins and Dan Kneen, Australian challengers David Johnson, Cameron Donald and the returning Josh Brookes, Irishmen Lee Johnston and William Dunlop, two-time TT winner Gary Johnson, veteran campaigner Michael Rutter and Lightweight ace Ivan Lintin.

   TT 2017 commences with a week of qualifying getting underway on Saturday 27th May. The race schedule will open with the RST Superbike TT Race on Saturday 3rd June and anticipation will be high following Michael Dunlop’s blistering sub-17 minute lap posted in last year’s corresponding race.

   The opening race day schedule also sees the first of two Sure Sidecar TT Races with brothers Ben and Tom Birchall the team to beat having broken the outright lap record for sidecars. Five more recent race winners are expected to line up against the Birchall brothers with seventeen time TT winner Dave Molyneux, last year’s Sidecar Champion John Holden, multiple World Sidecar Champion Tim Reeves and the irrepressible Conrad Harrison all expected to feature at the front of the race.

   Monday 5th June features the now traditional double solo race day, starting with the Monster Energy Supersport TT Race 1 followed by the RL360 Quantum Superstock TT Race. The Monday schedule holds good memories for Ian Hutchinson with the Bingley Bullet twice emerging victorious from last year’s competitive line up.

   A packed day’s entertainment on Wednesday’s 7th June gets underway with the second Monster Energy Supersport TT Race, followed by the Bennetts Lightweight TT Race and concluding with the high tech, high spec, SES TT Zero Race for zero emissions machines.

   TT 2017 will culminate with the ‘Championship Day’ on Friday 9th June, which sees the outright solo and sidecar champions crowned. The action gets underway with the second Sure Sidecar TT Race, followed by the traditional finale; the PokerStars Senior TT Race.

   Last year’s dramatic climax lived up to expectations as a huge trackside audience saw the Birchall brothers take the sidecar race honours and firmly establish themselves as the crew to beat in 2017. Meanwhile, that man Michael Dunlop again turned on the style in the PokerStars Senior TT, destroying the field and posting new lap and race records in the process.

   It was a truly spectacular end to a spectacular meeting. No wonder Murray Walker OBE describes the TT as the ‘greatest motor-sporting event in the world’. The Isle of Man TT sees fans line the 37¾ mile closed public road circuit looking for their own unique vantage point to watch the thrilling spectacle. Excitement, glory, disappointment; the TT has it all. For fans of motorsport in its purest form, the Isle of Man is the only place to be in 2017.

   And there’s no better time to immerse in everything TT. With travel and accommodation options, brand new grandstand seating, a choice of special events to attend and VIP hospitality available every race day, fans can build their own TT experience, bringing them ever closer to the action and closer to their heroes.

   Places for the most exhilarating motorsport event in the world are available to book at iomtt.com