Michael Pearson has made an impact on the road racing scene

Ballygowan rider Michael Pearson has decided not to compete in the 2009 Isle of Man TT due to insufficient funding.

Pearson had been hoping to make his debut at the event but will now mainly focus on Irish national road races, the North West 200 and Ulster Grand Prix.

"I sat down and looked at it carefully and, to be honest, the money is just not there to do the TT," said Pearson.

"I would love to do it, but three weeks off work, plus the current financial situation, make it a non-starter."

"It would probably cost me as much to do the TT in 2009 as it would to do a full season in the Irish Championships but hopefully I can get back on track for a visit to the TT in 2010."

Pearson, who is a former Irish Superbike champion, also plans to race at the Southern 100 on the Isle of Man in July, plus some meetings at Scarborough, where he made his debut last year.

He will ride a Superbike and a Supersport 600 machine in the coming season.

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