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+--- Thread: 250 TWO-STROKE GP BIKES RETURN TO THE MOUNTAIN COURSE WITH NEW LIGHTWEIGHT RACE ADDED (/showthread.php?tid=21185)
250 TWO-STROKE GP BIKES RETURN TO THE MOUNTAIN COURSE WITH NEW LIGHTWEIGHT RACE ADDED - Malcolm - 29-11-2015
![[Image: classicttlogo.jpg]](http://www.ttwebsite.com/gifs/classicttlogo.jpg)
2016 will see the full return of racing for 250cc two-stroke GP machines around the TT Mountain Circuit with the introduction of a new Lightweight Race into the schedule for the Classic TT Races presented by Bennetts.
A mainstay of the TT programme for decades, 250cc two-stroke machines were fazed out of the event in 2004, as the motorcycle industry focussed its efforts on the four stroke market with the emergence of Superbike, Superstock and Supersport racing globally.
Some of today’s leading TT stars originally made their name on 250cc machines, with John McGuinness and Bruce Anstey recording their first TT wins on them in 1999 and 2002 respectively with McGuinness’s118.29 from 1999 the current Mountain Course lap record for 250cc machines.
The Lightweight Classic TT Race will be open to all 250cc GP bikes and will also absorb the machines from the previously staged Formula 2 Classic TT Race, with those machines featuring in their own sub class.
Meanwhile in a nod to tradition, the Bennetts 500cc Classic TT Race and the Okells Brewery 350cc Classic TT Race will change their names to Senior and Junior respectively. The Formula 1 Classic TT is also in for a name change, becoming the Superbike Classic Race and for the first time, will take place as a standalone race.
The Race Programme will start on Saturday 27th August with the Bennetts Senior Classic TT Race followed by the all new Lightweight Classic TT Race and will conclude on Monday 29th August with the Okells Junior Classic TT Race and the Motorsport Merchandise Superbike Classic TT Race.
The Classic TT, which is now in its fourth year since it was introduced to the Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling in 2013 alongside the Manx Grand Prix, has seen significant growth with rising attendances, increased media coverage, free to air TV coverage in the UK and internationally, new commercial partners and close, spectacular racing as Classic Racing specialists have gone head to head with some of the world’s leading road racers.
Paul Phillips, TT and Motorsport Development Manager, Isle of Man Department of Economic Development commented:
“The timing is right to introduce a race for proper 250cc two-stroke grand prix racing motorcycles at the Classic TT. They are so popular with fans because of the unique sounds and smells they produce. We are confident that we will attract a quality line up of riders on board some first class machinery for this new addition to the Classic TT race programme.”
David Cretney, the Isle of Man Government’s member responsible for Tourism and Motorsport commented:
“I’m really looking forward to the return of two stroke machines to the Mountain Course. Two strokes have featured in some of the most memorable races on the Isle of Man and the smell and sound will evoke many memories as well as undoubtedly creating some new ones. It’s important to remember that this is a spectator sport and we want to do everything that we can to ensure that fans are entertained by the spectacle.”
A mainstay of the TT programme for decades, 250cc two-stroke machines were fazed out of the event in 2004, as the motorcycle industry focussed its efforts on the four stroke market with the emergence of Superbike, Superstock and Supersport racing globally.
Some of today’s leading TT stars originally made their name on 250cc machines, with John McGuinness and Bruce Anstey recording their first TT wins on them in 1999 and 2002 respectively with McGuinness’s118.29 from 1999 the current Mountain Course lap record for 250cc machines.
The Lightweight Classic TT Race will be open to all 250cc GP bikes and will also absorb the machines from the previously staged Formula 2 Classic TT Race, with those machines featuring in their own sub class.
Meanwhile in a nod to tradition, the Bennetts 500cc Classic TT Race and the Okells Brewery 350cc Classic TT Race will change their names to Senior and Junior respectively. The Formula 1 Classic TT is also in for a name change, becoming the Superbike Classic Race and for the first time, will take place as a standalone race.
The Race Programme will start on Saturday 27th August with the Bennetts Senior Classic TT Race followed by the all new Lightweight Classic TT Race and will conclude on Monday 29th August with the Okells Junior Classic TT Race and the Motorsport Merchandise Superbike Classic TT Race.
The Classic TT, which is now in its fourth year since it was introduced to the Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling in 2013 alongside the Manx Grand Prix, has seen significant growth with rising attendances, increased media coverage, free to air TV coverage in the UK and internationally, new commercial partners and close, spectacular racing as Classic Racing specialists have gone head to head with some of the world’s leading road racers.
Paul Phillips, TT and Motorsport Development Manager, Isle of Man Department of Economic Development commented:
“The timing is right to introduce a race for proper 250cc two-stroke grand prix racing motorcycles at the Classic TT. They are so popular with fans because of the unique sounds and smells they produce. We are confident that we will attract a quality line up of riders on board some first class machinery for this new addition to the Classic TT race programme.”
