Total TT 2023

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2023 EDITION

CONTENTS 4

2023 TT SCHEDULE

6

RIDER NEWS

38 EXCLUSIVE! Q&A: JOHN McGUINNESS

NATHAN HARRISON

14 SUPERSPORT TOP 20

42 TT PUBLIC TRANSPORT INFO 47 EXCLUSIVE! TT HISTORY:

16 18 SIDECAR TOP 10

HISTORY: GEOFF DUKE 72 TT THE FIRST TT SUPERSTAR

12 SUPERBIKE TOP 20 SUPERTWIN TOP 20

20 CURRENT LAP RECORDS 21 2022 TT REVISITED 28 EXCLUSIVE! SHAUN ANDERSON: ROLLING FORWARD THE CLOCK

A REVIEW OF EVERY YEAR OF TT RACING FROM 1907 TO 2019

TO GO: 79 •PLACES TT FAN PARK • MANX MUSEUM TT GALLERY • FYNODEREE DISTILLERY • RED ARROWS • OUTDOOR ADVENTURES • BEAUTIFUL MANX GLENS

32 EXCLUSIVE! Q&A: PETER HICKMAN

ALE TO AID BILLY 94 NEW REDMAYNE MEMORIAL FUND

36 EXCLUSIVE! Q&A: JAMES HILLIER

97 BUSHY’S VILLAGE 2023 TO EAT: EVERY PUB, 103 WHERE RESTAURANT & CAFE LISTED!

KEITH

UREN PUBLISHING

© 2023 Keith Uren Publishing Ltd Total TT magazine is designed and published by Keith Uren Publishing Limited 12 Manor Lane, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM2 2NX

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3

2023 EDITION

2023 ISLE OF MAN QUALIFYING WEEK

MONDAY 29 MAY

TUESDAY 30 MAY

WEDNESDAY 31 MAY

THURSDAY 01 JUNE

FRIDAY 02 JUNE

10.00

18:00

18:00

18:00

12:30

Roads Close

Roads Close

Roads Close

Roads Close

Roads Close

10.40

18:30

18:30

18:30

13:00

Newcomers

Superbike & Superstock Qualifying 2

Superbike & Superstock Qualifying 3

Superbike & Superstock Qualifying 4

Sidecar Qualifying 5

19:20

19:20

19:20

Supersport & Supertwin Qualifying 2

Supersport & Supertwin Qualifying 3

Supersport & Supertwin Qualifying 4

Supersport & Supertwin Qualifying 5

(Speed Control Lap)

10.55 Supersport & Supertwin Free Practice

11.35 Superbike & Superstock Free Practice

20:10

20:10

Sidecar Qualifying 3

Sidecar Qualifying 4

14.55 Superbike & Superstock Qualifying 5

12.20

21:30*

21:30*

21:30*

16:30*

Sidecars Free Practice

Roads Open

Roads Open

Roads Open

Roads Open

13.20 Supersport & Supertwin Qualifying 1

14.00 Superbike & Superstock Qualifying 1

14.45 Sidecar Qualifying 1

21:30* Roads Open

4

20:10 Sidecar Qualifying 2

13.45

RACING

TT RACE SCHEDULE RACE WEEK

SATURDAY 03 JUNE

SUNDAY 04 JUNE

TUESDAY 06 JUNE

10.00

12.30

10:00

10:00

Solo Warm-Up

Roads Close

Roads Close

Roads Close

13.30

10.30

10.30

Solo Warm-Up

Solo Warm-Up

Solo Warm-Up

(1 Lap)

(1 Lap)

(1 Lap)

14.40

10:50

11:30

RST Superbike Race

Sidecar Shakedown

(6 Laps)

(1 Lap)

Monster Energy Supersport TT Race 2

(1 Lap)

11.45 Monster Energy Supersport TT Race 1 (4 Laps)

14.15 3wheeling.media Sidecar TT Race 1 (3 Laps)

21:30* Roads Open

FRIDAY 09 JUNE

18.30*

11:45

Roads Open

RL360 Superstock TT Race 1 (3 Laps)

*

No Later Than.

Roads Open times will be brought forward if the schedule permits.

