TT debut 'learning experience' for emerging road racing prospect Gary McCoy
Cookstown’s Gary McCoy won’t be putting any undue pressure on himself as he prepares to make his delayed debut at the Isle of Man TT,
McCoy was set to take on the unique challenge of competing on the legendary 37.37-mile Mountain Course in 2025 but his plans were wrecked following a crash at the North West 200, when the Co Tyrone rider was struck by English competitor Craig Neve in qualifying at Mill Round roundabout.
He suffered a raft of injuries in the unfortunate incident and only made his racing return at the Sunflower Trophy Ulster Superbike meeting in October at Bishopscourt in Co Down.
McCoy will ride the Madbros Racing BMW M1000RR in the Superbike, Superstock and Senior TT races and a next-generation Suzuki GSX-R750 in the Supersport class.
He will also return to the North West 200, which takes place from May 6-9.
“I’m excited to finally get the opportunity to ride the TT,” McCoy said. “Missing last year was difficult after putting so much work into getting there, but the priority was getting fully recovered and back racing.
“The aim this year is to learn as much as possible, gain experience and enjoy the whole TT journey without any pressure.”
McCoy was considering racing at the Manx Grand Prix before opting instead to follow the TT newcomer programme following discussions with the organisers.
“I thought about it for a while and thought if I went the Manx route, there’d be a bit of pressure to try and get a result – from nobody else really than myself,” said McCoy. “But there will be no pressure to do anything at the TT, especially in your first year.”