2012 Isle of Man TT
During the 2011 Isle of Man TT, James Hillier piloted the Bournemouth Kawasaki Racing ZX-10R to an eighth place in the Dainese Superbike race.
The 2011 IOMTT was the 26-year old’s fourth year competing on the legendary Mountain Course, and he had averaged a fastest lap of 127.661 mph in the Dainese Superbike race, making him the 17th fastest rider in IOM TT history.
Quite a feat, but not enough for the Ringwood resident. For 2012 Isle of Man TT, Hillier returns on the Bournemouth Pr1mo Kawasaki ZX-10R. Hillier, who won the Newcomers Trophy in 2008, will compete in all six solo races, and plans to “crack the 130mph barrier.”
James Hillier (Bournemouth Pr1mo Kawasaki ZX-10R IOMTT) says: “I’m really looking forward to the year ahead and with regards to the TT I simply want to keep on improving and build upon the results I’ve achieved thus far.
“No one’s getting slower so it’s not getting any easier, but I’ve been steadily getting faster and would like to think I’ll be there or thereabouts this year. I’ll take it as it comes though as that’s the approach that’s served me well thus far and although I haven’t set myself many targets, I would like to crack the 130mph barrier on the Superbike.”
“I’ll also be contesting the new Lightweight TT and am really excited about that. Ryan (Farquhar) has done all the chassis work for us with the ER6 Kawasaki and the bike sounds really good, so it could be the one that gives me my best result. It should be a bit more of a level playing field and promises to be a really good class.”
Peter Extance (Bournemouth Kawasaki Racing Team Owner) says: “James Hillier is a real credit and asset to Bournemouth Kawasaki Racing. We have supported him fully for four years and for us he is the reason why we are involved in racing.
“James is a local lad and we have seen his potential grow over the years into what we hope will be podiums and wins at the TT. James has been a real team member and not just a rider turning up and riding the bike. You will still see James putting up the awning and pit garage and taking it all down again at the end.”
“For 2012 we have invested heavily in trying to give James the best machinery possible for the TT and we believe it is the time for James to be pushing on to the top steps and with six races at this year’s event we are really excited that he can fulfil his and our dreams in 2012.”
Paul Phillips (Isle of Man Government TT and Motorsport Manager) says: “James was one of the potential stars of the future that we highlighted in our 2008 ‘Young Guns’ campaign and he’s really starting to fulfil his potential. I have no doubt that he will be a TT star for many years to come and will be challenging for a podium place sooner rather than later.”
About James Hillier (courtesy of IOMTT):
Hillier made his name in the Virgin Mobile R6 Cup, and enjoyed success in the British Supersport Championship before moving on, firstly to the Metzeler National Superstock Championship and then, in 2011, to the British Superbike Evo Championship, where he finished 8th overall, a solid debut year in the Superbike division.
On the roads he made his TT debut in 2008 for the Martin Bullock Racing team, taking 17th and 19th in the Supersport races, lapping at over 119mph and picking up two silver replicas and the Newcomers Trophy for his efforts.
His road racing credentials have gone from strength to strength and he now has 15 finishes inside the top 20 at the TT, with five of those top 10, and 15 replicas. He finished 8th in the 2011 TT Championship, a stunning effort given the experienced riders he was up against.
Hillier hopes to get a run out on his ER6 Kawasaki in February before a full testing programme in Spain in March, as he also contests the British Superbike Championship this season. In addition, he also hopes to return to the North West 200, Ulster Grand Prix and Macau in what promises to be a busy season for the Hampshire rider.
