With one week left before the entries close for the 2005 Isle of Man TT Races, the Manx Motor Cycle Club are working flat out processing the late spurt of forms being received at their headquarters behind the TT Grandstand.
Included in those received so far are TAS Suzuki duo Adrian Archibald and Bruce Anstey and DMRR Honda Racing pairing Ian Lougher and Richard Britton, MSS / Discovery Kawasaki star Ryan Farquhar and double TT winner in 2003, Shaun Harris of New Zealand. Other star names confirming their participation in this years event include Irishmen Davy Morgan, John Donnan, Raymond Porter and Keith Stewart, Englishmen David Bell, Roy Richardson, Paul Shoesmith and Kevin Mawdsley, Welsh stars Julian Bull and Nigel Davies and Scots Les Shand and Phil Stewart.
The interest in this year's TT from outside of the UK is encouraging with entries being received from riders such as Bruno Bonhuil, Amaury Baratin and Emmanuel Cheron from France, Stefano Bonetti from Italy, Frank Spenner from Germany, Christer Minnin from Sweden, Craig McLean from the USA and hotly tipped Australian newcomer Cameron Donald.
The Sidecar entry has received a major boost with former podium finisher Gary Horspole making a return to the event after missing the previous two TT's this year partnered by Mark Cox. Other star names amongst the entries received so far include Nick Crowe and Darren Hope, Steve Norbury and Scott Parnell and Roy Hanks and Dave Wells.
David Cretney MHK, Minister for the Department of Tourism and Leisure and Chairman of the TT Co- Coordinating Committee commented:
"Things are hotting up now with just a week to go before entries for this years TT close. We are anticipating a number of additional riders to enter, but it is normal to receive a vast majority of the entries in the final few days before the closing date. The interest in this years TT from newcomers and especially riders from outside of the UK is most encouraging and contributes to a varied but quality international line up."
Competitors are reminded that the closing date for entries is the 24th of March 2005. Late entries will not be considered.
