Boyce Precision Russell Racing has announced a fresh and intriguing new rider line-up for the 2024 Isle of Man TT with double BSB champion Josh Brookes and rising road racing star Mike Browne signed to race in the Supersport class.
The outfit - which largely focuses on the intermediate division - has earmarked itself as a front-running contender in the Supersport TT with the combination of Dean Harrison and James Hillier delivering podium and top six finishes in last year’s event.
For 2024, Russell Racing - which will stick with its well-proven Yamaha R6 package - will embark on a new chapter with the combined force of experience and youth in signing Brookes and Browne.
For Brookes, his entry into the Supersport TT marks his return to the category for the first time since 2018 and ensures he will embark on a fuller race week programme after returning to the Mountain Course last season to compete in the Superbike, Superstock and Supertwins class.
“I had a bit of FOMO in the Supersport races last year and had a couple of opportunities pop up for potentially riding in the class this year, so I had the luxury of some choices to make,” said Brookes, who is a WorldSSP race winner and former Australian Supersport Champion.
“Alister's bike was the most attractive to me and that's why I chose to contact him and further the conversation to get the deal across the line. Now that it’s all in place, I’m looking forward to being on the middleweight bike again and see how the 600 performs.”
For Browne, it will be his third attempt at Supersport success after competing with Burrows Engineering/RK Racing in 2022 and 2023.
Though the 33-year old is yet to trouble the top five in Supersport, he is considered a rising star of the discipline, as evidenced by a superb maiden podium finish in the Supertwins class last season. Browne was even on course for a shock win in the second race of the week in the category before technical issues intervened.
“I’m obviously delighted to be joining Alister and the team,” said Browne. “I was very surprised when we first talked and that he might be interested in running me this year as he's obviously had a very high calibre of riders these last few years.
“I don't think I'm at the level of the riders he's had but with his experience and what he's proven he can do these last few years; I’m hoping he can bring me to that level.”
“I love the way him and the team go about their racing. They just get it done and do all their talking on the track. I’m just looking forward now to going testing and getting comfortable on the bikes ahead of the TT.”
