In 2022 it was one of the most fought-over categories, and in 2023 Supersport promises another show at the Tourist Trophy. The top 20 of the participants is out, with (almost) all the big names present.
News and confirmations
Slight changes are noticeable in the top 20 compared to the superbike and superstock classes, but it will still be the returning David Johnson who sets off first towards Bray Hill, sporting the number 1 on Jackson Racing’s Honda. Dean Harrison, one of only two riders to top 129mph in the class, is back at number 2, but racing for a different team and brand for the first time since 2015: the 2018 winner is now riding the Yamaha by Russell Racing.
There is also a change in number 3: in place of John McGuinness MBE – who takes the table number 12 on the Honda of SMT Racing – will start Paul Jordan. The Northern Irishman and his PreZ Racing Yamaha team were indeed rewarded with a low starting number after some strong performances last year.
The next three riders maintain the same starting positions they have in the 1000cc classes: Jamie Coward (KTS Racing, Yamaha), James Hillier (TBC) and Michael Dunlop (MD Racing Yamaha), with all three among the pre-race favorites for podiums and absolute glory. Dunlop is still the reference for everyone. The 21-time TT winner achieved success in both races last year as he improved his own lap record to an impressive 129.475mp/h.
Two-time winner Gary Johnson (JR Performance/Astro Van Suzuki) is back in his familiar number 7 and behind him will have four other riders credited with winning: Davey Todd (Milenco by Padgetts Motorcycles, Honda), Lee Johnston (Ashcourt Racing, Yamaha), Peter Hickman (K2 Trooper by PHR, Triumph) and Conor Cummins (Milenco by Padgetts Motorcycles, Honda).
The complete top 20
David Johnson – C&L Fairburn Properties by Jackson Racing, Honda
Dean Harrison – Boyce Precision Engineering/Russell Racing, Yamaha
Paul Jordan – PreZ Racing by Prosper2, Yamaha
Jamie Coward – KTS Racing powered by Stanley Stuart, Yamaha
James Hillier – TBD
Michael Dunlop – MD Racing, Yamaha
Gary Johnson – JR Performance/Astro Van Suzuki, Suzuki
Davey Todd – Milenco by Padgett’s Motorcycles, Honda
Lee Johnston – Ashcourt Racing, Yamaha
Peter Hickman – K2 Trooper Triumph by PHR, Triumph
Conor Cummins – Milenco by Padgett’s Motorcycles, Honda
John McGuinness MBE – SMT Racing/Blue Earth Construction, Honda
Dominic Herbertson – FWCowton, Kawaski
James Hind – Bass Tyre Services, Yamaha
Rob Hodson – SMT/VRS Recovery, Yamaha
Mike Browne – Burrows Engineering/ RK Racing, Yamaha
Michael Sweeney – EM Building, Yamaha
Shaun Anderson – Team Kibosh, Honda
Michael Evans – AGR Motorsport, Honda
Craig Neve – Bathams Racing, Triumph
