Ulster team boss Craig aims big for TT races

International road racing team owner Wilson Craig is aiming big in 2013 as he bids to add a prestigious Isle of Man TT success to his roll of honour.

The Northern Ireland businessman tasted success at the North West 200 and Ulster Grand Prix this year with William Dunlop, who gave Craig his maiden international wins in the Supersport class at both events.

Dunlop has left Craig's team and joined Shaun Muir's British championship Milwaukee Yamaha outfit for next season, but experienced Aussie Cameron Donald has signed a deal to remain in the team for a third successive year.

Donald has proven his class at the TT, taking a memorable Superbike and Superstock double in 2008, and this year he was the biggest threat to 19-times winner John McGuinness in the Superbike class, finishing as the runner-up.

A victory at the TT would complete the full set of victories at the each of the big three internationals and Craig hopes to take the extra step next year, when he is open to tying up a deal with an overall title backer.

Craig may also examine the possibility of running a second rider as a replacement for Dunlop in the team if a suitable deal can be reached with a potential backer.

"My bikes are being prepared and they're ready to go," he told the Belfast News Letter.

"The bikes will be prepared to the highest possible specification and I've been inundated with riders looking to ride my bikes, but I've been sitting back and looking at the whole situation - I'm not someone who goes chasing riders.

"Cameron was the first choice to go racing with but if a sponsor came on board in the morning it could change things and we could run another rider.

"I would consider tying up with a sponsor for next year," added Craig.

"Cameron won't be far away - he was the only rider to really push John McGuinness on the Superbike this year and we had a few things up our sleeves for the Senior, but unfortunately it didn't run due to the weather.

"We showed what we could do at the North West 200, the TT and the Ulster Grand Prix and we put some of the other so-called big teams to shame," he added.

"William [Dunlop] has left my team and he's with a good team now on good bikes, so I wish him all the best for next year."