2016 Classic TT – Team Classic Suzuki Lineup
As the 2016 Classic TT at the Isle of Man’s 37.73-mile Mountain Course quickly approaches, there was another shakeup on the Team Classic Suzuki team.
The original lineup include 13-time TT winner Michael Dunlop alongside Lee Johnston, but this changed when Johnston was ruled out. The reason? A broken collarbone during practice for the Ulster Grand Prix earlier this month.
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With Johnston ruled out, it didn’t take long for Team Classic Suzuki to find a replacement to pilot the second Suzuki GSX-R1100 XR69; the chosen rider was Danny Webb, who has competed in the Grand Prix 125cc/Moto3 classes since 2007.
The 25-year-old – an official test rider for Mahindra Racing with experience in the British Championship – debuted at the TT in 2014, and has lapped the TT course at over 123mph.
“I’m really looking forward to riding the XR69. I’ve never ridden anything like it before, so it’s going to be an experience. I met Steve (Wheatman) at the event last year so we knew each other, and I got the call last week to see if I wanted to ride for him, which I was more than happy to say yes to,” Webb says. “It’s going to be unlike anything I’ve ridden around the Isle of Man, but it’s going to be a lot of fun. I can’t wait to get started and hopefully we can get a good result.”
Team Owner, Steve Wheatman, said: “We have enjoyed a lot of success in recent years at the Classic TT with the XR69 Suzuki and Michael Dunlop, with two wins in three years. This year we’re also delighted to have Danny Webb on board the second bike, and believe we have two riders who can put us on the podium.
“Michael’s proven himself around the Isle of Man so many times, and he’s done it on our bike, winning the Superbike race last year. Danny’s a late addition to the team, but I’m sure he will settle in quickly, and we know he has the potential to achieve good results. The pressure’s on a little bit, and there’s a target on our backs, but we’re confident we can have a good practice, and fight for the win in race.”
As for Dunlop, he has won aboard the XR69 package at the Classic TT twice in the past three years – first at the inaugural 2013 Classic TT, and again in 2014. It was just announced that Dunlop will also be substituting for the injured Johnston on Black Eagle Racing MV Agusta machinery for the Classic TT Senior and Junior Races.
The Classic TT Superbike race begins at 2 p.m. local time Monday, August 29.
