Click the link to see video from the Isle of Man TT 2012 Press Launch evening held in Douglas on Wednesday.  Ian and CEO of Norton, Stuart Garner, on stage 13 minutes in:

I always like to support my local club and Oulton Park is a good circuit from a set up perspective too. I entered the Saturday race and Friday test day hoping for some dry time on the bike, having raced in three meetings so far with two being wet. I’d had some much bigger baffling put into the tank in the week running up the event, so wanted to test on low fuel levels again in preparation for the TT. The Friday started wet and I sat out the first couple of sessions, going out in the patchy damp third session purely to test the tank. The problem was loads better, getting right down to just under two litres before any real issue started. Some explosafe foam added and the problem was improved further, now at a point I think won’t cause an issue at the TT. One dry session in the afternoon revealed that the bike was now struggling for power at full throttle, I guessed it would relate to a blocked fuel filter in the pump ( due to all the welding/grinding etc that the tank had been subject to recently) you can never flush all of the bits out of the tank. I swapped the filter and tried again, fault still present but it was obviously a fuelling issue. Running out of time and the rain coming down again I swapped the fuel pump with the innards of a GSXR one (which are all but identical) and hoped this would fix the problem for Saturday’s racing.

Saturday came and was a marked improvement in the weather, a welcome relief after all the recent rain. I found a small leak in the fuel tank, same spot as before, so the chemical metal was out again as a temporary fix. Five minutes later I managed to cross thread the front wheel spindle nut whilst swapping the wheels. I was pretty much ready to throw in the towel and go home, brother in law Stuart and James from Infront Motorcycles along with Joanne dived in and helped out with the bike. We swapped the spindle nut from the ZX6, which I was also racing to prep for the TT, for practice. Fortunately the fuel pump swap had fixed the problem, good job really as I reckon I’d have thrown myself off the Runcorn bridge if not! Practice went well on both bikes and the weather was looking good too. Finally some real time on the bike. I dropped the forks a little further through the yokes for the first race. Getting a great start I led from start to finish pushing the bike, which was a marked improvement again, to see where we were suspension wise. The bike was great, just a little too soft at the front briefly locking/pumping when hard on the brakes. I came in to find I’d set the fastest lap 1m42.1(my personal best is 1m41.7) and won by 14 seconds in a five lap race. I was really impressed with how the bike was turning out. Adding a little fork oil for the second race was the only change. The Hairy Snid ZX6 went well in the first race, just getting beaten by Kiaran Hankin in the latter stages of the first heat.

The final of the Powerbikes was slightly delayed as there had been an accident requiring the air ambulance earlier in the day. The weather had gotten colder and windier so lap times suffered slightly. The bike once again felt great, I followed Hankin for the first lap and passed him into Druids. Then pushed on again, slightly slower lap times due to a bit less grip but the bike was superb. A big grin came over my face a few times especially in the direction changes through the chicanes, the bike was turning great and really settled when pushed hard from full lean to full lean. I won by 11 seconds and couldn’t have had a better finish to my last short circuit event before the TT.

Small changes to the 600 had improved it again, although Kev Spur ( KS Performance) and I have decided to fit a harder rear spring for the TT. I was involved in a great four way battle for the lead, back in fourth for some of the race I made two passes on the last lap to finish second at the flag, only a few tenths off the winner. Probably the best race I’ve had all season.

All in all a good meeting and well run by the Wirral 100 club given the forced delays. It was good to see Howard Tipping again for a chat and I have to thank him and his father, John, for their continued help for the TT.

With only a few weeks until the TT, I now have loads of preparation on the ZX10 to do (have the tank fixed, swap engines, dyno, lockwire everything etc etc).
I will also be out testing the Norton as well shortly, the bike is now nearing completion. It has been well documented in the press so there isn’t much more I can tell you here than you already know. A really exciting project to be involved with from day one. The goal to get the finish line will be realistic for us and I’ll do my best for all concerned. There will certainly be alot of people watching!! I have ridden the bike briefly for some high speed testing at Bruningthorpe and for a shakedown previously around the old melbourne hairpin at Donington. The bike made a good first impression and the engine, although still need to have the fuelling setup, feels strong from the bottom of the revs. Fingers crossed for a good TT, I think I might need to get my earplugs out though, as it is LOUD!!

