ps work
Who can catch a Kawasaki? Not a GSX-R SRAD or an RC45 (not this year)
New rules allowing later-model 750s to race in the Manx GP Classic Superbike failed to render the Kawasaki ZXR750 obsolete, making for closer racing rather than a GSX-R750 SRAD/RC45 benefit, as some feared.
Previous years’ races (ran under the Classic TT banner, but renamed the Manx GP for 2022) were characterised by a spaced-out top ten (in terms of times), with wide-ranging rules meaning those prepared to spend big were generally way in front. The Michael Dunlop/Team Classic Suzuki F1 evocation; in effect a brand-new, 160bhp missile in period style, was only challenged by Bruce Anstey on the Padgett’s YZR500 and Dean Harrison screwing every last mph out of a ZXR750K with any regularity.
The rules were amended for this year, extending the upper age limit to 1996 for 750cc production-based fours (as well as sub-1000cc Ducatis). Team Classic Suzuki (GSX-R750 SRAD), Ashcourt Racing (Honda RC45) ,and Greenall Racing (ex-Simon Beck Kawasaki ZX-7RR) were the leading teams to exploit the revised eligibility, as well as Andrea Majola piloting the only Ducati 916 further down the field.
But the ZXR750K still came out on top: Rob Hodson taking the win on a Greenall bike, though team-mate Nathan Harrison on the ZX- 7RR was a close second, taking the fastest lap of the race too. Craig Neve on Alasdair Cowan’s ZXR750 retired from the battle for the lead on the last lap, promoting 2019 winner Davo Johnson on t
