As a taste of what is to come at the Isle of Man TT races in June, there is no better way to “get up to speed” and Kawasaki riders look set to make a real impression in 2013.

With racing proper planned to start on the evening of Thursday May 16, Kawasaki riders from across the globe and from within Ireland are expecting great results; none more so than Irish roads sensation, Jamie Hamilton.

A protégé of roads legend Ryan Farquhar, the 22 year old Ballymena rider has impressed already on the distinctive KMR racing 650cc Supertwin. Based on the Kawasaki ER-6f the KMR machines are always immaculately prepared by team owner Farquhar.

Garnering impressive results and a growing reputation on Supersport and Superstock machinery, Hamilton will field the Ninja ZX-6R and ZX-10R respectively in these races while also venturing into the premier class and taking to the 8.9 mile circuit in the Superbike races too. As a team mate, Hamilton can do no better that former MotoGP star and successful all round racer, Jeremy McWilliams. Adapting well to the Supertwin, McWilliams is another to watch and, despite being one of the more senior riders in the paddock, asks and gives no quarter when the flag drops.

Adding further to the Irish interest in the race, past winner and on-form British Supersport rider, Alastair Seeley is keen to increase his win tally riding his familiar Gearlink Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R in Supersport outings and the potent MSS Performance Ninja ZX-10R in both Superstock and Superbike events. Given his current sparkling form, it would be hard to bet against the combination of Seeley, his knowledge of the ultra-fast circuit and his Kawasaki machinery.

One man who is determined to upset both Hamilton’s and Seeley’s plans however is quietly spoken TT sensation James Hillier. Hailing from the south coast of England and riding Quattro Plant Kawasaki machinery, the 28 year old from Ringwood is determined to make an impression in all classes adding to his road honours in advance of the TT.

As riders go, none come more hotly tipped for imminent success than RC Express Racing’s Dean Harrison. No stranger to the podium already, the 24 year old from Bradford looks set to surprise a few established stars on his blisteringly quick MSS Performance prepared machines.

In terms of Superstock interest, the final element of intrigue looks set to be supplied by highly regarded roads stalwart, Gary Johnson. Already a TT and NW200 winner, Johnson has seen the Superstock prowess of the Ninja ZX-10R on the UK and world stage and will likewise ride a Kawasaki in the stock litre class for this event.

,i>“With so much talent on the North West 200 grid – and spread across so many classes – the prospects for Kawasaki wins is mouth-watering”, commented Race Coordinator for Kawasaki Motors UK, Ross Burridge. “This is a stand out event and the racing is always close. We’d like to wish all Kawasaki riders and their fellow competitors a safe and exciting event and hope the crowds see some close and hard-fought racing”.

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