As I know Anita I'm probably a bit biased, but I'll try to be as objective as possible about this situation. Firstly, it's very disappointing that an official TT Press release contains so many basic factual errors. Hopefully all future ones will be carefully checked for accuracy before being released.

As far as Anita's entries for the Formula 1 and Production races are concerned, it's a difficult situation really. Based purely on statistics it could certainly be argued that someone whose fastest lap is 102mph shouldn't be in the same race as riders who are lapping at 125 plus - but that is only part of the story. You can't improve if you're not given the opportunity, and since 1999 Anita hasn't been given the opportunity. The 102mph lap she did was on a Production Kawasaki 900 which was not particularly competitive, but having invested in a brand new GSXR Suzuki and with her circuit knowledge she would certainly be in with a shout of lapping at 110 plus this year.

What annoys me more, though, is her having her Production entry refused - presumably in favour of competitors who are using the race as a practice session for the MGP. I really think the time has come for this whole issue of MGP competitors being allowed to race in the TT Production races to be looked at again. Fifteen or twenty years ago there was a big difference between "racing" and "production" bikes, but that is no longer the case. I'm sure that quite a few competitors will be using exactly the same bikes in the Formula 1 and Senior races as they are using in the 1000 Production race - and similarly for the Junior and 600 Production races. Personally I think that the rule allowing MGP competitors to race in the TT Production races should be scrapped immediately, although I certainly don't blame competitors for taking advantage of the current rule - good luck to them.

Perhaps it is also time for riders who are being refused a TT entry on the grounds of not being "fast enough" to be given an opportunity to return to the MGP if they so wish. Possibly Anita made a mistake by moving up to the TT after only one MGP - had she stayed with the MGP she would have an almost guaranteed entry, and have a chance to do the TT Production races as well.

Anyway, the positive way for Anita to look at it is to get a really good North West on the big Suzuki on her racing cv, so that the TT organisers have no choice but to give her an entry next year!