250cc two stroke GP bikes will return to the Isle of Man TT in 2016 in a new lightweight class at the increasingly popular Classic TT, presented by Bennetts.

A key draw to the TT for decades, two-stroke GP machines were fazed out of the event in 2004 as the motorcycle industry focussed its efforts on the four stroke market.

The Lightweight Classic TT race will be open to all 250cc GP bikes and will also take on the machines from the previously staged Formula 2 Classic TT race, with those bikes featuring in their own sub-class within the race.

John McGuinness and Bruce Anstey, both still a dominant force around the 37.7 mille mountain course, took their first ever TT victories on 250cc machines in 1999 and 2002 respectively. The current 250cc lap record is held by McGuiness, with an average speed of 118.29mph.

Other changes to the schedule include a name change for the Bennetts 500cc and Okells Brewery 350cc Classic TT race will change their names to the Senior and Junior races respectively in a nod to tradition.

The Race Programme for the fourth year of the Classic TT 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.