I’ll keep you posted on my TT prep and if you’re on the Isle of Man in early June, come and introduce yourself.

Mackers

Posted: April 29, 2012

To commemorate the roadracingsupporters.com exhibition, Roads Closed III, mugs4u.com have produced an exclusive mug and T shirt. Both depict Ian and Paul Owen in the cartoon by German artist Holger Aue. The full cartoon strip will be on display at the exhibition which takes place at St. Ninian’s Church, Douglas during TT 2012. The exhibition will be raising funds on behalf of the S100 Helicopter Fund, The Rob Vine Fund and The MGPSC Helicopter Fund. roadracingsupporters.com have raised over £20,000 since 2008 in support of the aforementioned bodies.

Mugs and T shirts are available here http://www.mugs4u.com/official-roads-closed-iii-mug-4918-p.asp

Posted: April 30, 2012

Posted: May 2, 2012

TT stalwart Ian Mackman has secured a works ride with legendary British manufacturer Norton. The service manager at Bill Smith Motors of Boughton will compete in the blue riband Senior TT in June, racing a prototype machine designed and built at Norton’s Donington factory.

Since his debut at the TT in 2007, Ian has consistently impressed with excellent results on bikes that he has sourced and prepared himself, culminating in him winning the TT Privateer’s Championship in 2011. He has twice taken the Joe Craig Trophy awarded to a British rider with the best result on a British machine.

Norton have a rich TT heritage that began with victory in the inaugural TT in 1907 and have provided winning machines for riders such as Jimmie Guthrie, Geoff Duke and Mike Hailwood. Their black and gold JPS sponsored machines of the 1980s are among the iconic images of motorbike racing.

In the 1992 Senior TT, Norton mounted Steve Hislop engaged in a epic battle with rival Carl Fogarty, eventually taking the honours in a race that has gone down in the event’s history as the most thrilling ever. An ill fated attempt in 2009 to race a rotary engined Norton has been the only appearance of the famous marque at the TT since then.

Now with a three year plan that aims to see a podium placing in 2014, Norton CEO Stuart Garner explains that 32 year old Ian was the ideal candidate to join the team:

“We wanted a solid rider with experience who could help us build this project and develop it. Ian is a proven TT rider and we know he is as committed to this as we are. He is a great guy and hugely passionate.”

Ian’s excitement for the project is evident. He says:

“This is a fantastic opportunity and not many people can say they’ve raced a factory based Norton – they are the elite. It’s great to be there at the start of a three year plan and it’s very exciting to have a bike that no one else has got. For me personally to secure this ride at a time when the TT is on a high and there aren’t enough factory seats to go around is a real achievement.”

A programme of testing is underway in readiness for the gruelling 6 laps of the 37 ¾ mile Mountain Course. The bike has been prepared to the highest possible specification, with many of the components machined ‘in house’ at the Norton factory. However, both Norton and Ian are keen to stress their realistic expectations for this year, and say just finishing the race is the top priority.

Ian will also be contesting the other classes at this year’s TT races in his more familiar guise as a privateer with a Kemtile Hygienic Flooring sponsored Kawasaki ZX10, and ZX6 provided by Team Hairy Snid and Lancaster Brewery.

© Jude Freckelton

Posted: May 3, 2012

From a Team Hairy Snid Spokesman:

“The Team Hairy Snid Racing Pre-TT Fundraiser was hosted by our sponsors – Lancaster Brewery on Friday night and the evening was a resounding success! The Brewery visitor centre was packed with Mackers, Team Hairy Snid and real ale fans.

Local band Ulpha590 rocked the evening whilst the guests took advantage of the FREE 5 cask ales and ciders generously provided by brewery MD Matt Jackson, which were compimented by steak and Lancaster Brewery ale pie.

Ian was on hand with the Team Hairy Snid Racing ZX-6R Supersport TT bike, while he talked to his fans about this year’s TT campaign and the Norton V4 Senior bike.

A prize raffle was held in aid of The Rob Vine fund with some fantastic prizes generously donated by many motorcycle industry companies. Ian had the honour of drawing the prize tickets, one of the top prizes being an official team shirt donated by Norton which he signed for the lucky winner.

All in all a very enjoyable night was had by all, with a fantastic amount raised for charity. A presentation will be made to the fund during TT race week.”

