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British Superbike Championship rider Simon Andrews will make his TT debut at this year's event.
He is arguably the highest profile solo newcomer since Steve Plater in 2007.
The 26-year-old from Evesham missed part of last season after breaking his leg in the second World Superbike race at Valencia, but still finished the British series in tenth place.
He has tried his hand at road racing before and was fourth in last November's Macua Grand Prix, in only his second outing around the Asian street circuit.
His TT entry will be with Paul Shoesmith's Ice Valley BMW team.
Andrews says he is looking forward to the new challenge and is receiving plenty of advice from experienced competitors:
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