TRIO OF TZ'S FOR LAYLAW RACING IN SURE LIGHTWEIGHT RACE

Winners of the 2022 Lightweight Race, Laylaw Racing will return to this year’s Manx Grand Prix with a formidable three-rider line up of Mike Browne, Ian Lougher and Adam McLean for the opening three-lap race.

Owned and run by Gerry Lawlor and former two-time Isle of Man TT winner Eddie Laycock, the team will field the riders on a trio of Yamaha TZ250 5KE and will not only fancy their chances of retaining their title, but also taking a clean sweep of the podium positions.

The team took a 1-2 last year with Browne and Lougher, with the former lapping at an impressive 117.403mph on his debut in the class. Indeed, it was Browne’s first ever ride on a two-stroke and it helped him take a commanding 43-second win over his vastly experienced team-mate.

Welshman Lougher, who recently celebrated his 60th birthday, needs no introduction to the Lightweight category, having made his name on the 250cc machines in the 1980s and 90s, the highlight being victory and a lap record of 117.80mph in the 1990 Junior TT.

Lougher subsequently took two victories at the Classic TT on a 250cc Yamaha and, riding for Laylaw Racing since 2016, has a 100% finishing record with the team taking four podiums in his five outings. With regular 116mph+ laps, he’ll be determined to get back to winning ways.

McLean, meanwhile, makes his first return to the Mountain Course since 2018 when he finished second to Lee Johnston in the Lightweight Classic TT having led in the early stages. His best lap that day was 116.870mph so clearly has the credentials to give Laylaw Racing another victory.

The 3-lap Sure Lightweight Manx Grand Prix is scheduled to take place at 14:40 on Friday 25th August.