SATURDAY 10 JUNE

10:00

10:00

Roads Close

Roads Close

10.30

10.30

Solo Warm-Up

Solo Warm-Up

(1 Lap)

(1 Lap)

11:45

11:20

RL360 Superstock TT Race 2

Parade Lap

(3 Laps)

14.00 Carole Nash Supertwin Race 2 (3 Laps)

21:30* Roads Open

12:15 Milwaukee Senior TT (6 Laps)

18:30* Roads Open

14:00 Carole Nash Supertwin Race 1

WEDNESDAY 07 JUNE

(4 Laps)

14:15 3wheeling.media Sidecar TT Race 2 (3 Laps)

(3 Laps)

21:30*

17:00*

Roads Open

Roads Open

DID YOU KNOW..?

TT Facts powered by

The Senior TT Trophy has remained the same since the first race in 1907. It is one of the oldest continuously used trophies in international motorsport. It is insured for £1.5m.

5

2023 EDITION

THIS YEAR’S MODEL

MATTHIEU LAGRIVE TO MAKE TT DEBUT

Drudi Performance has produly designed the Arai Isle of Man TT Limited Edition RX-7V EVO and, once again, has produced classic paintwork mixing TT tradition with contemporary freshness.

The Lightweight TT, meanwhile, has a new name to go with new regulations, while the Sidecar class is also set to benefit from an evolution of its rules and eligibility.

There’s nothing like the Isle of Man TT in the world. A spectacular celebration of motorcycling raced over 37.73 miles of real roads, it draws competitors and fans from all around the globe. It’s also an event that courses through Arai’s DNA; many off the TT racers wear Arai for the performance, protection and comfort at high speeds that the brand’s helmets offer, while Arai puts great effort into supporting all Arai wearers in the Isle with service and spares.

Uniquely, Arai has long marked its commitment to the event – and each TT – by releasing a very special version of its RX7 racing helmet, with paintwork designed by the legendary Drudi Performance.

Beautiful and extremely collectible, the Arai IoM TT Limited Edition is a sell-out every year. The 2023 design, as last year, is based on the range-topping RX-7V EVO helmet with ECE R22-06 approval.

The new design is simply stunning, mixing tradition with modernity. Classic Black, Red and White paint lays down the base, with a bright splash of fluoro yellow on the sides housing Ellan Vannin (Isle of Man in Manx) subtly picked out.

Also present – since the very first design from 2007 – are the Triskelion (three legs of man), bold ‘double’ TT logos crowning the top and chequered flag motif.

6

Four-time FIM World Endurance Champion, Mattheiu Lagrive, will debut at this year’s Isle of Man TT Races, competing with the Optimark Road Racing Team.

The experienced Frenchman has a truly comprehensive racing CV that includes victory in the2016 24 Hours of Le Mans, six overall wins in the legendary Bol d’Or, over 100 race starts across World Superbike, World Supersport, and the 250cc World Championships, plus a finish in the iconic Dakar Rally alongside his four World titles.

For the 43-year old, the TT is the latest challenge in extensive racing career, but he’s well aware that it will be a whole new experience; something he explained on a recent visit to the Isle of Man: “This is my first time on the Isle of Man, to take a look [at the TT Course] and wow, what a place.

So many things to remember with the corners and the markers like the houses and the posts and the bumps.”

While he’s better known for his performances across short-circuit disciplines, the TT will not be Lagrive’s first foray into the world of road racing having contested–and won–at European circuits across the International Road Racing Championship.

“I won the [IRRC] Supersport Championship in 2018 and 2019, and that’s where I started thinking about coming to the TT. I have no targets and it will take me some years to see how quick I can go.”

2023 features a busy calendar for Lagrive whose TT preparations include a first appearance at the North West 200 as well as a full season in the FIM World Endurance Cup–the world championship for Superstock machinery.

CAROLE NASH OFFICIAL INSURANCE SPONSOR The Isle of Man TT Races and Carole Nash have announced a new partnership deal that will see the motorcycle insurance specialist become the TT’s Official Insurance Partner – and title sponsor of two TT races in 2023.

As part of the deal, Carole Nash, one of the UK and Ireland’s leading motorcycle insurance providers, will be the title sponsor of the two Supertwin TT Races which will take place on Tuesday 6th June and Friday 9th June.

As part of the insurance category exclusive sponsorship, Carole Nash, which provides specialist insurance for motorbikes, vans, classic and modern cars,

will benefit from trackside branding delivering broadcast exposure and brand awareness through the TT’s rapidly growing digital channels.

