Perennial Classic TT contenders Flitwick Motorcycles look set to continue their assault on the podium at the 2018 Classic TT presented by Bennetts, with three riders and an ever expanding stable of top quality classic racing machines.

Regular rider Olie Linsdell looks set for a busy fortnight with entries in the Bennetts Senior Classic TT Race, the Locate.im Junior Classic TT Race and the RST Superbike Classic TT Races for Team Flitwick. Once again Enfield mounted for the opening Senior Race, the 2013 winner is confident that he can challenge for the podium as he arrives at the event injury free for the first time in four years.

Olie will be joined in the Senior Race by Classic racing specialist Chris Swallow on a similar specification Enfield, this time housed in a Seeley chassis. No stranger to the podium himself the team is confident that Chris will be right in the mix on the Flitwick machine. As long as parts availability allows, a third Flitwick Enfield will also start this race, as 2017 newcomer David Linsdell looks to campaign the original Seeley Enfield that team owner Steve Linsdell rode to 2nd place in his 1981 Newcomers Manx Grand Prix.

For the Superbike Race Olie will ride the hub-center steered Yamaha GTS based machine that was campaigned so successfully by Steve Linsdell throughout the 1990’s. As the bike has not been used in anger for so long, the team are looking at 2018 as a development year, but are confident that the unique machine will put on a solid display while once again exciting fans around the Mountain Course.

For Monday's Junior Race the team will field two machines, with both Linsdell brothers down to compete in the smaller capacity event. Olie will look to challenge for the win on a top-spec TAB framed Honda 350 twin in a class where he always feels at home, while David will ride a single cylinder 350 Ducati as he looks to improve on his 2017 performance.

The Team would like to thank the continued support of sponsors Steve Bond, John and Olaug of SMV and Meryn Hackett, whose support is greatly appreciated.

Team owner Steve Linsdell says:

"Flitwick Motorcycles have supported the Classic TT since the beginning and having stepped back from modern racing, it has firmly established itself as the main event of our season. Having had a few years plagued by injury I wanted to have a real push to get us back to where we know we should be. Olie is back to full fitness and having Chris on board is a real boost as he knows how to ride a classic bike fast around the mountain course.”

He continued:

“It’s been a struggle with so many bikes to prepare, but I am confident that I can give both riders the tools for the job. Olie did 140mph through Sulby last year on my Bullet, so a 110mph lap is certainly not out of the question! I’m also looking forward to having two bikes from my past out and competing again – the 500 Enfield I did my newcomers race on that David will ride as long as I can make enough parts and my Hub Centre Steered Yamaha special that Olie will ride in the Classic Superbike race. It’s been a while, so it will be good to see them back where they belong!"

Olie Linsdell (Royal Enfield) pictured at Ballaugh Bridge during practice for the Isle of Man Classic TT.
PICTURE BY DAVE KNEEN


Olie Linsdell tests the hub-centre steered Yamaha special at Brands Hatch