Pre TT 2025

As we speak, many club members from home and abroad are travelling to the island to take on the Pre TT this weekend. The annual classic races are held on the demanding Southern 100 circuit at Billown. 

The races began in 1988 and the request of the TT organisers and has grown into one of the most popular events on the global classic calendar. This year, the 9 races scheduled include singles, 1100cc classic, senior classic, lightweight and junior classic and the classic side cars. Action is packed into 3 days with practice kicking off at 6pm on Friday evening, two sessions on saturday from 12.30 to 4.30 and again from 6pm to 9pm. Sunday is 1pm to 6pm

   Nigel Moore powers John Reeds Honda out of Church Bends during at Pre TT 2023

Club members in action this year include Brian Mateer, Ian Thompson, Stephen Walsh, Gary Hutton, Nigel Moore, Mark Johnson, Andy Kildea, Neil Lloyd, Kelly Carruthers, Andy Kildea, Andy Hornby and Barry Davidson, Barry is hoping to be race fit after his work accident earlier this year and will probably ride in the singles races at the very least. We are rooting for you Barry.

So who is riding what ?

Brian Mateer will race in the lighweight on his Suzuki T20 and might have a 350 with him for the Junior.

Ian Thompson will race the senior on a Honda 500/4.

Stephen Walsh will campaign Honda's in the junior and senior races.

Gary Hutton will run Honda's in the junior and senior.

Nigel Moore will race John Reed's 350 Honda and G50 Matchless.

Mark Johnson will run in the junior and maybe the senior if his new 500 is sorted.

Andy Kildea will definetly run in the 1100cc classic on his 750 Honda aswell as a 350 in the junior. 

Neil Lloyd will run in the senior on a Honda 500/4 and will also race junior superbike on a 400.

Kelly Carruthers will be busy with Junior, Senior and Classic Superbike.

Likewise Andy Hornby should have his big triple for the 1100cc, a 350 for the junior and Kawasaki 750 for the Classic Superbike.

Barry Davidson hopefully will run a 250 single, a 350 in the junior and a 500 in the senior.

Best of luck to every competitor taking to the roads this weekend. We will also be be keeping a close eye and cheering for Andy Mac, Darren Duncan and Dennis Booth. If you are on the Island make sure to head to Billown and catch the action. Its really is where the TT Festival kicks off and the crowds, atmosphere and sounds are worth the spin.

You can listen live, to each and every session on the AM Player of Manx Radio

Pre TT Billown, Castletown Fri May 23rd to Sun May 25th.

Words Gavan Duffy

Photography Baylon McCaughey