Paul Phillips, Business Development, Isle of Man TT Races commented: “As we continue to focus on growing the TT’s global audience and increasing the event’s accessibility through the delivery of live coverage, it’s important that our partnerships align with our brand values and offer further added value to our fans. I believe Carole Nash as an official partner in 2023 will be able to do just that, as well as promoting further growth through their own audience and channels.”

RACING NEWS A FIRST TT FOR TALENTED MANXMAN, MARCUS SIMPSON Talented Manxman Marcus Simpson will make his debut at this year’s Isle of Man TT Races, competing in both Supersport and Supertwin categories.

Alongside compatriots Nathan Harrison and Jamie Cringle, Simpson is part of a new generation of Manx riders making the step up to the TT, and he does so after a breakthrough year in 2022.

The 24-year-old took a string of topten finishes on his debut at the Southern 100 event and also enjoyed a successful season competing in Ireland. Finishing second overall in the Senior Support Championship, highlights included victory at the Skerries 100 on his Yamaha R6 along with second place finishes at the Kells and Armoy Road Races.

For Simpson, the TT is the next step and next challenge in his racing career where, in 2023, he’ll campaign the Atherstone Accident and Repair Centre Yamaha R6 in the two 4-lap Supersport Races along with the LMR Racing Kawasaki in the Supertwin encounters.

“Growing up on the Island and as a proud Manxman, competing at the TT has always been a dream of mine and I’m really excited about the challenge and the

prospect of racing around the Mountain Course.”

“I’ve been doing plenty of laps in the van and I’ve been watching onboard laps for years, and I’m also fortunate to have Nick Jefferies [1993 Formula One TT Race winner] as a family f riend who’s been helping me prepare.”

“There aren’t any expectations from anyone in my debut year and I can be anonymous, just going out in each

session doing my own thing and putting in as many laps as possible. My aims are simple – to qualify for all my races, to finish all of them and to enjoy myself.”

2023 features a busy calendar for Simpson with two trips to Spain for testing followed by outings at the Cookstown 100, Tandragee 100 and a debut at the North West 200 as he prepares for his maiden outing at the Isle of Man TT Races.

STEVENSON JOINS RETURNING RC EXPRESS TEAM Three-time Isle of Man TT Races winners, RC Express Racing, have announced that they have signed Matt Stevenson for 2023 and that Dafabet will continue as the team’s title sponsor for an eighth consecutive season.

The 2018 Senior Manx Grand Prix winner will be on Roy and Ben Constable’s immaculately-presented machines after catching their attention with impressive performances last year; the highlight being a 15th-place finish and best lap of over 124mph in the Superbike Race.

The 28-year old will campaign a Kawasaki ZX-10RR in the RST Superbike, Milwaukee Senior, and RL360 Superstock Races, and a Yamaha YZF-R6 in the two Monster Energy Supersport Races, with further track time coming in early rounds of the British Superstock Championship.

RC Express Racing celebrated their tenth year of racing in 2022 having first backed a young Dean Harrison midway through the 2012 season. Harrison remained with the team in 2013 and 2014, with the combination taking their first TT

win in the 2014 Lightweight Race.

Ivan Lintin joined the team the following year and went on to take victory in both the 2015 and 2016 Lightweight Races, as well as taking a string of other top ten finishes in the other classes around the Mountain Course, but injuries sustained in 2018 curtailed his racing career.

Paul Jordan replaced Lintin before Rob

Hodson took over in 2020 until the end of last season. The Wigan rider had his best TT to date when riding for the Dafabet Racing team, with five top-15 finishes last year.

Commenting on the announcement, Stevenson said: “I’d like to say a massive thank you to Dafabet Racing for taking me on. It’s an amazing opportunity for me to have some serious backing and support going into this year. There is only so much a father, son and a few mates can achieve in this sport, so this chance has just come at the right time.”

Roy Constable, Team Owner of RC Express added: “We are clearly delighted and thrilled to have extended our partnership with Dafabet and to keep a long-standing relationship with a multinational brand just shows how well we can portray ourselves on behalf of others. I’d also like to offer a warm welcome to Matt.

He has showed his capabilities on track with winning the Manx Grand Prix in 2018 and with our backing we would like to think we can help him progress.”

7

2023 EDITION

ROB HODSON JOINS SMT RACING FOR TT 2023

ROB HODSON, ROBIN CROFT

Lancashire-based team, SMT Racing will make a full-scale return to this year’s Isle of Man TT Races with Rob Hodson competing in all classes.

