Supersport
600cc production-based machines with light race-tuning permitted
Lap Record: 126.666mph (17’35.659)
Michael Dunlop: Honda CBR600RR, 2013.
The Supersport class has produced some of the closest racing in TT history with competitors absolutely wringing the neck of the 600s in the pursuit of glory. With much less power than the superbikes (140bhp compared to 200bhp+), track positioning and race craft are of vital importance to nail a quick lap around the 37.73-mile course.
LAST YEAR
Only one Supersport race took place at last year’s TT with the challenging weather conditions forcing organisers to change the schedule. Even then the riders were having to contend with a slightly damp track, which saw lap times come in a little slower than you’d normally expect.
Michael Dunlop dominated the race on his MD Racing YZF-R6, cruising to his first Supersport win on the island since 2014.
James Hillier finished second for JG Speedfit Kawasaki with Peter Hickman completing the podium in third on the Smiths Trooper Triumph.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2018
Dunlop’s lap record has now stood for five years and there’s good reason to believe that could tumble this year as the 15-time TT winner returns to Honda machinery for 2018.
Prior to 2017, Ian Hutchinson enjoyed a stranglehold on the Supersport class having won each of the two races in both 2015 and 2016. He too is back on Honda machinery for 2018 riding for Padgett’s and, in theory, the 600 should be the bike that offers him the easiest ride as he returns from that broken leg.
Others to watch in the Supersport class include William Dunlop, who has had a strong pre-season testing programme, and Lee Johnston, who will be setting off down Bray Hill this year on the Padgett’s Racing Honda CBR600RR.