Owned by Roger Turner, the Turner Racing team will turn their attention to the Lightweight Classic TT, contesting the four-lap race on TZ 250cc Yamaha’s with Michael Dunlop and Daniel Cooper.
Dunlop will make his 250cc debut at the event but has enjoyed success on Lightweight machinery in the past. In 2008, he took a highly emotional victory at the Northwest 200 – his first ‘international’ win. He also took a win in 2006 at the Ultra-Lightweight Newcomers Manx Grand Prix on two-stroke machinery in his first appearance on the roads.
This latest signing means that Dunlop will contest all four Classic TT races, as he has also been confirmed to ride for Black Eagle Racing in the Bennetts Senior and Sure Junior Classic TT races, and Team Classic Suzuki for the Motorsport Merchandise Superbike Classic TT race.
Cooper was supposed to race last year’s Classic TT with Turner Racing, but issues during practice week meant that he couldn’t make the start grid. He also has two-stroke experience, having won the 2006 125cc British Championship on the KRP Honda.
Roger Turner said of his team:
“We are very excited about this year’s Classic TT and are delighted to be working with undoubtedly the best TT rider around at the moment in Michael Dunlop. Michael has a lot of two-stroke experience and is excited about riding in the Lightweight Race. We are working hard to make sure we put a bike under him capable of winning the race.
“With Dan, there is a lot of unfinished business after last year’s disappointment, but we have put that bad luck behind us and will be aiming to have two bikes on the podium.”