Team owner Robin Croft, who has fielded John McGuinness MBE, Michael Rutter, Dan Stewart and Tim Reeves in previous years at the TT, has purchased a brand new Jackson Racing-prepared Honda Fireblade for Hodson to contest the Superbike, Senior and Superstock races.

Sean Dawson of Vehicle Recovery Services and Kevin and Kate Hickey of KH Commercials are supplying Hodson with an R6 Yamaha and Z650 Kawasaki for the Supersport and Supertwin races respectively with all three bikes running in SMT Racing livery.

Croft returned to the TT last year after a five-year absence last year running McGuinness in the two four-lap Supersport races but has stepped up his efforts in 2023 with close neighbour Hodson a grateful recipient.

“After a few years away from the TT, it was great to be back with John last year,” said Croft. “We were only contesting the two Supersport races though so I couldn’t help but feel we were missing out so when I found out Rob was looking for a ride, it seemed right to lend him my support and return for a full-scale assault.”

“He obviously lives local to me and we’ve done a little bit together in the past but his results are improving all the time and I’m confident with our team and infrastructure, we can help take him to the next level.”

8

Hodson joins SMT Racing on the back of three successful seasons with Dafabet Racing, the most recent seeing him have his best TT to date with no less than five top-15 finishes. The highlight was seventh place in the Supertwins race, his best result at the TT, but he also impressed in the two Supersport races with 12th and 13th and a 123mph+ lap.

He was also well to the fore in the big bike races as seen by 13th and 14th in the Superbike and Senior races respectively and went on to win the Classic Superbike Manx Grand Prix for Greenall Racing.

Having already lapped in excess of 126mph, Hodson is now looking forward to improving on that with SMT Racing at TT2023.

“I’m delighted to be joining SMT Racing and can’t thank Robin enough,” said the 36-year old. “He helped me out a little bit back in 2018 and we’ve kept in touch ever since so when he said he was looking to get more involved with racing again, one thing led to another and I’ve now got a brand new Honda Fireblade at my disposal.”

“We’ll run the bike in Superstock-spec, which, as we’ve seen both at the TT and on the short circuits, will be more than competitive for the Superbike, Senior and Superstock races whilst the team’s infrastructure is second to none. With Sean supplying the 600 and Kate and Kevin the Twin, I’m well equipped to build on last year’s results and improve further still and that’s the obvious aim.”

A THREE YEAR WAIT IS OVER FOR KOSTAMO

After a three-year wait, reigning Macau Grand Prix champion Erno Kostamo will make his much-anticipated debut at the 2023 Isle of Man TT Races, continuing the trend of mainland Europe’s finest road racers progressing to the TT. The Finnish rider will contest the RST Superbike, RL360 Superstock, and Milwaukee Senior TT Races on the Penz13.com BMW M 1000 RR and becomes the first rider from Finland to compete at the TT since Juha Kallio in 2017.

Kostamo was scheduled to participate at TT 2020 only for the pandemic to put his plans on hold, but he’ll now make his debut in June with every chance of becoming the quickest Finnish rider ever around the 37.73-mile Mountain Course.

That accolade is currently held by Kallio whose best lap at an average speed of 117.132mph was posted nine years ago.

31-year old Kostamo became the first ever Finnish winner of the Macau Grand Prix last year – the first non-British winner since 1997 – and his road racing credentials extend to notable performances at the North West 200, finishing just outside the top ten in 2019.

A regular podium finisher in the International Road Racing Championship, Kostamo has contested the road circuits in mainland Europe since 2016, with his best season coming in 2018 when he finished third in the Superbike class behind Danny Webb and Didier Grams.

Fourth overall in 2017, 2019 and again in 2022, Kostamo has taken four wins and 21 podiums in the IRRC, with victories coming at his home event at Imatra as well as Terlicko in the Czech Republic.

Kostamo is certainly one of the brightest European talents to have graced the TT and he’ll enjoy great support at this year’s event from Rico Penzkofer’s experienced team, with the German outfit once again having a considerable presence in the TT paddock.

RACING NEWS BROOKS IS BACK Double British Superbike Champion Josh Brookes will make a sensational return to this year’s Isle of Man TT Races with the Australian competing at the event for the first time since 2018.

