CLASSIC JUNIOR RACE PREVIEW

For the first time since 2019, the 2 Wheeling Classics Classic Junior Race is back on the race programme and, indeed, it’s the first race to take to the Mountain Course at this year’s Manx Grand Prix.

It’s been a popular re-introduction with a host of quality riders and teams on the entry.

Previous winners have included Lee Johnston, Michael Dunlop, Michael Rutter, Dominic Herbertson and Jamie Coward and, held this time over three laps, there are plenty of riders queuing up to add their name to the trophy.

Herbertson (Forty Two Racing Honda) and Coward (Craven Classic/Ted Woof Honda) are the only former winners in the entry and will be looking to take their second win in the class having been victorious in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

They will both be doubly keen to do so having missed last year’s meeting due to injury.

Unsurprisingly, the 350cc Honda K4 is the favoured choice for much of the field with former race winners Davies Motorsport fielding Paul Jordan this time around.

Another Honda rider is John McGuinness, the 23-time TT victor getting his first taste of the class having previously concentrated solely on the Classic Senior race, for Steadplan.

They should feature prominently on the leaderboard as should Flitwick Motorcycles runner Adam McLean whilst other leading contenders include Alan Oversby, Sam West, Hefyn Owen, Alex Sinclair, Will Loder, and Michael Evans but keep an eye too on the returning Glen English.

Two other non-Honda riders are Rob Hodson, who rides a Kawasaki for former twice Lightweight MGP runner-up Brian Spooner, and James Hind on the WizNorton Racing DKW.

Meanwhile, Harley Rushton, a regular race winner at the CMRMC meetings, Andy Guy and Andrew Green are prominent newcomers in the race.

Enjoy the re-introduction of the Classic Junior Race on the Isle of Man. Check out Duke Travel for packages from the UK and further afield, Horst Saiger for German Tours and the Isle of Man Steam Packet for race day day trips.