NEWS

DUNLOP RETURNS TO 250 ACTION IN LIGHTWEIGHT

The Dunlop Lightweight Race gets proceedings underway at this year’s Manx Grand Prix with the four-lap encounter scheduled for 2.40pm on Friday 26th August, with Michael Dunlop one of the star names gunning for glory on the 250cc 2-stroke machines.

Leading the field away at number 1 for the first time around the Mountain Course will be the popular figure of Dominic Herbertson, riding the immaculate John Chapman Racing/Davies Motorsport Honda. A winner at the Classic TT in the past, he’ll be hoping to get the 250 singing and away as some serious talent will follow him off the line.

A podium finisher at both the TT and Classic TT on 2-stroke machinery, Ian Lougher starts at number 2 on the Laylaw Racing Yamaha TZ250, with 2018 Lightweight Classic TT winner Lee Johnston ten seconds behind on his Ashcourt Racing Honda RS250.

Herbertson’s John Chapman Racing team-mate is next away at number 4, whilst there is a gap at the number 5 position in the absence of Bruce Anstey who is an unfortunate non-entry for this year’s race.

Michael Dunlop pilots his own MD Racing Honda from his usual number 6 position, returning to 250cc action around the Mountain Course for the first time since 2017. Mike Browne and the returning Adam McLean swiftly follow him from numbers 7 and 8 respectively.

One of the pre-race favourites is away at number 9 in James Hind. Having made his name in the Lightweight races at the Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT three years ago, everyone is now well aware of the 22-year old’s capabilities on the Dennis Trollope Yamaha TZ250.

James Hillier is set to have his first 250cc outing on the Mountain Course from number 10, and he’ll be firmly in the sights of the highly-experienced 250cc pilot Phil Harvey, setting off ten seconds later on the CSC Racing Honda.

Still getting back to full fitness, Dan Sayle will start at number 12 on his Honda and with a gap at 13, French star Pierre-Yves Bian will be the next man away from the line onboard the Martimotos Yamaha.

Following him will be 1996 Newcomers Manx Grand Prix race winner Chris Moore on the Outhwaite Plant/Silverstar Yamaha, with Rhys Hardisty starting immediately afterwards at number 16. He took fifth in the 2016 Lightweight Classic TT Race so is certainly one to watch on the Willson and Wilding/Kaymac Yamaha.

Completing the top twenty will be Dave Hewson (Chris Barratt Transport Yamaha), Peter Boast and Richard Parker on two more Chapman Racing Hondas, and Will Loder (CKS Precision Yamaha).