Posted: May 25, 2012

A steady start for me in the first night of practice. Plans were changing right up to the last minute. The Norton had some teething issues just before we left for the Isle of Man and these were still being sorted, despite a massive effort from the Norton team, up until the practice started.

I decided to run my ZX10 first as it is the bike that I know the best. With a different refreshed, but same spec, motor fitted I lined up on the road first next to Michael Dunlop and promptly stalled as the marshal tapped my shoulder – what a tit!! The clutch set up of this engine is hugely different to my Thundersport motor and it caught me out, this is now top of my list of things to sort out. Eventually on my way it was quite clear that the chassis was a mile off! The bike was shaking it’s head everywhere to the point I was holding on whilst it took me for a ride!

I came in after the first lap and lengthened the wheelbase also, with advice from Richard of Maxton suspension, made some changes to add more weight to the front end. Second lap and the bike was a clear improvement. Still weaving and shaking in the fast sections but it was a definite step in the right direction. Flat out in top gear along Sulby straight I had to sit up into the wind and back out of the throttle as the bars were flapping that hard, not pleasant. Some more adjustments at the end of the lap and the bike was transformed. I finally began to trust that it wasn’t going to suddenly try and break loose into a huge tank slapper. This made the third lap much more enjoyable. I got held up plenty and generally took my time for the whole night so no lap records were broken.

Finding my way back around the circuit and correcting chassis problems were my main goals which I think were achieved. Some more changes and laps Tuesday and I think the bike will be somewhere near. I should also get a run out on the Norton, which we only narrowly missed getting an outing on Monday. Anyway that’s pretty much the news of night one, I’ll let you know how tomorrow goes.

Mackers

Posted: May 29, 2012

 

Anglesey Race Report

The weekend of July 24/25th saw the Wirral 100 club run another round of their championship on the Coastal Circuit at Anglesey. After a successful Isle of Man TT and Scarborough meeting, on my return, I decided to enter the meeting to gain experience on the bike and circuit in preparation for this years Anglesey Grand.

I was on my own Suzuki GSXR 1000, after splitting with the PRF suzuki team just before the TT, which I’d purpose built for my Isle of Man assault. This would be the bike’s first outing on a short circuit, having only raced at the Scarborough (Olivers Mount) road circuit since my return.

The weekend weather didn’t start very well and very patchy conditions graced the first race. The track was neither wet or dry and a short cloud burst cemented my decision to stay with full wet tyres for the race. This turned out not to be the best choice as the track dried very quickly. I had a battle on my hands hanging onto the shirt tails of Angelo Derosa, who had selected cut slick tyres. Eventually I finished second with a ruined set of wet tyres!!

The first race was a qualifing heat for the rest of the weekend so this put me second on the grid for the next race, in much better conditions, held on Sunday. I got a good start and shadowed Angelo once again and made a move around the outside into the corkscrew corner late in the first lap. I pushed hard and pulled a few seconds gap. Having raced for the whole of last season for PRF I had no idea on which gearing or set up to run on the bike. My best guess on sprocket selection was close but not quite right. I held onto the lead and took the race win, but knew that there was more to come from both myself and the bike.

The second race was a virtual carbon copy of the first. Angelo lead at the first corner from pole position. I made the same pass into the corkscrew and started to pull a gap. I pushed hard and was happy with changes I’d made to the gearing and front suspension. Winning the race with an 8 second advantage was great. On return to the paddock I was informed that I’d also broken the outright club lap record for the circuit, excellent news.

I was pleased with a great weekend, some race wins and progress with the bike set up. I hope this stands me in a good position for this season’s Anglesey Grand. Having missed the event last season due to injury, and not getting to defend my title, I feel that I owe it to myself to go for the win this year.

My next race of this season is scheduled for the Thundersport GB Championship at Anglesey in mid-september. This is the same meeting in which I badly injured myself last season. Although I have an entry for the Scarborough Gold Cup on the same weekend I feel that I need to return to Anglesey to finish what I started last year. Wish me luck!!

Posted: August 9, 2010

With a successful end to last season at the Duke of Donington event securing 4th overall, 1 point from the podium! Preparations for the coming season are marching on. I have been extremely lucky to have secured some real support. In the shape of Kemtile, a hygienic floor tiling company from Warrington. They were a massive help at the end of last season and have committed to this season also.
A new, fully branded awning is in manufacture, to replace my own tired/leaky one. Team clothing is also in production along with some give away t shirts and promotional material. This will provide as much advertising for Kemtile as possible.

