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Mistral Racing are one of the first teams to announce their return to the Classic TT presented by Bennetts with a high quality line-up featuring young TT stars Dean Harrison and Jamie Coward. The duo will line up on a pair of Kawasaki ZXR750s for the four-lap Motorsport Merchandise Formula 1 Classic TT and are sure to go into the event as contenders for the race win.
Coward rode for the team in the corresponding race at the 2013 event, along with Welshman Paul Owen, and was lying in fifth place in the race after a near 118mph lap before being forced to retire on the third lap.
TT star Harrison was a late entry in the 2013 Formula Classic race. Riding a 750cc BSA, he overcame machine problems to take victory in the second closest finish ever around the Mountain Course, getting the better of Gavin Lupton by just 0.174s!
Running in stunning Team Kawasaki France replica colours, the two Mistral Racing Kawasaki’s were one of the most professional looking outfits at the inaugural Classic TT and they will return with a bigger operation with the firm aim of challenging for the race win.
Run by former racer’s Ian Harrison and Dave Dean along with Nigel Fitzsimmons, the Lancashire-based team will benefit from the input of former TT rider Dean, who took third in the 1984 Production 750cc race. The trio combined not only have a wealth of experience both on and off the track but have also embraced the Classic TT spirit to its fully extent and their participation in 2014 will be eagerly anticipated.
Speaking about the deal, Dean Harrison said: “I really wanted to have a good go at the Formula 1 Race at the Classic TT on a competitive bike and I am really pleased to have had this offer from Mistral Racing which fits the bill perfectly. The guys did a great job with the bikes last year, and they are planning a lot of improvements for 2014, so we will be going to the event looking to win.”
Jamie Coward added: “I enjoyed riding the bike this year and we almost did a 118mph lap. The bike development has already come on leaps and bounds since the Classic TT, and by next year’s event we are hoping to have a race-winning package. With Dean joining the team, that is only going to push everyone on, including me and I can’t wait to get back out there.”
