Steve Mercer will return for a third crack at the Isle of Man TT after signing to race with Millsport Racing Ducati in 2012. The Kent rider made his debut in the road racing spectacular in 2009 and will compete in the Dainese Superbike, PokerStars Senior and Royal London 360 Superstock Races.
“I'm really looking forward to riding the new Ducati 1199 Panigale for Millsport Racing next year and I think it will be a serious machine on both roads and Circuits. 2012 can't come soon enough”, he commented.
Mercer will begin testing in March ahead of the International Road Race season and will also contest the early rounds of the National Superstock Championship. Team Boss Patrick Murray can't wait to get started and is delighted with his new signing,
“Millsport Racing Ducati are delighted to have Steve on board our 1199 Panigale's for the 2012 season. Now we are looking forward to getting on the track as early as possible in the New Year to begin a testing programme in preparation for the season ahead.”
Paul Phillips, TT and Motorsport Development Manager at the Isle of Man Government, expects Millsport to put on an impressive display at next year's TT and is looking forward to seeing them in action.
“Millsport Racing is an excellent team and they are a great fit with Steve Mercer who is one of the most exciting new riders to compete on the Mountain Course in recent years. I'm sure that they will enjoy a successful relationship and we look forward to seeing them on the Isle of Man in 2012.”
The 2012 Isle of Man TT races fuelled by Monster Energy will run from May 28th to June 8th 2012.