Cameron Donald will contest the two Superbike races at the 2014 Isle of TT Races for Norton Motorcycles.
Donald will start both races from 19th on the road, the position made famous by the late Steve Hislop, who took Norton’s last TT victory from the same starting position in 1992’s Senior TT.
The Australian rider, hailing from Warrandyte, near Melbourne, has two TT victories to his name having taken a Superbike-Superstock double in 2008, as well as wining the Newcomers Trophy at the 2005 TT Races, before taking a stunning second place in the 2006 Senior TT.
Donald is still to win a third TT but has racked up a tally of ten podiums, including finishing second to Michael Dunlop in last year’s Superbike Race, in what would be his third and final year with Wilson Craig Racing.
Donald’s future was uncertain after the 2013 TT Races, with many speculating as to whether he would return to the Mountain Course or not. However, the move to Norton shows that the Australian is still as passionate about riding as ever and will be aiming to bring Norton back to the top of the podium.
Norton also secured the services of Mick Grant and Steve Plater over the winter to aid the development and progress of the team and showed their intentions of getting the bike back on the TT podium by signing a proven front-runner in Donald.
“When Norton began talking to me about their plans for TT 2014 I knew it was an opportunity I didn’t want to miss,” said Donald. “With the enthusiasm and experience of the Norton team behind me and ex TT winners such as Mick Grant and Steve Plater now involved, this is sure to be an exciting year. Norton is synonymous with the Isle of Man TT and I can’t wait to ride the new SG3 round the Mountain Course and add to their Isle of Man history.”
Norton originally made an unsuccessful comeback in 2009 with Michael Dunlop, but has been going from strength to strength since 2012, with a two-man team at the 2013 event finishing a high of 18th in the Superbike Race.
“Cameron is a really great rider to have on board, not only as a racer but also as a brand ambassador for Norton,” added CEO of Norton Motorcycles, Stuart Garner. “His support, feedback and endorsement will all be really important to us both as a company and a race team as we look to and we are all relishing the challenge of developing a strong bike and team around him for the long-term. We will also be working with Cameron within our road bike business, primarily to help develop our Australasian markets where Norton, Cameron and the TT all have a great following.”
