Isle of Man TT 2024 rider guide | James Hillier

In 2023, TT winner James Hillier set his and Yamaha’s fastest ever lap of the TT circuit. While there were reasons to be cheerful, thanks to his impressive fourth in the Superbike race which he backed up with three more top-six places, the 39-year-old wants more.

Pacemaker Press 30-5-23 Isle of Man TT 2023 – Superbike/Superstock Qualifying James Hillier – OMG Racing Yamaha during the Superbike/Superstock Qualifying at The Bungalow in the Isle of Man. Photo by David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press

This desire has seen him stay within British Superbike’s front running OMG Racing team but for 2023 he’ll switch to Honda in the newly formed WTF team.

“It’s the same crew, same laptops, same truck and same toolboxes,” he said, “but a different bike – a faster bike and it should be a good package.”

Having made first contact with the Fireblade at the North West 200 signs are very positive, finishing fourth in two Superstock races and the second Superbike. But Hillier isn’t solely relying on the bike to make a step up in speed and results.

“I’ll just try to be a bit fitter and a bit lighter for Supersport where I’m really pleased to be back with Kawasaki and Pete Extance’s team. Everything counts in Supersport and I once lost a TT race to Lee Johnson by 1.2s and I always wonder if being 5kg less would have been the difference and enough for me to win it. I want to tick every box and not have any excuses.”

James Hillier’s TT stats heading into 2024

• Starts: 70
• Wins: 1
• Podiums: 14
• Fastest lap ever: 132.703mph (2023 Superbike)

An he’s not just into road racing, but dirt as well. You can read more about James’s challenges and adventures in the Dakar Rally here.

Along with his charitable efforts, riding a Honda C90 from Lands End to John O’groats in a single day.