Splitlath redmond announces 2012 TT

Splitlath Redmond has announced that Mark Miller and Mark Buckley will contest the 2012 Isle of Man TT races on the team's Aprilia RSV4 machines. Californian road-race ace Miller (pictured) will return to the island with the Welsh-based outfit for a second year, while Scotland's Buckley will make his Aprilia debut after several years running his own team. After last year's event Miller joined Splitlath Motorsport for two rounds of the British Superbike Championship, then contested the Macau GP under the newly-formed Splitlath Redmond banner in November. Now he is looking to build on his 23rd place finish in last year's PokerStars Senior TT race when he returns in 2012. “It's great to be back riding the Aprilia with the Splitlath Redmond team,” he said. “It's always nice to return to a team you know, and after last year's learning curve, the team know what they want and how to get it this year. “Racing with someone like Mark [Buckley] is perfect for me. Working with a rider you know and can share information with is a big part of being a success at a race like the TT, so I think we're going to have a fantastic time.” Buckley took a best TT finish of eighth in the 2009 Supersport race. That same year he also crossed the line third in the TTX GP. “It's a bit of a change for me this year, as I've spent several years running my own team but for various reasons this wasn't a viable option this year,” he said. “It's very exciting for me to be joining a team like Splitlath Redmond. “This will be my first time riding the Aprilia but I'm confident we can get some very good results on it. I'm very much looking forward to this year's event. I've known Mark [Miller] since 2006 when we both made our [TT] debut and I know we can work very well together to make this a fantastic and competitive team.” Team co-owner Derek Redmond added: “The Isle of Man TT is the most incredible motorcycle event in the world, and I'm delighted that we will be a part of it in 2012. “Whenever I watch footage of the event my jaw literally hits the floor. I've always been blown away at the speed and the skill of these riders going all-out on roads with bends and bumps, stone walls and loads of other obstacles. “I can't wait for our first TT under the Splitlath Redmond banner and I believe we have signed two great riders who can get us some great results.” The 2012 Isle of Man TT Races will run from Saturday, May 26 to Friday, June 8 around the legendary 37-mile Mountain course.