David Cretney, the Isle of Man Government’s member responsible for Tourism and Motorsport commented:
“I’m really looking forward to the return of two stroke machines to the Mountain Course. Two strokes have featured in some of the most memorable races on the Isle of Man and the smell and sound will evoke many memories as well as undoubtedly creating some new ones. It’s important to remember that this is a spectator sport and we want to do everything that we can to ensure that fans are entertained by the spectacle.”
![[Image: mcpinton250.jpg]](http://www.ttwebsite.com/gifs/TT2015/mcpinton250.jpg)
![[Image: F1-CLASSIC-TT.jpg]](http://www.ttwebsite.com/gifs/TT2015/F1-CLASSIC-TT.jpg)
RE: 250 TWO-STROKE GP BIKES RETURN TO THE MOUNTAIN COURSE WITH NEW LIGHTWEIGHT RACE ADDED - john77 - 30-11-2015
Nice to see a proper two stroke race class, but does this mean that the newcomers race is dropped from the schedule?
RE: 250 TWO-STROKE GP BIKES RETURN TO THE MOUNTAIN COURSE WITH NEW LIGHTWEIGHT RACE ADDED - c iom tt - 01-12-2015
This is for the Classic TT, not the MGP.
It is good news to see a dedicated class for the 250 2 strokes racing on the Mountain Circuit, but what I dont understand is if there was not enough interest/entrys to run them in June, why is there enough interest/entrys to run them at the FOM?
RE: 250 TWO-STROKE GP BIKES RETURN TO THE MOUNTAIN COURSE WITH NEW LIGHTWEIGHT RACE ADDED - john77 - 02-12-2015
I am wondering where did they find time for an extra practice/race in the already busy schedule. as last year is was already difficult for the Manx to have enough practice time. Well, time will tell if it is a additional race or that another race will be dropped.
RE: 250 TWO-STROKE GP BIKES RETURN TO THE MOUNTAIN COURSE WITH NEW LIGHTWEIGHT RACE ADDED - bsa499 - 04-12-2015
I like this innovation. To have GP quality 2 stroke machines, albeit from an earlier time, in action on the Mountain Course perfectly complements the Classic TT ethos. You only have to look at the interest Bruce Anstey's rides on the Padgett YZR Yamaha have prompted to see that. It will be very interesting to see how many such machines enter, qualify and actually finish. Roll on 2016!!
RE: 250 TWO-STROKE GP BIKES RETURN TO THE MOUNTAIN COURSE WITH NEW LIGHTWEIGHT RACE ADDED - Kursaal Flyer - 04-12-2015
I would love to ride a 250 round the island , what a combination !
RE: 250 TWO-STROKE GP BIKES RETURN TO THE MOUNTAIN COURSE WITH NEW LIGHTWEIGHT RACE ADDED - Alfie Noakes - 05-12-2015
The perfect machine for the circuit - light and responsive, they steer like they are on rails with precise handling and most of all a 100% made for the purpose complete racing machine and keeping your corner speed up is super critical - a fabulous experience. I wonder if any of the last MotoGP 250's are out there, they were knocking on for 180mph at the Shanghai GP circuit before the class ended.
RE: 250 TWO-STROKE GP BIKES RETURN TO THE MOUNTAIN COURSE WITH NEW LIGHTWEIGHT RACE ADDED - SILJA - 07-07-2016
Is this concerning Classic 2016 only or some more of the coming years?
RE: 250 TWO-STROKE GP BIKES RETURN TO THE MOUNTAIN COURSE WITH NEW LIGHTWEIGHT RACE ADDED - Revvin rich - 11-07-2016
Does anyone know how many have been entered, a good point by ciom tt by the way!
RE: 250 TWO-STROKE GP BIKES RETURN TO THE MOUNTAIN COURSE WITH NEW LIGHTWEIGHT RACE ADDED - SILJA - 11-07-2016
I'm sorry that my previous question (#8) about the strokers was unanswered. So I had to do the research myself. Here it is. I've got info from a source who really knows. No number of entries but here is the quote: "It is currently the intention to have the two strokes on the schedule for the Classic TT every year but obviously we review at the end of every event to see how it has gone. We've had a really strong entry list for the race this year so it's very exciting and will be great to hear, smell and see them on the Mountain Course again."
RE: 250 TWO-STROKE GP BIKES RETURN TO THE MOUNTAIN COURSE WITH NEW LIGHTWEIGHT RACE ADDED - Superbike - 13-07-2016
I love two strokes and the 250's is a mega class, like stated here would be an amazing experience to get one of the GP's on the mountain course. I race in the pre injection bikes and 250's and even riding some new type bikes these 250's still feel pretty good when set up right even in today's market.