After joining FHO Racing at the end of last season, the 39-year old has announced he will contest the RST Superbike, RL360 Superstock, and Milwaukee Senior TT Races onboard BMW M 1000 RR machines alongside Peter Hickman in an all-star line-up.

2023 marks ten years since Brookes made his first TT appearance where he was an instant hit around the Mountain Course, f inishing tenth in the opening Superbike Race of 2013. He also lapped at an average speed of 127.726mph on his debut, securing the title of the fastest ever TT newcomer at the time.

Brookes returned the following year with Shaun Muir’s Milwaukee Yamaha team and repeated his tenth place in the Superbike Race. He was out of luck in the two Supersport Races but ended his week with a strong seventh place finish in the Senior, improving his personal best lap around the 37.73-mile course to 129.859mph.

Both Brookes and the team focused on the BSB Championship in 2015 which paid dividends as they clinched the title in dominant fashion. Both rider and team then moved into the World Superbike Championship for 2016, which was when Brookes last rode BMW machinery.

A return to the UK in 2017 meant Brookes was able to contest the TT once more and he did so on a variety of machinery. Riding for Norton in the Superbike and Senior Races, he took 8th and 6th respectively, posting his first 130mph+ laps in the process.

He also campaigned a Honda CBR600RR for Jackson Racing in the solitary Supersport Race, f inishing 11th, and then took an excellent 6th on board Ryan Farquhar’s KMR Kawasaki in the Lightweight Race.

Brookes, who also has World Supersport Championship victories on his highly impressive CV, returned to the Island later in the year for the Classic TT where, deputising for the injured John McGuinness, he won the Senior Race on the Winfield Paton.

Back with Norton for 2018, another 10th place was taken in the opening

Superbike Race with a brace of sixths then recorded on the McAMS Yamaha in the two Supersport Races, lapping at more than 126mph on the YZF-R6.

However, he saved the best until last when he finished in a brilliant 5th on the Norton in the closing Senior TT. A fastest lap of 131.745mph made him the fastest Australian ever to have lapped the Mountain Course and he remains the 11th fastest rider of all time.

Brookes joined Paul Bird’s Ducati team for the 2019 season, remaining there for the following four years and, after finishing a close second to team-mate Scott Redding in his f irst year on the Panigale V4R, he duly clinched his second BSB title in 2020.BSB commitments with the team meant he was unable to contest the TT, although he did take third and fourth at last year’s North West 200. With FHO Racing contesting both BSB and the International road races, he’s now eagerly looking forward to his TT return: “I’m pleased it’s now out there and we can announce my return to the TT. It’s one of the most common subjects I get asked throughout the year at BSB, the fans always want to know; ‘are you coming back to the TT?’, ‘will you ever be back?’, and ‘do you want to come back?’ It’s good to have the box ticked and now be able to

say it’s happening!

“Like all the other times I’ve been to the TT I’m both nervous and excited. It’s a big event and it’s thrilling, but it does create nerves and it’s full of emotion. FHO Racing has a great background at the event with all they achieved last year. I also have both the perfect and, potentially, the worst teammate with Pete!

“The event has changed a little since I last raced in 2018, with the new schedule for this season with the change in the practice format and the Senior moved to the final Saturday, but I’m looking forward to getting stuck in and riding the Mountain course once again.”

Team Owner, Faye Ho, added: “I’m very excited to have Josh joining us for the TT this year. He has a good history at the event and has achieved some great results despite an interrupted journey.

“Although the British Superbike Championship is our main priority with Josh for this season, he was keen to return to the TT after a f ive-year break and we were happy to support him in the Superbike, Senior and Superstock Races on the M 1000 RR. I can’t wait to see him in action out there, and I think alongside Pete, we will have a strong presence at the TT.”

9

2023 EDITION

IRISH ROAD RACE CHAMP IN TT DEBUT

Double Irish Road Race Champion Keelim Ryan will make his debut at this year’s Isle of Man TT Races, competing in the two 4-lap Monster Energy Supersport Races.

After a short lay off from the sport, the 35-year old has rapidly risen through the ranks since making his return to racing in 2017 and, after having his first road race at Walderstown in 2019, enjoyed a stellar season in 2022 where he claimed the Irish Senior Support and Lightweight Supersport Championships.

