Road Races: Norton and Warwick University join forces

The long history of the Norton brand appeared to be in the balance when serious economic problems looked as if they might force the British brand to shut up shop for good last year. Fortunately, Indian firm TVS Motors "saved" the day and the famous firm is able to continue with its activities.

One year on, and Norton and the WMG department at the University of Warwick are working on an ambitious project with the specific goal of bringing a fully electric supersport bike known as the Warwick Moto Project to the racetrack. The design is based around the frame of the Norton V4SS used in the Tourist Trophy by some of the great names like John McGuinness, Davo Johnson and Josh Brookes.

Tom Weeden as test rider

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"To be able to count on Norton engineers, who have years of experience, is a great resource as well as an integral part of the design and development of the bike. The combination of Norton’s bike knowledge and WMG research at the University of Warwick has made for an excellent learning opportunity for all the students involved. We’re very keen to see where this collaboration might lead”, explains project leader Aman Surana.

For the development of the bike on track, the team has decided to trust in professional road racer Tom Weeden, winner of the 2016 Senior Manx GP on the Isle of Man. Right now, the TT Zero is suspended at the Mountain Course but we expect the project to become a reality, the bike set to race at the Island once the specific category is reintroduced.

Translated by Heather Watson

Tourist Trophy: significant changes afoot in 2022-2023