Ten times Isle of Man TT winner Bruce Anstey is the latest high profile TT star to commit to the inaugural Classic TT Races, teaming up with world-renowned classic racing bike builder Ken McIntosh. This exciting New Zealand partnership will contest the 500cc Classic Race on the McIntosh Manx Norton, a machine with an incredible pedigree.
The 42-year-old Anstey will take over the McIntosh Manx Norton from fellow TT star Cameron Donald, who recently rode the bike to victory in the New Zealand Classic TT, taking four victories from four starts. He followed that up by winning both the 500cc and Unlimited titles at Phillip Island in January.
Other legendary names to have ridden the machine to victory in New Zealand, Australia and America include Grand Prix aces Kevin Schwantz, and Andrew Stroud.
Already likely to be one of the pre-event favourites for victory, Anstey will go head-to-head with fellow TT stars John McGuinness, Cameron Donald, William Dunlop, James Hillier, Ian Lougher, Gary Johnson, Guy Martin and Daniel Cooper as well as seasoned classic racers, Chris Palmer, Roy Richardson, OlieLinsdell, Chris Swallow and Alan Oversby.
Speaking about the tie up, Ken McIntosh commented:
“When I heard about the plans for the new Classic TT I felt that we had to be a part of it, and with Cameron Donald already committed to ride another bike at the event, the suggestion came from Cameron himself that I couldn't get anyone better than Bruce Anstey to take over the reins. It’s a great honour for me to have New Zealand's most successful TT rider ever on our New Zealand built bike and we will be looking for a result right from the off.”
Paul Phillips, TT & Motorsport Development Manager commented:
“The news that Bruce Anstey will compete in the Classic TT is a massive boost for the event. Bruce is an all-time TT great, who is still winning races and breaking lap records and he is a favourite with the fans. Equally as exciting is the news that Ken McIntosh is supporting the event with his world-renowned machines. Ken’s reputation for building fast and reliable classic bikes is second to none and this news adds further spice to an already mouth-watering line-up for the 500cc Classic TT Race.”