Riding his own Kawasaki ZX-6R which he’ll use at the TT, Ryan took three wins in the Senior Support Championship at the Kells Road Races, the Faugheen 50 and the Armoy Road Races. This was backed up by podium finishes at Cookstown, Walderstown and Skerries, securing a comfortable championship victory ahead of fellow TT debutant, Marcus Simpson.

In addition to his Supersport exploits, four victories and a second-place finish also saw him take the Lightweight Supersport Championship.

The County Offaly-man has also competed at the Wanganui and Paeroa road circuits in New Zealand where he rode for a team managed by 2-time TT winner, Shaun Harris.

“The TT has always been on my radar and whilst I anticipated having another full season in Ireland before making my debut, the insurance issue has brought my plans forward and I’m really excited to be tackling the Mountain Course in 2023.

“It’s very much a learning year and the more laps I can get in the better. I haven’t set any targets in either lap speeds or results; my main aim is to complete as many laps as possible during practice, finish both races and have a trouble-free fortnight. Speeds and results are secondary and if I’m happy with the course and I’m enjoying riding the bike, that’ll be the main thing.”

10

DEBUT OF ISLE OF MAN RACER RYAN CRINGLE

JAMIE CRINGLE, RYAN CRINGLE

Isle of Man racer Ryan Cringle will follow in the footsteps of younger brother Jamie as he makes his debut at the 2023 Isle of Man TT Races, continuing the trend of young, talented Manxmen competing at their home event.

With Jamie having made his debut 12 months ago, 29-year old Ryan will now contest the RST Superbike and Milwaukee Senior Races on the AGR Motorsport Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade this year, and will also compete in the two RL360 Superstock TT Races.

Cringle, who began his racing career a decade ago, has proven himself to be one of the best two-wheel exponents on the Isle of Man, currently holding titles in both circuit racing and motocross.

Together with brother Jamie, Ryan has dominated the Manx racing scene at the Jurby circuit, but he can also count two Isle of Man Motocross Championships on his CV, proving his versatility and talent.

He also took his racing further afield last year when he competed in a number of National Superstock Championship rounds; the highlight being 21st-place finishes at Thruxton where he finished both races right behind fellow Manxman and factory Honda rider, Nathan Harrison.

Having grown up in the racing paddock, the Douglas rider contemplated contesting the Manx Grand Prix a number of years ago but opted to wait until he had

more racing experience before tackling the Mountain Course. Having seen brother Jamie make an accomplished TT debut last year, he now feels the time is now right to fulfil a childhood ambition of competing at the Isle of Man TT Races: “Competing at the TT is something that’s always been nagging away at the back of my mind and with the racing I’ve done already, I now feel that the time is right to make my debut. I feel I’m ready for the challenge and I think seeing Jamie compete last year made me commit to the task in hand.”

“Obviously, I know the circuit well through living on the Island but at the same time I’m well aware that it will be totally different once I’m out on the bike on closed roads. I’ve been in contact with the TT Rider Liaison Officers [John Barton and Richard Quayle] and have laps with them in the pipeline whilst I’m also grateful to Conor Cummins, Michael Evans and Nathan Harrison for taking the time to do some laps with me.”

“The big bike suits me more compared to the smaller 600 and I’m simply looking to constantly improve during the course of the fortnight. I haven’t set any targets so there’s no expectations or pressure from anyone and I just want to build things up steadily and go that little bit quicker with each and every lap. Enjoying myself is the main aim.”

RACING NEWS SCAYSBROOK AND REES LINE UP FOR WILSON CRAIG Rennie Scaysbrook return to the Isle of Man TT Races in 2023, lining up alongside Matthew Rees in a two-man team for the Wilson Craig Racing team.

The Australian, a TT debutante last year, will move up to the 1000cc classes and to ride a Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade in the RST Superbike, RL360 Superstock, and Milwaukee Senior TT Races. Rees will also contest the 1000cc classes as well as the Monster Energy Supersport and RENNIE SCAYSBROOK Supertwin Races for the team. to his schedule, riding for the team who 2019 winner and outright record holder can count Guy Martin, Cameron Donald at the famous 12.42-mile Pikes Peak and William Dunlop amongst its former International Hill Climb, Scaysbrook made riders. his TT debut last year riding with the PRF Immediately recognisable in their Racing team and although qualifying traditional and familiar red and silver week was f raught with problems, he colours, the bikes and team are now in more than impressed with an average lap the hands of former racer Darren Gilpin speed of over 117mph. and with Scaysbrook and Rees in the fold Although unable to quite replicate for 2023, hopes are high for some strong that speed in the two, shortened performances across all of the races.

