In 2022, the Isle of Man TT races will return to action after a two year hiatus due to the Covid pandemic. In anticipation of their return, the start numbers for the Supersport class have now been released.
Last week, the start numbers for the Superbike class were revealed, and there are of course some similarities between the Supersport and Superbike classes.
Before we start with the numbers, it is notable that the TT Supersport class will follow the British Supersport class of last year, and the World Supersport class of 2021, in adapting the rules to allow larger capacity machines than previously seen in the middleweight division. For the most part, though, the traditional 600cc machines will populate the Supersport class at the 2022 Isle of Man TT races.
First into the Snaefell course will be John McGuinness on his Blue Earth Construction SMT Racing Honda CBR600RR, followed by Dean Harrison on the #2 DAO Racing Kawasaki.
Interestingly, although the regulations allow the use of the 636cc version of the Kawasaki ZX-6R, Harrison will remain with the 600cc variant.
Lee Johnston on the Ashcourt Racing Yamaha R6 will start third as he chases a second Supersport TT win. Behind him will be Ian Hutchinson on the Boyce Precision by Russell Racing R6, as the #4 looks for a record ninth Supersport TT win.
James Hillier will also ride a Yamaha R6, for Rich Energy OMG Racing. The 2013 Lightweight TT winner has previously been synonymous with Kawasaki on the Isle of Man, so it will be interesting to see how he goes on the Yamaha, both on the 600cc and the 1000cc.
Michael Dunlop’s MD Racing Yamaha R6 will wear the number six, and considering his Superbike machinery (PBM Ducati V4R) it could be suggested that the Supersport class could be the 19-time TT winner’s surest bet of a win in 2022, although his Superstock plans remain unconfirmed.
Gary Johsnon, winner of Supersport TT races in 2011 and 2014, will be the seventh rider into the race in 2022 aboard the Specsavers Moto46 Triumph. Like Harrison, Johnson and his team have decided against using the larger-capacity bike that was available to them - the Triumph Street Triple RS with the 765cc motor. Instead, the more traditional 675cc bike will be used by Johnson.
Behind will be Davey Todd on the first of the Milenco Padgett’s Hondas, while David Johnson will wear the #9 on the second of the OMG Racing Yamahas.
Peter Hickman will be the first rider to start aboard a ‘New Generation’ Supersport bike, with the 765cc Triumph that Johnson has elected not to use. He will start 10th on the K2 Trooper Beer by PHR Performance Triumph.
Conor Cummins will be 11th into the race aboard the second of the Padgett’s Hondas, while Jamie Coward will be 12th on the Steadplan KTS Racing Yamaha.
In 13th will be Michael Sweeney on the EM Building Yamaha, ahead of Adam McLean on the McAdoo Kawasaki; while Sam West will start 15th on the Moto Hub Ducati.
Dominic Herbertson for Cowton Racing Kawasaki will be 16th on the road, ahead of PreZ Racing Yamaha’s Paul Jordan in 17th; Heattech Racing Yamaha’s Michael Evans in 18th; Global Robots Triumph’s Brian McCormack and #20 Craig Neve on the Alistair Cowan Racing Kawasaki.
