Stefano Bonetti will pilot the iconic two-stroke machine in the Historic Junior Classic TT as the Italian team aims to build on its strong Road Racing legacy.
Subscribe to our Instagram channel for the latest info and news!
The Speed Shadows Racing Team is preparing to make another appearance at the legendary Isle of Man Mountain Course for the 2026 Classic TT, which takes place from August 16 to 28. The Italian team will compete in the Historic Junior Classic TT on August 24, with experienced road racer Stefano Bonetti riding a Yamaha/Bimota TZ 350 GP.
Led by Team Manager Paolo Girotti, the Speed Shadows Racing Team has built a competitive Yamaha/Bimota TZ 350 GP alongside Chief Engineer Andrea Neri. The motorcycle is not only a historic racing machine but also an important symbol in Bimota’s racing heritage.
Bonetti, widely regarded as the fastest Italian rider ever to compete at the Isle of Man TT, will once again represent the team as it returns to one of the most demanding road racing events in the world.
A Strong History at the Isle of Man
Over the years, the Speed Shadows Racing Team has helped showcase the Bimota brand on the international Road Racing stage. The team has consistently achieved competitive results while promoting Italian engineering and racing expertise.
In 2023, the team competed in the Superbike category with the Bimota YB4 750 EIR. A year later, it expanded its effort by fielding both the Bimota YB4 750 EIR and the Kawasaki ZX-4RR.
The 2024 campaign proved especially successful, with the Kawasaki ZX-4RR securing an impressive second-place finish in the Lightweight class. Those achievements were made possible through the combined efforts of Paolo Girotti, Andrea Neri, Stefano Bonetti, Cristian Tiraboschi, and Filippo Pagani.
Returning to Two-Stroke Racing
For the 2026 season, the Speed Shadows Racing Team has decided to return to its roots by entering the Historic Junior Classic TT with the legendary Yamaha/Bimota TZ 350 GP.
The choice of motorcycle carries significant historical importance. The Yamaha TZ 350 served as the foundation for the Bimota YB1, the very first racing motorcycle produced by the Italian manufacturer.
Beyond the race itself, the project also serves a technical purpose. Data collected during the Classic TT will support the development of a future chassis inspired by the historic Bimota YB1, further strengthening the connection between the team and Bimota’s rich engineering heritage.
Paolo Girotti: Racing While Building for the Future
Team Manager Paolo Girotti believes this year’s Classic TT project is about more than chasing race results.
According to Girotti, returning to the Isle of Man always means competing against the history of motorcycle racing. He explained that the Yamaha TZ 350 represents the roots of Bimota’s first racing motorcycle, making this year’s entry especially meaningful.
He also highlighted that the team will use the event to gather valuable technical data for future development projects while continuing to represent Italian innovation and engineering on one of the world’s most prestigious racing circuits.
Stefano Bonetti Ready for Another Mountain Course Challenge
Stefano Bonetti is looking forward to another opportunity to tackle the famous 37.73-mile Mountain Course.
The experienced Italian rider described racing at the Isle of Man as both a privilege and a responsibility. He praised the technical work behind the Yamaha/Bimota TZ 350 GP and expressed confidence in the team’s professionalism and dedication.
Bonetti added that he intends to give his maximum effort to repay the trust placed in him by the team, its sponsors, and the fans following their latest adventure.
More Than a Race Weekend
The Speed Shadows Racing Team’s participation extends beyond the race itself.
Throughout the Classic TT, the team will be based at the Grandstand in one of the paddock’s most prestigious locations. The area is reserved for a select number of teams and will allow fans, journalists, collectors, and industry professionals to meet the riders and crew while viewing the Yamaha/Bimota TZ 350 GP up close.
The team’s paddock presence is expected to become a meeting point during the event, giving visitors a chance to experience the atmosphere of the Classic TT while learning more about the technical project and the partners supporting the campaign.
Eyes on the Historic Junior Classic TT
The Historic Junior Classic TT remains one of the highlights of the Classic TT festival, celebrating legendary racing motorcycles and some of the world’s most skilled road racers.
On August 24, Stefano Bonetti and the Speed Shadows Racing Team will aim to add another memorable chapter to Italian Road Racing history as they compete aboard the Yamaha/Bimota TZ 350 GP on the iconic Isle of Man Mountain Course.
With a blend of heritage, technical innovation, and racing ambition, the Italian team hopes its return to two-stroke competition will continue its tradition of representing Bimota and Italian motorsport at one of motorcycle racing’s greatest events.
Facebook
Instagram
X (Twitter)
YouTube
LinkedIn
RSS