Norton, one of the legendary names in the motorcycle world, is recovering under TVS ownership after declaring bankruptcy in early 2020. The future looks promising as the company prepares to return to competition.
In mid-June, Brian Gillen, Norton’s new Head of Development, attended the Dorna, FIM, and Manufacturers’ Association (MSMA) meeting in Misano to define the technical regulations for the upcoming entry-level class that will debut in 2026.
Currently, Norton has a small-scale production focused solely on the UK but plans to expand its range significantly. Regarding racing, Gillen admitted to SPEEDWEEK.com that there is interest in returning to the tracks and is establishing his presence in the WSBK paddock:
– At Norton, we are very aware of our past and tradition, but at the same time, we are very forward-thinking. This opens up many possibilities for us to do great things. Norton has been innovative from the start, and the brand has always excelled in that. In the future, we may have products that fit into current and new racing categories. What exactly we will do is still a closely guarded secret. But I can reveal that we have very talented people working on it. And I can say that I have rebuilt some bridges in this paddock and reactivated old contacts to understand the direction the technical regulations in the SBK paddock are heading.
It’s worth noting that Norton has a long racing history, including two 500cc world championship titles won in 1950 and 1951.