Mackman has his sights on the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy top 15 (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Mackman has his sights on the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy top 15

10:33am Thursday 4th June 2009

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RUNCORN’S Ian Mackman has his sights firmly set on the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy top 15 after admitting he is better prepared than he ever has been.

The 29-year-old completed all five races on the 37.73-mile Mountain Course last year walking away with best finishes of 16th in the Royal London 360 Superstock race and 17th in the Pokerstars Senior TT.

Mackman flies to the TT this year under the guise of a fully functional team for the first time since making his debut at the centenary event in 2007 after linking up with Lancashire team PRF Racing.

And Mackman – who works for Bill Smith Motors Ltd in Chester – insists he is in the shape of his life as he plots to raise the bar on the Isle of Man.

“I am with a proper team this year and PRF Racing has put a lot of effort in so it should all go to plan,” said Mackman.

“Apart from having a safe ride my aim is to run in the top 15 – I was close last year but I feel I can step up now.

“If I can walk away with a better finish then I will be pleased – the Isle of Man TT is such a unique event – everyone wants to ride around on public roads at their own free will without police or anyone stopping you and the nature of the TT allows you to do that.”

Mackman used to ply his trade on the short circuits as part of the British Superstock paddock but a combination of his debut at the TT in 2007 and tight finances saw him cut and run.

The Runcorn flyer did secure a one-off British Superstock race at Oulton Park last month finishing 12th before picking up a best finish of 22nd in the Superstock race at the North West 200.

And while admitting his performance at the Cheshire circuit gave him food for thought on a possible short circuit return – Mackman insists his heart lies solely with the TT.

“It is a bit annoying because I did well at Oulton Park at the start of the month but just can’t afford to compete throughout the year,” he added.

“My own performance has been good so it is a bit of a shame that I can’t get the financial backing. But I have loved every minute of the TT then and I binned the BSB so I could approach everything in the best possible way.

“I always knew I would come back after my first year and my whole racing year is based around the TT now.”

Highlights of the 2009 TT races will be shown every evening on ITV 4 from June 5. For further information on TT races go to www.iomtt.com or for details on visiting the island go to www.visitisleofman.com

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