Norton Manx R makes Isle of Man TT debut as part of major partnership
The new Norton Manx R has ridden the famous Isle of Man TT course for the first time, as part of a ‘Legacy Lap’ led by Mountain Course legend Carolynn Sells.
Norton’s new 206bhp Manx R superbike has made its first appearance at the Isle of Man TT, taking part in a ‘Legacy Lap’ that was led by female racing legend Carolynn Sells.
You might be interested in reading our 2026 Norton Manx R review.
Sells is the first and only woman to have won a solo race around the Isle of Man, which came during the Manx GP. The achievement also earned her a Guinness World Record.
The Manx R’s debut around the Mountain Course was part of a wider partnership between Norton Motorcycles and Women Riders World Relay. Alongside the Legacy Lap, Norton showcased its new superbike 119 years on from the brand’s first-ever win at the TT, which was achieved by Rem Fowler in 1907.
The Legacy Lap was held on Sunday, 31 May, and featured several other women all riding Norton motorcycles. One of those was Hayley Bell, founder of WRWR, who was seen riding a Norton Atlas. Speaking about the experience, Bell said:
“Leading the first women-led Legacy Lap at the Isle of Man TT is a huge honour. The TT is one of the most respected events in motorcycling, and to ride alongside women who have helped shape its history, on Norton motorcycles with such a powerful connection to the island, is incredibly special. This lap represents what WRWR stands for: connection, challenge and change.”
WRWR CEO, Liza Miller (Norton Mercury 650), WRWR Isle of Man Ambassador, Lisa Brain (Norton Dominator 99), Gloria Perrin (Norton CS1), Gail Sheeley (Norton CJ350), and Guliafshan Tariq (Norton Dominator 88), were some of the other rider/bike pairings.
Chris Bexon, Norton Motorcycles’ Regional Director for the UK, also said this about the women-led Legacy Lap and Norton’s rich history at the TT:
“Norton and the Isle of Man TT are deeply connected. This moment allows us to honour that history while also looking forward. The women leading this lap have each shaped motorcycling in their own way, and the motorcycles they are riding represent almost a century of Norton innovation, craftsmanship and racing influence. With the new Manx R alongside our heritage machines, this is a powerful expression of where Norton has come from and where the brand is going next.”
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After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.
