A rider who shuns the limelight and publicity, Anstey definitely does all his talking on the track and his final lap in last year’s Senior TT has whetted the appetite of everyone for 2007. We all know what he can do in the Superstock and Supersport classes but the Superbike class is the ultimate test and that 129mph lap has made us all ask the question – is he the man to beat McGuinness? He may be softly spoken but he’s as hard a competitor as anyone and if awards were handed out for determination, he’d have a hat full. Now in his fourth year with TAS Suzuki, Bruce will be there or thereabouts in every race.

Moly and Smith must watch out this year, as Crowe and sidecar partner Mark Cox, threaten to exceed last years record breaking laps.
Crowe continues to set the pace in the sidecar tournament, and despite having suffered injuries to his colar bone this year, he is feeling stronger by the day, and is ready to take on his competitors.This Manx man has appeared on 4 podiums, so we can once again expect an exhilarating performance.

Still only, 25 Martin made the surprise switch in the close season from AIM Racing Yamaha to Hydrex Honda, who have yet to prove themselves on the roads but if anyone can deliver the results then Martin can. He proved how fast he could be at last year’s event and was only 3 seconds behind McGuinness in the Senior race when an oil leak snuffed out his challenge. Arguably the most talented rider on the grid, an unprecedented four timer at last year’s Ulster GP shows he has what it takes to win International races and if he has that bit of luck required on the Island, he could well walk away with more than one win to his name.

2006 was arguably the most disappointing year in the Ballymoney rider’s career and he comes into this year’s event with it all to do. Many wonder if he can repeat his success of the past but since the turn of the decade only three riders have won Superbike races on the Island and Adrian is one of them. On his day, there’s no doubt he can run at the front and his rivals still fear and respect him. The machines will be good enough and the team is good enough so if Adrian has the hunger and desire, he’ll be back in contention. And let’s face it - if there’s one event in existence to give you that hunger, it’s the Centenary TT!

2006 should have been Ryan’s year but it all went wrong before it had even started and it will be interesting to see how he performs on his return. His outing in the Classic races at the Manx Grand Prix will have refreshed his memory of the Mountain Course but a lot will depend on the competitiveness of his Superbike mount and this is the class where he is yet to really deliver at the TT. Without doubt, he’ll be a potential winner in the Supersport and Superstock races and Ryan always thrives in an underdog environment and with his determination higher than anyone else’s out there, he’s sure to figure.

One of the most exciting youngsters currently plying his trade on the roads, ‘Hutchy’ was a revelation in 2006 on board the McAdoo Kawasaki’s and it came as no surprise when HM Plant Honda snapped up his services. Replacing his good friend McGuinness will be no easy task and he undoubtedly has the biggest of all the boots to fill but he is supremely talented and more podiums are sure to come his way. This will be his fourth year of racing at the TT and he now has the experience and race craft to challenge for race wins – 2007 could well be the year he takes his first ever TT win.

The sensation of pure road racing in 2006 right across the British Isles, not just the TT, the young Australian became the third fastest rider in the history of the event last year with a brilliant second place in the Senior race. His performances last year, along with those in Ireland and at the Southern 100, have earned the Uel Duncan team official Honda backing, which will only help his cause even more. Now in his third year of racing at the TT, Donald has to cope with huge expectations and pressure and if he can overcome this, and maintain the progress he has already shown, he could well chalk up his first TT win.

Carl finally got his big chance in 2006 with some top-level machinery and the results were both immediate and impressive. Having already excelled as a privateer, Rennie used the Hawk BSB Kawasaki to devastating effect taking sixth and seventh in the Senior and Superbike races respectively. His best lap of 124.867mph was equally impressive and it’s little wonder that Stuart Hicken has lent his support to Carl once more. After a season taking in more real road racing than ever before, Rennie will be approaching this year’s TT with bundles of experience and results like those in 2006 or better are on the cards for the amiable Lancastrian.

A revelation in 2006, young Cummins had his first ever road race at least year’s North West 200 and immediately rocked the established guard. At the end of TT fortnight, he walked away with the Newcomer’s Trophy, a 120mph lap and an incredibly bright future, which has showed no signs of fizzling out. A natural road racer without a doubt, Cummins is still only 20 and has all the ingredients to go all the way. Although this will be just his second year at the TT, he has a great team behind him and it’s highly likely he’ll be a top ten finisher. Could well end the week as the fastest Manxman.

The fastest Manxman ever to have lapped the 37- mile course, Big H can still run with the best and his appetite is as strong as ever. Indeed, reports suggest that Big H has undertaken a comprehensive fitness regime over the winter months and a leaner, fitter Big H will take to the starting grids this season. Hunt finally got a chance with a top team last year (Team Racing), and went faster than ever before, racking up a string of top ten finishes. Arguably in the twilight of his career, he has secured an ex-Virgin Mobile BSB Yamaha so he definitely has a quality machine to improve his TT results even further.

Weynand was forced to sit out last year’s event but everyone can still remember his performances as a newcomer in 2005. Despite riding a completely standard 600cc Suzuki, the Belgian rider scored two top twenty finishes in the Supersport races lapping at just under 118mph and with a Superbike at his disposal this year, his return his eagerly awaited. Weynand is also one of two riders in the Swiss World Endurance Team - Bolliger Kawasaki. With this kind of support, the rapid Belgian will easily crack the 120mph barrier and a top 10 finish is not beyond him. His return is a real boost for the TT and is eagerly anticipated.

Miller came to the TT last year with just a standard 750cc Suzuki at his disposal but he left with two bronze replicas to his name and a personal best lap of just a fraction under 120mph, a phenomenal performance. Not only that, but he bonded with the course like an experienced campaigner and he has already vowed to return year on year, a terrific boost for all concerned. A major asset to the event, Miller is a former two-time podium finisher at Macau and his progress up the leaderboard this June will be viewed with interest - especially if, as likely, he returns with Superbike machinery.