Michael Pearson excited by TT debut

Northern Ireland's Michael Pearson is looking ahead to his Isle of Man TT debut next year.

Pearson has been shown around the circuit by TT Rider Liaison Officers John Barton and Richard 'Milky' Quayle and will contest the event for the first time with Yorkshire outfit Team Hotties in 2013.

A former Irish Superbike champion, Pearson has developed into a leading contender on the roads and will ride a full stable of machinery on the Mountain course, including a BMW S1000RR Superstock machine, a Suzuki GSX-R600 Supersport bike and a Kawasaki ER6 for the Supertwin class, supplied by Rod Lee Motorcycles in North Yorkshire.

"I had a bit of an idea as to the direction of the circuit, but once you are there and see the tarmac that you will be racing on under your feet, well, it's totally different," said Pearson.

"It looks really exciting and very smooth most of the way round and it's a circuit that I think I can become attached to very quickly, but I'm under no illusions that I'm not going to be a TT hero or anything like it in the near future.

"For me, my aim would be to start each race and finish each race.

"I am not bothered where I finish, but it's a place that you need to treat with respect and the more laps you get in, the better I believe you will acquaint yourself with the circuit.

"Hopefully I can get over for another scouting trip before the TT races, but one thing is for sure, I'm looking forward to the challenge."