Lancashire-based Mistral Racing will return to the 2016 Classic TT presented by Bennetts with a three-pronged attack on the four-lap Motorsport Merchandise Classic TT Superbike Race.
Steve Mercer, Jamie Coward and local ace Dan Kneen will all campaign ZXR750 Kawasakis and are sure to be major contenders for the podium places.
Both Mercer and Coward have prior experience with the team, Mercer taking fourth place in the corresponding race in 2014, after posting a 121mph+ lap, whilst Coward was on board one of the ‘Green Meanies’ in 2013 only to be forced to retire on the third lap whilst in fifth place.
The Yorkshire rider missed the 2014 event due to injury, ironically being replaced in the team by Maidstone’s Mercer, but was back twelve months ago when he finished in sixth place with a best lap of 121.834mph. He arrives at the Classic TT on the back of an excellent campaign at the TT where he narrowly missed out on winning the coveted TT Privateer’s Championship.
Kneen, meanwhile, joins the team after making his Classic TT debut in 2015 when he rode the Valvoline Racing by Padgetts Motorcycles 750cc OW01 Yamaha. Back then, he took ninth place with his fastest lap being in excess of 120mph. Having missed the TT due to injury, the Braddan rider, who normally rides the Mar-Train Racing Yamaha’s, will be keen to get back out on the Mountain Course and score a strong result on the Mistral Kawasaki.
Run by highly experienced former racer Ian Harrison, the squad is again expected to run their immaculate machinery in Team Kawasaki France replica colours. Huge supporters of the Classic TT, having fully embraced the spirit of the event since its inception in 2013, they will again have one of the greatest presences in the paddock as well as being one of the most professional.
Speaking about his line up for the Classic TT, Team Owner Ian Harrison commented:
“We are really excited about the Classic TT this year with three riders in our team who are in the form of their lives. Jamie and Steve had their best ever TT’s this year and have been strong in testing and racing on our bikes also.”
“We are delighted to welcome Dan Kneen to the team. Dan is one of the best young riders in road racing, and was showing excellent form on the run up to the TT before he was forced to miss the event after picking up a training injury. He will be back to full fitness in time for the Classic TT and we will be providing him a bike capable of winning the race on.”
Classic TT Grandstand tickets are available for Friday’s final qualifying session priced at £5. All prior qualifying sessions are free for the main Grandstand. There are also race day tickets available for both Classic TT race days on Saturday 27th and Monday 29th as well as VIP and Platinum hospitality tickets. To purchase tickets go to iomtt.com or phone Duke Marketing on (00 44) 1624 640011.