Supersport Races, he successfully Rennie Scaysbrook: “I’m really looking completed both races with solid 37th and forward to getting back to the Island.

44th place f inishes and a best lap of What started out as an idea to be a 116.048mph. journalist-turned-racer at Pikes Peak and Originally from Sydney but now the TT has certainly escalated, and it’s fair residing in the USA where he’s Road Test to say I’ve got the TT bug now! Last year Editor at Cycle News Magazine, was good for me and I’m pleased with Scaysbrook will now add the 1000cc races

how I rode and how I prepared myself, but there were issues with the bike throughout the two weeks so I feel like I’ve got some unfinished business.”

“That being said, moving up f rom Supersport to Superbike means I’ll pretty much be learning the Course again – new braking markers, new riding style, jumps in places that weren’t jumps on the 600, all that sort of stuff. But it’s exciting, and it’s pretty amazing to already be riding with a team with such a good history, and I have to say a big thanks to Davo [Johnson] for putting in a good word for me with the team!”

Darren Gilpin, Wilson Craig Racing Team Owner: “Rennie’s story is great. He’s clearly a really talented racer given his success at Pikes Peak and how well he did in his debut year despite the issues he had, and so I’m excited to see how we can help him progress this year.”

“In Matthew, we’ve got a young but experienced guy who I think we’ve yet to see the best of. I know he’s had his fair share of bike issues, particularly on the 1000cc bikes, over the years, which means we’ve not seen his true potential. We’ll be putting a great set of bikes together for him, pre-season testing has been good so far, so we’re excited to get going.”

METZELER APPOINTED OFFICIAL TYRE OF TT Metzeler tyre brand has entered into a long-term deal to be the sole Official Tyre of the Isle of Man TT Races until 2027.

The motorcycle tyre specialist have a long established history in road racing with a number of the leading TT riders already set to run Metzler tyres in 2023 including John McGuinness MBE, Dean Harrison, James Hillier, Lee Johnston, Jamie Coward and David Johnson.

The METZELER RACETEC RR tyres already used by Metzeler riders have been developed thanks to Metzeler's experience in Road Racing competitions which, as is known, do not take place on circuits but on roads which are open to the public throughout the year and where all the situations that any motorcyclist may have to face on a daily basis can be found. And it is precisely for this reason that Metzeler has chosen road racing as a testing and

development ground. Thanks to its participation in Road Racing activities, Metzeler has enriched its know-how by giving life to successful tyres, not least the sporty SPORTEC M9 RR. As part of the tyre category exclusive sponsorship, Metzeler will benefit from a prominent race service location in the race paddock. The sponsorship inventory also includes trackside branding on the Mountain Course which will deliver significant brand exposure through the TT’s extensive UK and international TV highlights broadcasts as well as through the globally accessible live coverage of every qualifying session and race delivered via the TT’s own digital platform, TT+.

Metzeler will also gain value with increased awareness through the TT’s rapidly growing digital and social media channels.

Francesco Pietrangeli, Motorcycle

Marketing Director Metzeler brand, said: “The Isle of Man TT is one of the oldest and best known motorcycle races in the world and has a unique and timeless appeal.

Metzeler tyres have been involved in Road Racing for some time and over the years has contributed to the successes of many riders by supporting them and making our RACETEC RR tyres available to them. We are very delighted with the agreement which represents the natural evolution of our commitment to Road Racing and it is also the best way to celebrate the 160th anniversary of the birth of our brand".

