MOTORCYCLE racer James Hillier has announced he will be competing at the TT for the fifth consecutive year.
The 26-year-old, who rides for the Bournemouth Primo Kawasaki team, won the Newcomers Trophy back in 2008.
Hillier has a busy schedule at this year's TT Races which includes the re-introduced Lightweight TT.
He will be hoping to improve upon his best finish of eighth and a fastest lap of 127.661mph which makes him the 17th fastest rider in TT history.
He originally made his name in the Virgin Mobile R6 Cup and enjoyed success in the British Supersport Championship.
He then moved on to the Metzeler National Superstock Championship and then, in 2011, to the British Superbike Evo Championship where he finished eighth overall.
On the roads he made his TT debut in 2008 for the Martin Bullock Racing team when he took 17th and 19th in the two Supersport races, lapping at over 119mph and picking up two silver replicas and the Newcomers Trophy for his efforts.
Since then his road racing credentials have gone from strength to strength and he now has 15 finishes inside the top 20 at the TT with five of those top 10 and he has 15 replicas.
He finished eighth place overall in the 2011 TT Championship.
Hillier hopes to get a run out on his ER6 Kawasaki in February before undertaking a full testing programme in Spain in March as he will also contest the premier British Superbike Championship this season.
In addition, he also hopes to return to the North West 200, Ulster Grand Prix and Macau in what promises to be a busy season for the Hampshire rider.
James said: "I'm really looking forward to the year ahead and with regards to the TT I simply want to keep on improving and build upon the results I've achieved thus far.
"No-one's getting slower so it's not getting any easier but I've been steadily getting faster and would like to think I'll be there or thereabouts this year.
"I'll take it as it comes though as that's the approach that's served me well thus far and although I haven't set myself many targets, I would like to crack the 130mph barrier on the Superbike."
"I'll also be contesting the new Lightweight TT and am really excited about that. Ryan Farquhar has done all the chassis work for us with the ER6 Kawasaki and the bike sounds really good so it could be the one that gives me my best result. It should be a bit more of a level playing field and promises to be a really good class."
Peter Extance, team owner at Bournemouth Kawasaki Racing, said: "James Hillier is a real credit and asset to Bournemouth Kawasaki Racing.
"We have supported him fully for four years and for us he is the reason why we are involved in racing.
"James is a local lad and we have seen his potential grow over the years into what we hope will be podiums and wins at the TT.
"James has been a real team member and not just a rider turning up and riding the bike.
"You will still see James putting up the awning and pit garage and taking it all down again at the end."
TT and motorsport manager Paul Phillips said: "James was one of the potential stars of the future that we highlighted in our 2008 'Young Guns' campaign and he's really starting to fulfil his potential.
"I have no doubt that he will be a TT star for many years to come and will be challenging for a podium place sooner rather than later."
