Isle of Man TT: Norton qualifies for Senior

Norton has been officially notified it has qualified the Norton SG1 to race in the Senior TT – the most prestigious of the Isle of Man TT races after completing enough laps.

The qualification is a huge boost for the resurgent British firm which suffered a torrid time at the TT in 2009 when the rotary-engined bike Michael Dunlop was riding failed to complete a single lap.

The 2012 event has been completely different with a total of six laps of the 37.7 mile course now completed without a single mechanical issue. The SG1 uses an Aprilia RSV4 engine with a newly-made Spondon frame.

Racer Ian Mackman completed another lap yesterday evening (Wednesday) which despite being a shortened lap was still averaged at 114mph.

Norton owner Stuart Garner told MCN: “We have all worked really hard to get to this point and it’s a big lift for all of us to know we can line up and start the Senior. We are all very proud but under no illusions about how much work we still have to do.”

The Senior TT is scheduled for tomorrow (Friday) but a weather forecast of rain may mean more delays with the possibility of the race being put back until Saturday being considered by race officials unless clear conditions occur.