Isle of Man TT bosses have added a Supertwin class to the 2012 schedule after it has proved its popularity on the Irish Road Racing scene over the past year and spearheaded by Dungannon's Ryan Farquhar.
Billed as the Lightweight TT, it will be a three-lapper held ahead of the Pokerstars Senior. Eligible bikes are 650cc four-stroke twin-cylinders with official entries from Kawasaki and Suzuki expected.
Points scored in the Lightweight TT Race will not contribute to the overall solo championship in 2012, the event will carry a substantial prize fund of over £25,000. The winner will also receive the prestigious Lightweight TT Trophy that was last won by three time TT Race winner Chris Palmer in 2004.
"Interest is growing in the Supertwin class and a large number of competitors as well as leading manufacturers Kawasaki and Suzuki have already expressed their backing for the race," said TT boss Paul Phillips.
"We feel it is the right time to introduce the Supertwins machines to the TT programme and their inclusion will not only benefit the TT, but is likely to speed up the growth in the class at national level, and at the other International Road Races."
