Portuguese road racer Luis Carreira is yet another ‘big name’ newcomer to confirm his intention to contest the 2009 Isle of Man TT Races.

The 31-year old has come to the fore in road racing circles through his performances at the Macau Grand Prix and, having made steady progress there since his debut in 2004, took a brilliant fourth place at the 2008 event claiming many notable scalps in the process. Hailing from Lisbon, first visited Macau in 2004 finishing 24th and subsequent visits had seen him finish 14th and 9th before the 2008 event and it is that measured approach that has brought him to the attention of the TT organisation.

Carreira, a double Portuguese Champion, has been racing since 1998 and his short circuit credentials also saw him handed a ‘wildcard’ for the final round of the World Superbike Championship. Held at Portimao in his native Portugal, Carreira finished 21st and 28th in the two races whilst his lap times were only a few tenths slower than British Superbike favourite Chris Walker, further indication of his talent.

Luis will contest the TT under his regular Benimoto Yoshimura Suzuki banner and will line up in the Dainese Superbike, Royal London 360 Superstock and Pokerstars Senior Races and has been on the Island recently studying the course with Rider Liaison Officer Richard ‘Milky’ Quayle.

Speaking about his TT debut, Luis commented:

“Having ridden at Macau, I’ve always been aware of the TT Races and it’s been an ambition of mine to compete at the biggest road race in the world. My performances on the roads have progressed steadily and I now feel that I’ve attained the results and gained enough experience that will allow me to tackle the Mountain Course at the standard required. I love racing at Macau and whilst I’m all too aware that the TT is considerably different, I believe it will stand me in good stead and enable me to score some solid results. I am working hard at learning the circuit at the moment and the recent visit has been invaluable so whilst I realise this is a long term plan, I’m hopeful of giving a good account of myself at TT2009.”

TT Rider Liaison Officer and former TT winner Richard Quayle said:

“The entry list for TT2009 is getting stronger, and more exciting, all the time with new faces continually being added. Luis has an excellent and varied CV and I would anticipate that he will get to grips with the Mountain Course pretty quickly. He has beaten many of the UK’s best road racers out in Macau, especially this year, so it is clear that he has bags of talent and I’m confident that he will become a TT regular and a star of the future.”

Hon Martyn Quayle MHK, Minister for Tourism and Leisure, Isle of Man Government added:

“The TT is an International event and it is always exciting when high quality International riders show an interest in taking part. Luis Carreira has a diverse but excellent CV and has already proved himself at International level and he will most definitely be a welcome addition to the event. I am sure he is going to be a big attraction for the fans.”

I wish him well, and hope he approaches his TT debut sensibly and without attempting any heroics.

Is it just me, or is anyone else finding the format of all the TT Press Releases extremely annoying and tedious? Every one is the same - 'speaking about such-and-such, Joe Bloggs commented...'. Member of the TT organisation said...'. Minister Martyn Quayle added...'.

Time to bin that particular overused template I would suggest, and think of something fresh!