Kettering’s James McBride will be contesting the Isle of Man TT races this year on the Phase One Yamaha; in preparation for this the team have invited him to ride at the first round of the World Endurance Championship at Le Man on the 19th-20th April.

McBride will use his time with the team to set-up the machine that he will race at the TT. He is running as reserve rider to Damian Cudlin, James Hayden and Stephane Duterne. The team has decided that McBride will take to the track in qualifying so he can step in should one of their other riders be unable to compete.

“This is a superb opportunity for me, to race with a well known team that is recognised world wide," he said. “Phase One has three World Endurance titles so I am honoured that they choose me to spear head their TT efforts for the first time.”

The game plan is to put in consistent lap times and impress team manager Russell Benney. If McBride does impress then there is every possibility that he will be chosen to race with the team at other World Level events.

In preparation for the 24-hour Endurance race, McBride took to the track at Rockingham Motorspeedway putting in numerous laps on Dunlop tyres which he will be running this season.

“I’m hoping for as much track time as possible at Le Mans as it will help get me up to speed in time for the North West 200 which is on May 17th, “ commented McBride. “This is very much a step up for me and I would love to race at Le Mans, but I know I would be in at the deep end. Nothing like a challenge!”