Brouwer's Yamaha team in Classic TT deal

Next year's inaugural Classic TT races have received the stamp of approval from former factory Yamaha mechanic Ferry Brouwer, whose world famous Yamaha Classic Racing Team will compete on the iconic Mountain course on the Isle of Man.

The Classic TT races are part of the revamped Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling, formerly known as the Manx Grand Prix, which will take place in August.

Brouwer's Yamaha team will contest the 250cc, Formula 1 and Formula 2 Classic classes, with Manx rider and highly experienced Classic racer Allan Brew spearheading the challenge in the new Formula 1 TT Classic event.

Joining Brew, who finished third in the 2008 Senior Classic Manx Grand Prix, will be Steve Mercer, who will ride a YEC-spec 750cc OW01, with American rider Mark Miller competing on a replica of Eddie Lawson's 1986 Daytona 200-winning 0U45 works machine.

Ex-British 125cc Champion and up and coming TT star Dan Cooper completes the line up on the TZ500 Yamaha 0W45.

The Yamaha Classic Racing Team is a permanent fixture on the international classic motorcycle scene, regularly taking part in prestigious parade events with Dutchman Brouwer's unique collection of exotic Yamaha machinery.

Regular riders on the YCRT bikes include world champions such as Phil Read, Giacomo Agostini, Steve Baker, Dieter Braun, Kel Carruthers, and Carlos Lavado as well as GP racers Svend Andersson and Jos Schurgers.

However, the inaugural Classic TT in 2013 will be the team's first competitive racing outing.

As well as their racing efforts, the team is also planning on running a full line-up of machines and riders in a parade lap at the Classic TT, details of which will be announced at the upcoming Motorcycle Live event at the Birmingham NEC.

Team owner Brouwer said: "It has been my dream for many years to see my bikes being raced and there is nowhere other than the Classic TT Races and the TT Mountain Course that I would do this.

"We believe the plans that are being developed for this event will capture the hearts and minds of classic racing fans all around the world, and become the world's biggest event for classic racing motorcycles.

"We are therefore proud to be part of these exciting plans and can't wait to get to the Island next August."

Eight-times world champion Phil Read will join the team as an advisor at the event.

Guy Martin is among the first of the big TT names confirmed for the Classic TT races, with the Lincolnshire star due to ride in the 500cc Classic Race on a Manx Norton along with Dan Cooper for Team Molnar Manx.