The bike, as I write this, is a frame and rear wheel lying on my garage floor!! The engine has gone to RLR motorsport once again, for a check over Ricky did a great job last year and the bike was super reliable. I should have the engine back this week. The suspension has just been returned from Maxton who carried out a refresh on both forks and shock. I’m hoping to be building the bike back up in the next few days for the first test day on February 27th at Mallory park.

With the support from Kemtile I have been able to commit to a full season of Thundersport GB. They have launched a Superstock 1000 class for this season which, as my bike is in this spec, is the logical choice. The tv coverage on Motors is a big draw in attracting support  I’ll also be gearing my season around the main event for me the Isle of Man TT. Preparation for the TT was somewhat rushed last year but I was happy with my results. With more time to prepare, ie not running the bike in 2 days before catching the ferry!! I am confident of improving my personal best 124.5mph lap and hope to better my 10th place in the 2009 senior. I hope to squeeze in at least one meeting at Scarborough too. A really thrilling circuit.

So far the only thing not cemented in place is a 600 for the TT. A deal I had to use a kitted triumph 675 looks to have fallen through. I’m hoping to sort something out shortly. As soon as the season kicks off the TT suddenly looms on the horizon.

Anyway I think that is all the news. I’ll keep you posted with a report on the test day.

Posted: February 17, 2011

Ian Mackman got the 2011 Season off to a blistering, literally, start with a fine 3rd place in the opening Thundersports GP1 race at Mallory Park on Saturday.

Following home the 2009 & 2010 Champions, Crowe & Parker, Ian secured a fine 3rd place despite the rapidly deteriorating rear tyre of his Kemtile Suzuki GSXR 1000. The newly re-laid circuit tarmac seemed to be especially harsh on the Dunlop tyres with no more than a dozen or so laps guaranteed from a brand new tyre.

Races 2 & 3 take place at the Leicestershire track today (Sunday 13th)

Latest: Two more podiums today. Awaiting Ian’s race report on a fantastic start to the season.

Posted: February 15, 2012

Race Report Mallory Park

The first Thundersport GB race meeting of the season started for me on Friday afternoon at Mallory Park. I only managed one wet test day during pre-season testing and haven’t raced at Mallory for nine years. I felt the need to take part in a test afternoon prior to the beginning of the meeting on Saturday morning. New “Kemtile” liveried awning up and I finally look like I know what I’m doing (appearances can be deceptive)!

The day started well and we got a few jobs done on the bike during the morning. The first session went well and I began to find my way around the circuit again. It did highlight that I had an issue with excessive rear tyre wear. The circuit has been completely re-surfaced over the winter and it would appear to be harsh on tyres. Some suspension changes were made and I went back out for session two and by mid distance the tyre was already finished. Some more changes to suspension and tyre pressures during the last session of the day took place but to no real improvement. I hoped that with some brighter and warmer weather would bring a turn round during qualifying and racing on Saturday.

Qualifying went well, once again the tyre was heavily worn after mid distance but I managed to qualify in 3rd position. The first race started well and I hung onto the leading duo for the first 5 laps. Again tyre issues forced me to lose ground. At nine laps in the race was red flagged due to an incident on circuit. I took the opportunity to have a look at the tyre, quite shocked to see it all but completely torn on the right hand shoulder. I knew I had no chance of running at the front for the remaining 9 laps and had to run at a damage limitation pace. A few laps in and I was holding onto 3rd place but rear grip had deteriorated so badly that I was sliding heavily through Gerards. I actually considered the idea of fitting some speedway handlebars for the second race! Eventually slowing to cross the line in 5th place, the aggregate result was called from the two starts. I had landed myself on the last step of the overall podium but winner of my class (Superstock 1000). A good result considering my issues.

