Racing star Bruce Anstey could be set for a stunning comeback to racing, potentially at this year’s Classic TT.

A fundraising page has been set up to help the ’Flying Kiwi’, who is half Manx, return to the starter’s grid after missing nearly two years of racing while battling cancer.

Anstey, a 13-time TT winner and former outright lap record holder, was diagnosed last year with tumours in his lungs and one in his spine.

The New Zealander missed the 2018 season and has missed most of the 2019 season, including this year’s TT.

The Gofundme fundraising page, set up by motoring journalist and TT competitor Adam Child, suggests that Anstey is ready for a return to the track.

Mr Child set up the page earlier this week and it has so far raised over £2,500 for Anstey to return to the Classic TT.

On the page, Mr Child said: ’I’ve been around road racing for nearly 20 years, and I’ve still yet to hear one bad word against Bruce.

’He’s loved by everyone, fellow racers, team owners, fellow competitors; everyone.

’This is why when Bruce announced he was fighting cancer again in 2018 and would be missing the TT, hearts sank. Moving into 2019, Bruce is battling again, more illness struck at the end of last year, and the lovable New Zealander won’t make the grid this year, but he is hoping to be fit for the Classic TT. But without racing, there isn’t an income. It’s the simple truth of racing.

’Bruce hasn’t raced now for over two years - which is why this Go Fund page has been set up to get Bruce back to racing. Bruce is hoping to be back for the Classic TT, let’s club together to make this possible.’

wheelie

Last year Anstey took part in a parade lap during the Classic TT where he was warmly received by fans, fellow riders and marshals, having begun his lap with a wheelie at the Grandstand.

And earlier this year he completed some test laps at Castle Combe in Wiltshire, for the Milenco by Padgett’s Racing team along with Conor Cummins and Davey Todd.

At the time, team boss Clive Padgett told www.iomttraces.com: ’Bruce is still very much a Padgett’s rider, although not on a bike at the moment. But, of course, we never say never with Bruce!’

However, it is unknown if Anstey would be able to obtain a Mountain Course licence, which racers need to compete on the road course, in time for this year’s event.

Donations for Anstey have come in from all over the racing world, with many offering him messages of support for his battle with illness and expressing their excitement at hopefully seeing him back on two wheels competing against the likes of TT stars Peter Hickman and Dean Harrison.

Mr Child also revealed on Twitter that Anstey is planning to auction off some of his racing memorabilia in a bid to raise more money.

The page for making donations is www.gofundme.com/f/bruce-back-to-raing, (’raing’ is correct).