KEELIM RYAN SET FOR TT DEBUT
Double Irish Road Race Champion Keelim Ryan will make his debut at this year’s Isle of Man TT Races, competing in the two 4-lap Monster Energy Supersport Races.
After a short lay off from the sport, the 35-year old has rapidly risen through the ranks since making his return to racing in 2017 and, after having his first road race at Walderstown in 2019, enjoyed a stellar season in 2022 where he claimed the Irish Senior Support and Lightweight Supersport Championships.
Riding his own Kawasaki ZX-6R which he’ll use at the TT, Ryan took three wins in the Senior Support Championship at the Kells Road Races, the Faugheen 50 and the Armoy Road Races. This was backed up by podium finishes at Cookstown, Walderstown and Skerries, securing a comfortable championship victory ahead of fellow TT debutant, Marcus Simpson.
In addition to his Supersport exploits, four victories and a second-place finish also saw him take the Lightweight Supersport Championship.
The County Offaly-man has also competed at the Wanganui and Paeroa road circuits in New Zealand where he rode for a team managed by 2-time TT winner, Shaun Harris.
“The TT has always been on my radar and whilst I anticipated having another full season in Ireland before making my debut, the insurance issue has brought my plans forward and I’m really excited to be tackling the Mountain Course in 2023.”
Ryan’s preparation is already well underway following a three-day visit to the Island earlier this year where he completed laps with TT Rider Liaison Officers Richard ‘Milky’ Quayle and John Barton:
“It’s very much a learning year and the more laps I can get in the better. I haven’t set any targets in either lap speeds or results; my main aim is to complete as many laps as possible during practice, finish both races and have a trouble-free fortnight. Speeds and results are secondary and if I’m happy with the course and I’m enjoying riding the bike, that’ll be the main thing.”
“It’s not a short-term project for me and the aim is to return and improve in future years, ideally with a second bike in 2024. I’ll take this year as it comes but I’m really looking forward to heading off down Bray Hill for the first time!”
Prior to the TT, Ryan is set to contest the Irish Championship races at Bishopscourt and Kirkistown over the Easter weekend as well as the Cookstown 100 Road Races later in April.