Knowing that I was unable to cure my tyre woes and having spent most of my next mortgage payment on tyres. I spoke to the tyre specialist at the circuit. He informed me that several other riders were having issues with Dunlops tearing, the conditions and new surface just didn’t appear to like them! A shame as the Dunlops work so well for me usually, I’ve never had a problem with them up to this point. I took the decision to race on Bridgestones for the two races on Sunday. Unfortunately, as the morning warm up was held in wet conditions, I started the race completely untested on the Bridgestone drys. They worked well, considering I’d dialled in my base suspension setting, fitted them to the wheels and raced. I again finished third on the road but winner of the Superstock 1000 class. I found the Bridgestones to have a more aggressive turn-in to the corner and they held together well. In fact I started the second 14 lap race of the day on the same set of part worn tyres from the first race. With some subtle changes to the suspension the bike felt better and I held tight to leaders for the first few laps of the race. I found myself losing time out of the bus stop chicane and onto the devils elbow. Other than that the bike was working well. I pushed hard and managed to set a time just 0.3 of a second slower than my fastest lap on the Dunlops. Towards the end of the race I began making good time on the second place man, almost on his rear tyre by the hairpin for the last time I crossed the line just a second behind. Third on the road and Winner of the Superstock class again.

Happy with my results from the weekend I left the circuit leading the championship and with some useful set-up information but slightly “cash light” after paying my tyre bill!

My next race runs alongside the World Superbike Championship round at Donington Park over the weekend of the 26th/27th March. It should be a good event and running alongside the world series is a real privilege.

Posted: March 14, 2011

Get a Mackers desk set for £12.99, including a mug, mouse mat and coaster which can all be personalised with your own text. The image is the fabulous photo by Stu Baker, which features as the February page of the roadracingsupporters charity calendar. All proceeds from the sale of the desk set go to the MGP & S100 helicopter funds and the Rob Vine Fund. Order yours here! http://tinyurl.com/7qtr6sy

Posted: February 15, 2012

Ian Mackman is to tie in with a new team for this year’s premier International Road Race – the Isle of Man TT. Team Hairy Snid will provide Ian with a Kawasaki ZX-6R and he will contest the Supersport class under their banner.

Team Hairy Snid is a collective of road racing fans who, with a motto of ‘Bikes, Beer, Craic!’, have been attending events for a quarter of a century. The Team was founded at the TT in 1988 and have made themselves an increasingly visible presence at the Festival each year, with sticker campaigns of epic proportions!

The philosophy has evolved and although the consumption of ‘black soup’ remains at record levels, the Team have developed a desire to support road racing by providing financial assistance to riders and associated organisations. The Team’s distinctive logo has already appeared on a number of race bikes and now also features on a range of merchandise – the proceeds from sales of which are ploughed directly back into the sport.

Ian explains how the collaboration came about:

‘Team Hairy Snid approached me at the TT last year to ask if I would run their decals on my bike. They were in the early stages of starting up a venture to support road racing charities and I was happy to help… fast forward to November when the team contacted me with some ideas to promote their now established venture. They have provided me with a Kawasaki ZX-6R prepared by Kev Spur of KS Performance. The bike is carrying the Brand Hairy Snid logo to raise awareness of the amusing merchandise that they produce and sell to then put money back into road racing and related charities. I’m really gratefully for the support of the Team and see the Supersport class as a good opportunity to get them into the spotlight’.

Ian’s success and experience over the Mountain Course coupled with the enthusiasm and exuberance of Team Hairy Snid should make for an entertaining and successful campaign and a Team spokesman explained how they have high hopes for a TT with special resonance for them:

‘What better way to celebrate our 25th Isle of Man TT Tour than entering a bike?! We wanted to return the favour Ian did for us last year in carrying our Hairy Snid logo by sorting him a Supersport ride to complement the ZX-10R he runs with Kemtile Hygienic Solutions. He has improved year on year at the TT, despite being a privateer with under powered machinery compared to his rivals. With the new Team Hairy Snid Racing ZX-6R we hope to help him make the next step up the top ten placings after his 9th place best last year’.

Team Hairy Snid has secured support from roadracingsupporters.com, SB-Fotosport and Lancaster Brewery. The latter will play host to a Pre-TT Fundraising Evening on 18th May with monies raised benefitting the Rob Vine Fund and supporting Ian’s racing. This will be a great opportunity to meet Ian and the Team and see the new bike. Full details can be found at teamhairysnid.com.

The Team will be officially launched at the A Question of SporTT ‘Moz vs Mackers’ fundraiser night on Saturday 31st March. Full details at roadracingsupporters.com You can also get involved with Team Hairy Snid by following them on twitter @teamhairysnid, liking their facebook page or purchasing from their quality range of merchandise at mugs4u.com.

