TWO-STOKE 250cc machines are set to make a return to the TT Mountain Course in 2016 during the Classic TT.
Organisers have announced today that there will be a new Lightweight Race in next year's Classic TT schedule which will see the full return of the 250cc two-stroke GP machine around the TT Mountain Course.
The famous 250cc two-stroke race was cut from TT proceedings in 2004 due to the motorcycle industry predominantly focusing their efforts on four-stroke machinery as Superbikes, Superstock and Supersport races emerged globally.
Two-stroke 250s are linked to the rise of some of today's leading TT stars. John McGuinness and Bruce Anstey both took their first TT wins on two-stroke machines in 1999 and 2002 respectively.
The Lightweight Classic TT Race will be open to all 250cc GP bikes and will also absorb the machines from the previously staged Formula 2 Classic TT Race, with those machines featuring in their own sub class.
Meanwhile, abiding to tradition, the Bennetts 500cc Classic TT Race and the Okells Brewery 350cc Classic TT Race will change their names to Senior and Junior respectively. The Formula 1 Classic TT is also in for a name change to become the Superbike Classic Race and for the first time will take place as a stand-alone race.
Paul Phillips, TT and Motorsport Development Manager, commented: 'The timing is right to introduce a race for proper 250cc two-stroke grand prix racing motorcycles at the Classic TT.
'They are so popular with fans because of the unique sounds and smells they produce. We are confident that we will attract a quality line up of riders on board some first class machinery for this new addition to the Classic TT race programme.'
The Classic TT starts on Saturday August 27 with the Bennetts Senior Classic TT Race followed by the all new Lightweight Classic TT Race. It will conclude on Monday August 29, with the Okells Junior Classic TT Race and the Motorsport Merchandise Superbike Classic TT Race.
Introduced to the Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling in 2013 alongside the Manx Grand Prix, the Classic TT also includes leading TT riders such as McGuinness, Anstey, Gary Johnson and more.
- Sign up for Visordown's weekly newsletter, Bugsplat, to get the best motorcycle news, road tests and features plus exclusive competitions and offers direct to your inbox. Register as a Visordown member here and tick the box for Bugsplat in your newsletter settings here.
