New contract for Simpson
The 26-year-old Manxman will compete in several racing classes for the Newcastle-based team. He will compete on a Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP in the RST Superbike TT, Milwaukee Senior TT and RL360/PE Superstock TT.
Simpson attracted attention in 2023 with a strong performance at the Manx Grand Prix, where he finished second in the Senior race behind fellow countryman Joe Yeardsley. The following year, he took part in the Isle of Man TT for the first time and rose to the challenge in all classes.
Although his debut at the TT was not without its difficulties, the Douglas-born rider was able to record some respectable successes. His performance in the Superbike TT was particularly impressive, where he achieved 12th place with a personal best of 125.918 mph (202.638 km/h) on a privately entered Honda Fireblade.
Further laps at over 125 mph (201 km/h) followed in the Superstock TT, where he finished in 21st place. He also secured another bronze replica in the Supersport TT.
Simpson on his new contract
“Last year, the TT was a real challenge for me and it didn’t go as I had imagined,” said Simpson. “But if someone had offered me a 12th place and a lap time of almost 126 mph in the Superbike race at the start of the two weeks, I would have jumped at the chance.”
“I learned a lot last year – both on and off the track. That definitely put me to the test. But I’m more experienced now and with this two-year contract there’s no more pressure. I can just go out, have fun and continue to develop.”
“I know the Fireblade inside out and I think I’m in a better position if I focus on my strengths. This will give me plenty of riding time to build on my experience of the last few years, because I know that more is possible.”
WH Racing back in the TT paddock
WH Racing is managed by Stephen Watson and Jake Holliday, while crew chief Josh Watson is responsible for race preparation. The team has already supported several riders at the TT, including Dominic Herbertson and most recently Julian Trummer.
Team Principal Stephen Watson expressed his delight at the team’s return:
“After our break in 2024, we are thrilled to be back in the paddock on a permanent basis. With Marcus Simpson on our Honda Fireblade in the Superstock TT, Superbike TT and Senior TT, we are looking forward to two exciting years.”
“From our first meeting with Marcus, we realized that we were on the same wavelength. It just made sense to work together. We want to offer him the best possible environment to take the next step in his career.”
Extensive racing season planned
Before the start of the TT, the team will travel to Spain for testing in March. In addition to the races on the Isle of Man, Simpson will take part in several other road races, including:
- North West 200
- Tandragee 100
- Southern 100
- Armoy Road Races
- Macau Grand Prix
As well as competing in the 1000cc classes, he will also take part in the Metzeler/Entire Cover Insurance Supertwin TT, where he will ride a John Cuff Electrical Kawasaki.
