Two of the most popular road racers Bruce Anstey and Michael Dunlop will go head to head in the Dunlop Lightweight Classic TT race.
The Lightweight class is growing in popularity, and sixty eight riders have been drawn in. Last year’s winner and lap record holder Anstey heads the line up.
He lapped at an impressive 118.744mph on his way to clinching victory, and will return this year to try and do the same again on the Padgetts Motorcycles Honda. Anstey will set off ten seconds ahead of closest rival Ian Lougher, who will again be contesting the Laylaw Racing Yamaha. But his biggest threat will start from third. Dunlop will contest the Lightweight class for the first time on the Turner Racing Yamaha.
Other favourites include Dan Cooper who sets off from number five, the John Chapman Racing duo of Dan Kneen (who is coming off the back of an extremely strong outing at the Ulster Grand Prix) and Ivan Lintin and finally James Cowton who sets off from ninth.
Further down the order is up and coming talent Adam McLean, who starts at number sixteen. He’ll be surrounded by strong contenders and will need to gap quickly in order to take a good result.
The fly in the ointment will be Michael Rutter on the Red Fox Grinta Racing Ducati. He’ll set off from number four and is one to keep an eye on, especially after his encouraging season in the British Superstock 1000 Championship.
The 2017 Classic TT begins on Friday 25 August.
