Thursday August 8, 2019 at 11:22am
Davey Todd will line up as number 1 in the Dunlop Lightweight Classic TT for the Milenco by Padgetts Motorcycles team, with teammate Bruce Anstey making a welcome return to TT action in the class and starting at his customary number 5.
Clive Padgett’s team has won every year since the class – primarily for 250cc 2-stroke race machines – was introduced to the Classic TT presented by Bennetts in 2016, with the returning Anstey triumphant in 2016 and 2017 and Lee Johnston taking the honours 12 months ago.
However, this year will be the first occasion that the team has fielded two machines, with rising star Todd and the seasoned Anstey on a pair of Honda RS250s. The combination of rider talent, machine preparation and proven pedigree means the Padgetts team will line up as hot favourites for victory, and whilst Anstey’s competitive return to racing is a triumph in itself, don’t be surprised to see the 250cc lap record holder make a fairy-tale return to the Classic TT podium.
Reigning Dunlop Senior TT champion, Dean Harrison lines up at number 2 on the first of three Laylaw Racing Yamaha TZ250s, with teammate Ian Lougher starting from number 3. Harrison made his debut in the class in 2018 and while he wasn’t able to challenge for victory in 2018, he finished just off the podium with a fourth-place finish. Meanwhile, Lougher has stood on the rostrum in each running of the Lightweight Classic TT, taking second place in 2016 and 2017 and a third place in 2018. Phil Harvey lines up on the third yellow and white Laylaw machine at number 12.
Michael Rutter is set to start at number 4, but the seven-time TT winner and two-time Classic TT winner has yet to reveal what machine he will be riding, having previously ridden a 750 Ducati in the class.
Joey Thompson – starting at number 6 – is the first of a three-man fleet of Honda RS250s for John Chapman Racing, with teammates Dan Sayle and Ryan Kneen starting at numbers 10 and 11 respectively.
2-stroke specialist Gary Vines will start at number 7 on one of the three Binch Racing Yamaha TZ250s. With a personal best lap speed just shy of 115mph, the 29-year old could provide an upset for the established TT riders further up the field.
Vines is joined in David Binch’s team by Jamie Coward starting at number 8 and last year’s winner Lee Johnston, who starts at number 13 having made the switch from Padgetts Honda to the Binch Racing Yamaha. Johnston will be onboard the same TZ250 that Adam McLean finished second on – behind Johnston – 12 months ago. To date, it is the closest that any rider or machine has come to besting the dominant Padgetts Motorcycles team and, with Johnston onboard, will surely be their toughest opposition to date.