Just don’t ask what a Snid is!!

Posted: March 30, 2012 by Jude Freckelton

Ian has just sensationally been announced as the rider with whom British company Norton will make a return to the Isle of Man TT races this year.  The esteemed manufacturer, and Ian, are front page news on this week’s MCN.

CEO of Norton, Stuart Garner said:

‘We have just launched our new race bike and have entered the TT Senior TT race 2012.  Over the last 12-18 months, Norton have been looking at a return to racing. Given that WSB and BSB only allow Homologated Road bikes into their racing classes, Norton has to look for ‘open’ or ‘prototype’ race classes to enter. It is a great shame that we build a British race bike but due to current rules you can only race in a handful of championships, with Moto GP and TT racing seen as the premium events. Due to cost and limited appetite from global sponsors in the current climate -particularly in southern Europe where Moto GP concentrates itself – it is not possible to race competitively against the 2-3 manufacturers that currently set the pace/rules in Moto GP’.

‘For all of the above, the TT stood out as the very obvious choice for Norton. The hard edge style of racing which gets much closer to fans and supporters in a true and real world way and is a very genuine and a passionate way to go racing appeals to Norton far, far more than the energy drink and lycra clad [although we have all enjoyed both!] world of homologated road bike racing’.

‘Ian Mackman is riding the bike for us, he is a great guy and hugely passionate about his racing. We are pleased to have him in the team working with us to develop the bike.  Donington have kindly helped with some track time for testing’.

‘The bike itself is a Spondon chassis with Ohlins front and back, Brembo brakes. The engine is an RSV V4 – we have been talking to the Aprilia Factory in Italy and they are happy with our project and very interested to see how we get on. Similar to CRT, we have no absolute factory support off them, but they are there for information and help if and when required’.

‘The bike has been built solely within the factory at Donington Park, we have made very many of the parts ourselves within our CNC machine facility here at the Norton factory. For example, we have made our own wheel spindles through to throttle bodies! We have a great partner with the fuelling system and electronic package for the bike in Active Technologies Limited. We’ve gone with our traditional polished aluminium tank, all the styling and bodywork has been put together here at the factory also’.

‘Norton see this as a three year project, we are genuinely happy to come home with a solid finish this year. Any position would be a bonus! Over the three years we would like to be in a position to be podium competitive, although we totally understand it is a huge mountain to climb and we have our work cut out to achieve this. Only now are we going racing on the budget we have available from sponsors and other commercial racing income, clothing and licensing income etc.. we have taken no money from the factory road bike business. We see this as a sustainable route to racing for Norton. As a brand we can use our dealer network and its income to support us. Suppliers to the road bike have been really helpful and this has helped reduce costs to develop and make the bike. We have lost no focus in our road bike business and we remain totally committed to growing volume in our road bike business to meet demand for the Commando 961’.

‘The TT organisers have been really helpful and a refreshing change in the racing game. The Norton team are looking forward to getting there and providing some excitement and fun for the TT crowd – we’ve even lined up a TV presenter to serve brews up for the fans front of garage!!’

A delighted Mackers said:

‘I’ve been to Norton and met most of the lads involved – they are a really nice bunch of people and massively excited about this. I had a quick go around the old Melbourne hairpin on the bike, I pulled a few wheelies and even got airbourne over a crest so they seemed happy enough! Further testing to come soon’.

From http://www.nortonmotorcycles.com/

Norton Returns to the TT!!
April 18th, 2012

Norton return to the TT

Today we launch our new race bike and announce our entry into the TT Senior TT race 2012.

Over the last 12-18 months Norton have been looking at a return to racing. Given that WSB and BSB only allow Homologated Road bikes into their racing classes, Norton has to look for ‘open’ or ‘prototype’ race classes to enter the new race bike in.

For all of the above, the TT stood out as the very obvious choice for Norton. The hard edge style of racing which gets much closer to fans and supporters in a true and real world way which is a very genuine and passionate form of racing, appeals to Norton far more than the energy drink and lycra clad pit lane of homologated road bike racing.

Ian Mackman is riding the new bike for us, he is a great guy and hugely passionate about his racing. We are pleased to have him in the team working with us to develop the bike. He’s in later for a bit of testing, Donington have kindly helped us with some track time.

