Current Moto 3 Grand Prix rider Danny Webb will take a break from his overseas exploits to again contest the Classic TT presented by Bennetts, with the Tunbridge Wells rider competing in both the Bennetts Senior Classic TT and Okells Junior Classic TT Races.
The 25-year old will ride 350cc and 500cc Manx Norton’s for the highly experienced Dunnell Racing, replacing the recently retired Keith Amor, and is sure to feature prominently in both four-lap races.
Webb had his first taste of the Classic TT at last year’s event and was extremely unfortunate not to have taken his maiden podium around the Mountain Course having run in the top five for much of the Bennetts 500cc Classic TT Race. Riding the Team Molnar Manx Norton, Webb set a fastest lap of 106.609mph and was running in fifth place before being forced to retire at the end of the third lap.
He also posted the sixth fastest time during practice week on the 350cc Molnar Manx Norton but was forced to retire on the opening lap of the 350cc Okells Classic TT Race.
Amor finished in sixth place in last year’s 500cc Race and was running in third place in the 350cc Race until he retired, thus proving the capabilities of Tony Dunnell’s machines while Conor Cummins rode for the team at the inaugural event in 2013, finishing seventh in the 350cc Race. Amor’s late replacement in 2014, Mick Godfrey had an excellent ride in the 500cc Race and went one better coming home in sixth, also lapping in excess of 102mph.
Despite a lack of Classic racing experience, Webb’s diminutive stature should mean he’ll again be challenging for podiums in both races and he’s relishing the opportunity to compete, especially now he has another year’s experience around the Mountain Course under his belt after another strong showing at the TT in June, his third year at the meeting.
Dunnell himself has a long association with the Isle of Man, first as a competitor in the Manx Grand Prix and, in later years, as a sponsor and entrant. After a four-year layoff, Tony returned to the Isle of Man in 2013 and has clearly embraced the Classic TT movement as he will be providing Webb with the highest specification 500cc and 350cc Manx Norton’s along with spare bikes for each class.
Speaking about his Classic TT ambitions, Danny Webb commented:
“I’m delighted to be able to get back to the Classic TT. I really enjoyed it last year and the bikes suit both my size and riding style and I think I could have been on for at least one podium finish had I not broken down. I’m very grateful to Tony Dunnell for giving me the chance to ride his immaculate bikes and hopefully we can get in among the podium positions come race day.”
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 August as well as VIP and Platinum hospitality tickets. To purchase tickets go to iomtt.com or phone Duke Marketing on (00 44) 1624 640011.
