China to make Isle of Man TT debut in 2013

WK has recruited David Johnson to ride the 650cc twin at the TT. The Aussie rider made his TT debut in 2010, and also rode in the 2012 event in Superbike and Superstock classes. Last year, Johnson scored two wildcard rides in World Superbikes (Phillip Island and Silverstone) in between his regular ride with Carbontek Racing in the British Superbike Championship.

Johnson's international racing history also includes rides in British Superbike, German Superbike and the ONK European Superbike championship, where he finished runner-up in 2006.

Commenting on their plans, WK MD Henry Maplethorpe said:
"We are very excited and proud to be working on the world's first Chinese motorcycle to enter the TT.

"Hampshire Motorcycles will be building, developing and running the bike and they have our full support. They are now putting a lot of time and effort into ensuring that the bike will be ready for testing shortly. CF Moto in China are showing great interest in the project and its development."

Dave Tyson, MD, Hampshire Motorcycles commented:
"I am so proud that we have been chosen by WK whom we work closely with through our shop and our BSB Supersport team to be a part of TT history. The bike will be built in house and, with our partners, we are sure that we can have a competitive bike ready for the start of the IOM TT.

"Being part of such an historic moment will be something we can tell people for years to come. In signing Dave Johnson we have someone who I know well and enjoyed a year at BSB Superbike with and he also has good pedigree at the TT."

Paul Phillips, TT and Motorsport Manager, Isle of Man Government, commented:
"The TT is back on the map worldwide and this campaign could well represent the start of a new era in motorcycle racing. We originally introduced the Lightweight Race to the TT schedule as it represents an affordable way to go racing and already in only its second year it has become an established part of the TT."

Images: Isle of Man TT press