Norton look set to make a return to the Isle of Man TT in 2009 with its NRV500 rotary competing in the Senior race with Michael Dunlop onboard.
The son of race legend Robert, who competed on the bike in JPS colours, will race the bike last seen some 16 years ago over the 37.73-mile Mountain Circuit in June next year.
"This is a fantastic opportunity to make history with Norton’s return to one of the world’s most famous races - a real highlight of the racing calendar. It means a lot to me as I will be following in my father’s bike tracks as he finished third on his JPS Norton when he competed in 1990,” said Michael.
Stuart Garner, chief executive at Norton Motorcycles said: “This is the first time since 1993 that a works Norton team has raced at the TT. We have a fantastic racing pedigree with the brand established over 100 years ago and our aim is to emulate the success Norton race bikes achieved particularly in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s.
"The 588cc Norton race bike has been developed over the last year by Brian Crighton and the Spondon Engineering team, led by Stuart Tiller. We are confident that 2009 will prove to be a significant milestone in the history of this famous UK motorcycle brand.”
