Bruce Anstey will again challenge bigger and more modern four-strokes in the Superbike Classic TT on August 28, even though his Padgetts Yamaha YZR two-stroke remains a 1992 motorcycle in specification.

Anstey won the Superbike race when he debuted the 150bhp reed-valve V4 in 2014. He then finished second in 2015 and retired last year. But his fastest lap in 2015 was only 4.451 seconds slower than the 17m 51.128s record - 126.808mph - that Michael Dunlop set last year on his winning ride on the Team Classic Suzuki 1216cc XR69.

“Our problem is having enough new bits to keep the bike going competitively,” Padgetts boss Clive Padgett told BSN. “The XR69s keep going forward. Two years ago they had 150bhp, now it’s more like 170. It’s really a brand new 2017 motorcycle. I’m not complaining at all about the rules, that’s the way things are.

“Do I think we can still run with them? Of course I do! Bruce’s fastest lap on the YZR is only a fraction slower than Michael’s.”

Padgetts will also defend their Lightweight Classic TT victory, which Anstey gained when the event made its debut in last year’s event, on a Honda RS250. The team will also back Conor Cummins on a 750cc Yamaha OW01 four-stroke in the Superbike race.