Peter Hickman to ride Wiz Norton on return to Classic TT after 11-year absence

The 14-time Isle of Man TT winner’s father Dave played a key role in the development of the original Norton project and helped transform the machine into a race bike for the iconic John Player Special-backed Norton squad.

Last year, Michael Dunlop rode the Wiz Norton at the Classic TT and lapped at 123.505mph to surpass the legendary Steve Hislop’s benchmark set in the famous 1992 Senior TT on the factory machine some 30 years earlier.

Dunlop’s own connection with the Norton runs deep, with his late father, Robert, having won on similar machinery at the North West 200. Robert also raced the Norton in the 1992 Senior race.

Hickman has been competing at alternative events after taking the decision along with 8TEN Racing co-owner Davey Todd to withdraw from the remainder of this year’s British Superbike Championship.

The 39-year-old, who impressed on his debut at the Southern 100 this month, said it was a “privilege” to have the chance to ride the Norton around the TT Course in August in what will be only his second appearance at the Classic TT.

“I’ve been lucky enough to ride some incredible bikes over the years, but this one's a bit different,” said Hickman, who remains the outright lap record holder at the TT at 136.358mph.

“The Norton Rotary is one of those bikes that every TT fan knows; it's impossible not to appreciate what it means to the history of the event. It's even more special because of my Dad's involvement with the original project.

​“The guys at Wiz Norton have put a huge amount of work into the bike over the years and it's a privilege to be able to ride it.

“The Classic TT is all about celebrating these incredible machines. I'm looking forward to getting out on the Mountain Course and seeing what we can do.”

The Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT festival runs from August 16-28.