Isle of Man TT: Adrian Archibald to run own team

After a couple of lean years, Adrian Archibald could be a force again on the roads, rejuvenated by running his own AMA Racing Suzuki team.

Archibald, 38 from Ballymoney, is the only rider in the 2008 Isle of Man TT line-up to have won a superbike TT other than John McGuinness.

Personal backers have put up the budget for him to run what is effectively a satellite TAS Racing effort, with bikes identical to the Relentless by TAS official riders Bruce Anstey and Cameron Donald.

Adrian Archibald was a mainstay of the official TAS colours from 2003.

Archibald said: “I wanted to do me own thing and do more races. I’ve run my own team before so it’s not big deal.

“Last year we struggled with suspension on the TAS bike (they ran WP equipment but swapped to Ohlins at the TT to try and solve the handling issues there) but I want to get the bike to suit me more so I’m running Ohlins this year.

“I also prefer Brembos so I can run them too.”

Many people had written Adrian Archibald off after he had a disappointing North West and Isle of Man TT, but he finished the season on a high, something that’s been overlooked.

Archibald said: “I was much happier with my riding at the end of the year and now I’m looking forward to this season.

“I’d like to think I can run at the front again after a couple of lean years. I think I can get it back on track.”