Peter Hickman sticks with Norton for 2020 Isle of Man Lightweight TT

Peter Hickman will continue to ride Norton machinery in the 2020 Isle of Man TT in the Lightweight category after the British firm reached a deal with Smiths Racing to run the bike.

Considered the fastest road racer on the planet right now, Hickman looks set to enter all 2020 Isle of Man TT classes – Superbike, Supersport, Superstock and Lightweight – but this time do so with three different machines prepared by Smiths Racing.

Hickman joined John McGuinness and Davey Todd in riding a Norton 650 Superlight in 2019, picking up the best finish of the trio in eighth position. He will ride again in 2020 but this time do so out of the Smiths Racing garage after it took over the running of the Norton entry.

Though Norton is still involved in the TT project, CEO Stuart Garner says Smiths Racing’s input allows the manufacturer to turn it focus to meeting production demands in 2020.

“Pleasure to continue working with Peter Hickman and Norton 650 Superlight. We’ve partnered with Smiths Racing for the 2020 Lightweight TT. They’re the best at what they do and leaves us to focus on road bike production in a busy 2020.”

Hickman heads into 2020 on a high after a superb road racing season that yielded a trio of Isle of Man TT wins, the Superstock North West 200 triumph and a record seven wins on the Ulster GP, which also saw him set a world lap record of 136.415mph on the Dundrod course.

As a reward for his efforts, Hickman and Smiths Racing have been awarded factory backing from BMW Motorrad, replacing TAS Racing’s effort.