The Isle of Man TT 2024 is getting closer, and with it the anticipation for one of the most exciting motorcycle races in the world is growing. With just over 50 days to go until the starting gun, the first race numbers for the Monster Energy Supersport race have now been announced. Paul Jordan from the Jackson Racing Team will start the race with starting number 1. This is the first time that the Northern Irishman has been given this honor and he is ready to build on his previous successes in the middleweight class.
Strong competition and team changes provide excitement
Starting behind Jordan will be #2 Jamie Coward, who finished two spots behind him last year. Despite impressive performances last year, Coward and the KTS team have decided to switch from Yamaha to Triumph. Dean Harrison, third fastest in this class, is switching back to the number 3 after several years and hopes to build on his successes with Honda Racing UK.
Eyes on Michael Dunlop
The focus is particularly on Michael Dunlop, who will start the race with the number 6 car. After four victories in 2023, he could equal Joey Dunlop’s record with another win in the Supersport category. With 11 victories in this class, including the last four races, he is considered the favorite.
Returning riders and changes provide excitement
Other notable returnees are Ian Hutchinson with starting number 4 and James Hillier, who starts ten seconds after Hutchinson. Both are returning to their former teams and have big ambitions for the race.
The top 20 drivers at a glance
The top 20 on the grid promises an exciting race, with riders such as Josh Brookes on Yamaha returning after a break and Davey Todd on Ducati providing a powerful sound. Craig Neve will start with the number 9 on a Triumph, followed by Peter Hickman on an identical Triumph.
Conclusion
With a mix of seasoned veterans and up-and-coming talent, the Monster Energy Supersport race at the 2024 Isle of Man TT will undoubtedly provide excitement. Fans can expect a thrilling race where strategy, speed and pure passion collide.
The starting order:
1st Paul Jordan – 600 Honda, Jackson Racing 2nd Jamie Coward – 765 Triumph, KTS Racing powered by Stanley Stewart Racing 3rd Dean Harrison – 600 Honda, Honda Racing UK 4th Ian Hutchinson – 600 Honda, Milenco by Padgett’s Motorcycles 5th James Hillier – 600 Kawasaki, Bournemouth Kawasaki Racing 6th Michael Dunlop – 600 Yamaha, MD Racing 7th Josh Brookes – 600 Yamaha, Boyce Precision Engineering by Russell Racing 8th Davey Todd – 955 Ducati, Powertoolmate Ducati 9th Craig Neve – 765 Triumph, Bathams Racing 10th Peter Hickman – 765 Triumph, K2 Trooper Triumph by PHR 11th Conor Cummins – 600 Honda, Milenco by Padgett’s Motorcycles 12. David Johnson – 600 Kawasaki, Platinum Club Racing Kawasaki 13th Lee Johnston – 765 Triumph, Ashcourt Racing 14th Mike Browne – 600 Yamaha, Boyce Precision Engineering by Russell Racing 15th Rob Hodson – 600 Yamaha, SMT/Vehicle Recovery Services 16. Dom Herbertson – 600 Yamaha, Burrows Engineering by RK Racing 17. Gary Johnson – 750 Suzuki, NL Motorcycles/Astro Van Centre 18th Shaun Anderson – 750 Suzuki, Butterfields of Skipton with ARD 19th James Hind – 750 Suzuki, North Lincs Components 20th Michael Evans – 765 Triumph, Smith Racing
