NEWS

CURINGA HEADS UP NEW ERA FOR JUNIOR

2022 marks the beginning of a new era for the Manx Grand Prix Supporters’ Club Junior Race as, having been home to 600cc Supersport machines for thirty years, the historic class adopts regulations for 700cc Supertwin machinery for the first time. Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha and Aprilia all feature, but it’s arguably the Paton of Francesco Curinga that’s the man to beat…

Having taken second in the two Lightweight Races of 2019 – the most accurate form guide – the Italian will lead the field away at number 1, with closest challengers expected to be Daniel Ingham (Castings Technology) and Victor Lopez Santos (Xecretia Road Racing). The duo both line-up on Aprilia RS660s and start at numbers 3 and 5 respectively.

Ahead of them at number 2 will be Chris Moore on one of the rapid Dafabet Racing Kawasakis. The two-stroke veteran is looking to make a significant mark on the class, whilst local ace Jamie Williams will have the number 6 plate adorning his Steadplan Group Kawasaki

Ten seconds behind Williams is regular Supertwin front runner Michael Rees; the Welshman taking fifth and seventh in the two Lightweight Races in 2019, and he’s definitely one to watch on the GT Superbikes Kawasaki.

Following Rees at numbers 8 and 9 will be two more consistent 650cc riders in Paul Wardell (Bee Lighting/AC Commercials Kawasaki) and Marc Colvin (CBG Contractors Ltd Kawasaki).

Number 10 sees Ben Rea return to the Manx Grand Prix and the former Newcomers Race C winner will be a strong contender on the Heattech Racing Kawasaki campaigned successfully at this year’s TT by Manxman Michael Evans.

A gap at 11 means Jim Barnett is the next man away at number 12 on the Synergy Coaching Suzuki – the first SV650 in the field.

Nigel Rea, father of Ben, goes at number 14 on his Kawasaki and he’ll be chased down by two newcomers from 2019 – Michael Mace and David Brook.

Jack Fowler, who enjoyed a solid performance at the Southern 100 Races recently, will start at number 19 on the Jackson & Copeland Lettings Kawasaki.

One rider not in the top twenty but who could well be a dark horse for a podium is Andrea Majola. He took a superb fourth on his debut three years ago but starts down the order at number 30 on his Paton, whilst leading Irish Support Championship riders Eoin O’Siochru (22) and Michael Gahan (42) make their Mountain Course debuts in the race.