The entry list features a mixture of current TT stars and established Classic contenders, and picking a winner will not be straightforward with at least a dozen riders more than capable of taking the win in the 4-lap race.
The pre-race favourites will, arguably, be the multi cylinder Paton machines in the hands of three TT greats – John McGuinness, Ryan Farquhar and Ian Lougher. McGuinness made his Classic debut at the same event twelve months ago although it didn’t prove to be a memorable experience as his fortnight was plagued by machine problems.
Ryan Farquhar, who has taken the 500cc Classic Manx GP title on no less than five occasions, will be his teammate on the Roger Winfield machines. With his knowledge of the machine second to none, the Ulsterman will fancy his chances. Lougher, meanwhile, will be out on the same Paton machine that Olie Linsdell used to take the inaugural 500cc Classic TT win twelve months ago.
The Classic TT races run from August 22-25.
? More information from www.iomtt.com