The bike itself is a Spondon chassis with Ohlins front and back, BST carbon wheels are shod with Dunlop’s. The engine is an RSV V4, we have been talking to the Aprilia Factory in Italy and similar to CRT we have no absolute factory support off them, but they are there for information and help if and when required.

The bike itself has been built solely within the factory at Donington Park, we have made very many of the parts ourselves within our CNC machine facility here at the Norton factory. For example we have made our own wheel spindles through to throttle bodies! We have a great partner with the fuelling system and electronic package for the bike in Active Technologies Limited.

We’ve gone with our traditional polished aluminium tank, all the styling and bodywork has been put together here at the factory also. Replicast are working with us to complete the aero package.

Norton see this as a three year project, we are genuinely happy to come home with a solid finish this year. Any position would be a bonus! Over the three years we would like to be in a position to be podium competitive, although we totally understand it is a huge mountain to climb and we have our work cut out to achieve this.

Only now are we going racing on the budget we have available from sponsors and other commercial racing income, we have taken no money from the factory road bike business. We see this as a sustainable route to racing for Norton. Some suppliers to the road bike business have been really helpful and this has helped reduce costs to develop and make the bike.

We have lost no focus in our road bike business and we remain totally committed to growing volume in our road bike business to meet demand for the Commando 961.

The TT organisers have been really helpful and a refreshing change in the racing game. The Norton team are looking forward to getting there and providing some excitement and fun for the TT crowd, we’ve even lined up a TV presenter to serve brews for the fans front of garage!!

With the announcement that Ian is to ride the Norton in the Senior race at TT 2012, he’s been on the Isle of Man taking part in various media activities – culminating in the Press Launch evening.  This event is being livestreamed at iomtt.com  from 7pm.

Posted: April 18, 2012 by Jude Freckelton

After return from a serious injury at the end of the 2009 season I started 2010 enjoying several succesful meetings in preparation for the Isle of Man TT. I felt better than ever back on the bike and improved on several personal best lap times. I started the season with PRF Racing but following the Oulton Park BSB round I decided that it was in my best interests to part company with the team.

My TT really looked in jeopardy but after finishing 10th in last years Senior race, missing out on my 4th year at the TT just wasn’t an outcome that I could accept.  I feel that I have so much improvement in me and I desperately wanted show to the TT supporters and fans just what I can do. This left me with no alternative but to run my own bikes at this years TT races.

Since my split from the PRF I have had huge amounts of support from friends and family which has encouraged me to continue racing. I have returned to my former team banner “Team 2 Machs Racing.”  I  have been flattered by the number of people who have come forward to offer help, physically, financially and with top quality products to help towards making the TT happen for me this season. With financial support from my father, Tony, plus personal sponsors A&S Transport (Chester), Jim Blomley (Quill Exhausts, Golbourne), Bob Beese, Tom Jones, Carl Roberts Diesel Engineering (Santon, IOM), Steve Mort (Hein Gerike, Chester) and Andy Findlay (roadracingsupporters.com). I have been able to secure a budget which has enabled me to be in a position to leave for the Island on the same ferry that I had always planned to! It is very humbling knowing so many people will do what they can for you to see you succeed.

I will now be riding my own, bought and paid for, Suzuki GSXR1000L0 in the Superstock, Superbike and Senior races. Suzuki generously supplied the bike as part of the race support scheme discount through Bill Smith Motors Ltd (Chester). With very little time to prepare the bike the demanding Mountain Circuit I was very worried that we would not be able to succeed and build a suitable high spec machine. But yet again companies within the motorcycle industry have come forward to help me with products, time and experience to ensure I get the best machine possible to take with me to the TT.

The very experienced Jim Blomley of Quill Exhausts has supplied not only some financial backing for me but has also has built a beautiful bespoke exhaust system for the 1000cc machine as well as a new silencer for the 600. The bikes shall be run in the famous “you can spot it a mile off” yellow and orange racing colours of Jim’s. Colours that are so well-known around race paddocks all over the world.

TT race winning engine man Ricky Leddy of RLR Motorsport (Church Stretton), who helped with the preparation of the 675 machine of Jim Blomleys that I campaigned in 2008, was quick to call me when he heard of the position that I was in. He assured me any help he could offer me was available. RLR are to prepare my Superstock engine and also provide set up for the machine on his impressive inhouse dyno. Ricky will use the help of JPR group to ensure the complete bike has been built to the best possible spec in a very short space of time.

