Norton back at the Island in 2009

NORTON Motorcycles will return to the Isle of Man TT races in May 2009 after an absence of 16 years.

Michael Dunlop, son of the late motorcycle legend Robert Dunlop, will pilot the Norton NRV 588 on its TT debut in the seniors race over the notorious 37¾ mile circuit. Michael says:

“This is a fantastic opportunity to make history with Norton’s return to one of the world’s most famous races - a real highlight of the racing calendar. It means a lot to me as I will be following in my father’s bike tracks as he finished third on his JPS Norton when he competed in 1990.”

Stuart Garner, chief executive at Norton Motorcycles says: “This is the first time since 1993 that a works Norton team has raced at the TT. We have a fantastic racing pedigree with the brand established over 100 years ago and our aim is to emulate the success Norton race bikes achieved particularly in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. The 588cc Norton race bike has been developed over the last year by Brian Crighton and the Spondon Engineering team, led by Stuart Tiller. We are confident that 2009 will prove to be a significant milestone in the history of this famous UK motorcycle brand.”

Norton Motorcycles UK manufacturing plant is at Donington Park. The company plans to make handbuilt road-legal NRV588 bikes throughout