AUSTRALIAN Cameron Donald has renewed his contract with Norton for the Superbike and Senior Isle of Man TT races set to take place in June 2015.
Donald took part in the 2014 TT with Norton Motorcycles, but despite making significant progress throughout the two weeks, the team seemed unable to exploit the bike's full potential.
It has been agreed the team will remain together, help from Mick Grant and Steve Plate to further development and progress of the SG3 Norton throughout 2015.
Donald said: 'After a solid but frustrating 2014 where we made great progress with the bike but didn’t show it’s full potential we all agreed to keep the team together for 2015. Norton have pushed hard within the factory over winter, their engineering department have made many changes to SG3.
'With the enthusiasm and experience of the Norton team behind me and ex TT winners such as Mick Grant and Steve Plater involved again, we’re all looking forward to a great TT. Norton is synonymous with the Isle of Man TT and I can’t wait to ride the newly developed SG3 round the Mountain Course.'
The 37-year-old won the TT Newcomer's Trophy in 2005 and went on to finish second in the Senior race the following year. It wasn't until 2008 that Donald took not only his first but also his second TT win with a Superbike-Superstock double victory.
Donald is now the eighth fastest rider to have lapped the 37¾-mile course, with a speed of 130.729mph.
Norton Motorcycles CEO Stuart Garner said: 'Cameron did a great job for us last year, both in riding talent and development work with the factory. The continuity a further year with the identical team cannot be under estimated.
'It’s a huge ask to build a bike from scratch to compete against the world’s best road racers, the world’s best bikes at the world’s toughest race!
'To do this we need world-class talent and in Cameron we have this. We also get a great brand ambassador for Norton, his support, feedback and presence within the team are hugely important to us, both as a company and a race team.'
Donald has the Norton factory approval to ride in another class with another manufacturer to allow himself to keep race fit and to get maximum track time.
An announcement is expected in due course as to which other bike Donald will ride.
