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New Zealander Craig Shirriffs raised a few eyebrows at the 1999 TT races.
Lapping the island on a rented standard motorcycle at over 114 mph, his time bettered that of any newcomer in the 600cc class ever before. This feat, especially on a standard machine, has drawn the attention of the Honda Britain race management, who have offered support through the John Shand Racing Team.
John Shand Racing have been searching for a worthy successor to pilot their two time winning Honda CBR400RR, now that Paul Williams has switched to a 250cc GP bike. Craig\'s maturity and ability to learn the course, coupled with his natural talent has lead to this opportunity to take over the Williams machine that has enjoyed the number one spot on the TT podium these last two years.
In order to keep Craig on the steep learning curve of being a top TT rider, he will also be provided with two other competitive mounts to contest the Junior TT and the Production TT.
A new Honda CBR600 is being prepared in England, this one in full race trim, to assist his progress in the super tough Junior race, probably the most difficult event to win at the Isle of Man. Over 100 entries from all over the world will strive to ride into the winners enclosure in this race alone. Now on a works bike Craig is certainly in with a chance to give a good account of himself in only his second TT.
For the last race day of the TT festival - the Senior TT, and commercially the most important, Craig will contest the Production TT on a new Honda CBR900RR Fireblade. We can expect an exciting struggle for supremacy in this race between the Honda Fireblades and the Yamaha R1 machines. Craig looks forward to being part of the Honda effort, his skills on a production bike already proven in 1999.
New Zealand riders have a strong tradition of success at the Isle of Man from 1953 when Rod Coleman from Wanganui won the Junior TT for the AJS factory to 1999 when Paul Williams took his CBR400RR to victory in the Lightweight event. Craig Shirriffs is a rising star in this sport and we look forward to him developing as another Kiwi champion at the TT races.
Further information contact John Shand Racing
SWEDEN PH +46 11 52093 or 53767
