Irish Superbike Champion Michael Pearson is lining up for his Isle of Man TT debut in 2009 after spending last weekend viewing the Mountain Course with ex-rider and island resident Richard "Milky" Quayle.

Pearson, who has decided to compete more on the road racing front for the foreseeable future, said that with the right backing, he could see himself competing in the TT Races within the next two years.
 
"Willis Marshall arranged for me to go over and see the TT circuit, after Paul Phillips from the Isle of Man had been in touch to see if I would like to take a trip over and survey the circuit," said Pearson.

"I arrived last Friday night which was good, as it was the end of the Manx Grand Prix practice week, which is taking place over the TT circuit at the moment.

"Richard and myself completed seven laps in a car around the TT circuit, about 255 miles I think, and I must say, Milky knows every inch of that place. His guidance and knowledge are second to none and without having him with me I would have been lost.   

"I don't really see to many problems with the circuit, and if there were any it would be the run between the Quarry Bends and Ramsey Hairpin.  That's looks very difficult and fast.  As for the rest of it, I think I could get on ok.   

"The major sticking point is the cost to do the TT fortnight.  It would cost me about £15,000 to do the TT with two machines.  That is really a full years sponsorship for me.  Whether or not I could find that sort of money is anyone's guess.   Money is tight everywhere at the moment, so unless I win the lotto, I could not see me doing the TT in 09, but maybe in 2010.  I want to do the TT, and the sooner the better."