Oxford Products and Celeres Racing have announced their partnership with James Hillier for the 2017 Motorsport Merchandise Superbike Classic TT.
Hillier contested the TT with the JG Speedfit Kawasaki team, and took three finishes in the top 5, with one podium spot. In 2014, he took second in the F1 Classic TT, and is certainly no stranger to the Mountain Course.
But for the classic, he’ll be swapping his Kawasaki for the Celeres Racing Ducati 888, which celebrates the 25th anniversary of Oxford Products last TT. The 888 has been painted to replicate the authentic livery from 1992/3, which was used by Trevor Nation, Robert Dunlop and Mark Farmer.
The Ducati 888 raced the 2016 Superbike F1 Classic TT. Dave Hewson rode the machinery into eleventh place, with a best lap of 115.769mph.
Hiller will race number 5 in the event, in tribute to Trevor Nation who raced the same number 25 years ago, and will also wear replica leathers.
Hillier is positive about his Classic TT assault, saying: “I have a real ambition to win the Superbike race of course, but I will also make every effort to be the fastest man around the Island on a Ducati 888.”
Team owner Stafford Evans shares Hillier’s positivity. “It’s a real honour to be able to replicate the Oxford team of 25 years ago. I actually think that with this bike and with James at the ‘bars, we have a real shot at bringing home the top prize. I am very excited.”
