Norton set for return at TT 2009

Owner Stuart Garner is delighted to be bringing Norton back to the TT

Norton are set to make their long-awaited return to the Isle of Man TT races in 2009, after 16 years away.

The legendary marque was recently brought back to the UK after 15 years stateside by bike enthusiast and owner of Norton Racing, Stuart Garner.

"The Norton brand has been established over 100 years and it brings fantastic racing pedigree," said Garner.

"Our aim is to emulate the success Norton race bikes has already achieved, particularly in the 30s, 40s and 50s."

Fittingly it will be Michael Dunlop, the son of the late TT legend Robert Dunlop, who will ride the Norton NRV 588 on its TT debut in the senior race.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to make history," said the 21-year-old.

"It means a lot to me as I will be following in my father's bike tracks as he finished third on his JPS Norton when he competed in 1992."

Rem Fowler won the inaugural TT in 1907 riding on a Norton

The 588cc Norton race bike has been developed over the last year by Brian Crighton and the Spondon engineering team.

The Norton team are responsible for some of the great TT moments and Isle of Man Minister for Tourism and Leisure Martyn Quayle is happy to see them back.

"Having Norton back in the TT is sensational news. It will truly be an notable occasion within the competition's history.

"They were a fabulous crowd pleaser and we have every confidence this will be the first of many successful races for the Norton team."