Richard Adams of Maxton Engineering has been fantastic. At such a busy time for his company they have pulled out all the stops to provide me with the very latest “state of the art” suspension. The set will use their very latest GP30 fork internals and GP10 rear shock. These products have been hand-made especially for me in-house at Maxton in less than 10 days! Who said British Engineering was dead? These items are beautifully made and work extremely well.

As well as the aforementioned I have had several suppliers contribute more products including Crescent Suzuki (BIG thank you to James Blackford for all his help and priority over parts), GPR Steering dampers (Mike Edwards), B&C Express, Suzuki GB, Dunlop Motorsport (Pat Walsh), RST Leathers, Shoei Helmets & Sidi boots (Feridax), NGK Plugs, Goodridge, Motul, Castrol, Peformance Friction, STP Motorsport, Esoteric Paintwork, Katie Copeland Physiotherapy and GB Racing. Their valuable and timely support will ensure I get to line up on Glencutchery Road next Saturday for the first Practice of TT 2010

With regards to a 600cc machine, I have been kindly supplied a GSXR600 by Graham Eyton Motorbody Repairs (Ewloe) to compete on. This is a full Supersport spec machine which has been built to high standards by Slick Perfomance (IOM). Slick will also be providing the team with set up and support whilst we are on the island ensuring that the bikes are kept to the required standard that the Isle of Man TT demands of machinery.

We have all been flat out busy putting everything into place in just 2 weeks. Even as I write this (with 6 days until my ferry leaves!) the 1000cc machine is only just in the latter stages of completion. I hope to get a shake down test (as long as the paint is dry!) at Mallory Park next Wednesday afternoon prior to leaving for the TT.

I feel that TT 2010 is going to be a big year for me and I am very excited about running my own team and bikes again. My aim, with some good fortune, will be to improve on my excellent results of 2009 and build on my personal best lap speed of 124.4mph.

I hope to see you all over at the TT this year, hopefully it’ll be a great year for all of us. Please feel free to come down and see me for a chat and by all means, chuck £5 into the fuel fund!

Ian Mackman

Posted: May 22, 2010

Ian’s TT preparations stepped up a gear on Wednesday with some very useful track time at Mallory Park on the Team 2 Machs Racing Suzuki GSXR 1000. Completing around 50 laps of the Leicestershire track Ian said;

“The suspension needed a good tweaking to get a set up that suits me and I’m really pleased with the way things worked out. The time spent on the Superbike was really useful and it was a good decision to get some time out on the circuit.”

“The 600 still needs a bit of work to get it ready but we’ll be ready.”

Next stop for Ian and the team is Nobles Park, Douglas as this year’s competitors make ready for TT 2010. Practice Week opens the festival on Saturday evening with the riders taking to the famous Mountain Course for the first time this year. Solo machines will be untimed in this first session as the riders familiarise themselves with the Course once more.

Saturday’s schedule kicks off with the Newcomers controlled lap.

Saturday May 29

1820-1830hrs – Solo Newcomers’ controlled lap

1830-1955hrs – Solo untimed practice

2000-2015hrs – Sidecar Newcomers’ controlled lap

2015-2050hrs – Sidecar untimed practice

Posted: May 27, 2010

Ian Mackman will miss out on his ride in TT Zero. Ian was due to ride for the American team, Electric Motorsport before news broke this evening that they have withdrawn from the event. Neither is Ian alone in this disappointment, Maria Costello will also miss her ride as Team Imperial College have also withdrawn. No official statement has been communicated as yet.

See http://charlielambert.wordpress.com/2010/05/29/dramatic-start-at-billown/

Posted: May 29, 2010

Ian Mackman got his TT 2010 off to a blistering start in Monday’s first timed practice session. Considering that the newly built, just last week, Suzuki GSXR 1000 was still in pieces a few days ago it was an astonishing performance as Ian turned in a average lap speed of 119.94 mph for his first look at the Mountain Circuit this year.

The second circuit saw Ian go even quicker as he broke the 120mph barrier but the best was to come as he completed his third lap in 18mins 45.6 secs at a speed of 120.672 mph.

A good night’s work.

Practice continues tomorrow evening.

Full Practice sheets available here http://www.iomtt.com/TT-2010/2010-TT-Results.aspx

Posted: May 31, 2010