11

2023 EDITION

SUPERBIKE TOP 20 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12

DAVID JOHNSON

C&L FAIRBURN PROPERTIES

BY JACKSON RACING

11

CONOR CUMMINS

MILENCO BY PADGETT’S MOTORCYCLES

HONDA

HONDA

DEAN HARRISON

MICHAEL RUTTER

DAO RACING

KAWASAKI

JOHN MCGUINNESS HONDA RACING UK

HONDA

JAMIE COWARD

KTS RACING POWERED BY STEADPLAN

HONDA

JAMES HILLIER OMG RACING

YAMAHA

MICHAEL DUNLOP HAWK RACING

HONDA

JOSH BROOKES FHO RACING

BMW

DAVEY TODD

MILENCO BY PADGETT’S MOTORCYCLES

HONDA

LEE JOHNSTON ASHCOURT RACING

HONDA

PETER HICKMAN FHO RACING

BMW

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

BATHAMS RACING

HONDA

DOMINIC HERBERTSON APERO

BMW

PHILIP CROWE NIGEL APPLEYARD / AGRI WASH

BMW

NATHAN HARRISON HONDA RACING UK

HONDA

MIKE BROWNE

BURROWS ENGINEERING / RK RACING

BMW

GARY JOHNSON SMITH’S MOTORS / JR PERFORMANCE

HONDA

SHAUN ANDERSON TEAM CLASSIC SUZUKI

SUZUKI

SAM WEST STREET DINER RACING

BMW

CRAIG NEVE BATHAMS RACING

HONDA

RACING NEWS

13

2023 EDITION

SUPERSPORT TOP 20 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 14

DAVID JOHNSON

C&L FAIRBURN PROPERTIES

BY JACKSON RACING

11

CONOR CUMMINS

MILENCO BY PADGETT’S MOTORCYCLES

HONDA

HONDA

DEAN HARRISON

JOHN MCGUINNESS

BOYCE PRECISION ENGINEERING / RUSSELL RACING

YAMAHA

PAUL JORDAN PREZ RACING BY PROSPER2

YAMAHA

JAMIE COWARD

KTS RACING POWERED BY STANLEY STUART

YAMAHA

JAMES HILLIER TBC

TBC

MICHAEL DUNLOP MD RACING

YAMAHA

GARY JOHNSON JR PERFORMANCE / ASTRO VAN SUZUKI

SUZUKI

DAVEY TODD

MILENCO BY PADGETT’S MOTORCYCLES

HONDA

LEE JOHNSTON ASHCOURT RACING

YAMAHA

PETER HICKMAN K2 TROOPER TRIUMPH BY PHR

TRIUMPH

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

SMT RACING / BLUE EARTH CONSTRUCTION

HONDA

DOMINIC HERBERTSON F.W.COWTON

KAWASAKI

JAMES HIND BASS TYRE SERVICES

YAMAHA

ROB HODSON SMT / VRS RECOVERY

YAMAHA

MIKE BROWNE

BURROWS ENGINEERING / RK RACING

BMW

MICHAEL SWEENEY EM BUILDING

YAMAHA

SHAUN ANDERSON TEAM KIBOSH

HONDA

MICHAEL EVANS AGR MOTORSPORT

HONDA

CRAIG NEVE BATHAMS RACING

HONDA

RACING NEWS

15

2023 EDITION

SUPERTWIN TOP 20 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 16

DOMINIC HERBERTSON JOHN M PATERSON / CC ENGINEERING

KAWASAKI

MICHAEL RUTTER BATHAMS RACING

YAMAHA

PAUL JORDAN PREZ RACING BY PROSPER2

KAWASAKI

JAMIE COWARD

KTS RACING POWERED BY STEADPLAN

KAWASAKI

ROB HODSON SMT / KH COMMERCIALS

KAWASAKI

MICHAEL DUNLOP MD RACING

PATON

GARY JOHNSON JR PERFORMANCE / ASTRO VAN SUZUKI

SUZUKI

PIERRE-YVES BIAN VAS ENGINE

PATON

LEE JOHNSTON ASHCOURT RACING

APRILIA

PETER HICKMAN PHR PERFORMANCE

YAMAHA

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

STEFANO BONETTI

TEAM ILR / FROG RACING DEVELOPMENTS

PATON

FRANCESCO CURINGA TEAM ILR / FROG RACING DEVELOPMENTS

PATON

MICHAL DOKOUPIL ROCKNET

APRILIA

CHRIS MOORE

SILVERSTAR SERVICES / iHEAT RACING

KAWASAKI

JAMES CHAWKE CARL ROBERTS / EMMJESS RACING

KAWASAKI

MIKE BROWNE BE / RK RACING

PATON

MICHAEL SWEENEY

TEAM ILR / FROG RACING DEVELOPMENTS

PATON

XAVIER DENIS PERFORMANX RACING TEAM

KAWASAKI

MICHAEL EVANS

REA RACING DYNO CENTRE / M.E RACING

APRILIA

CRAIG NEVE BATHAMS RACING

YAMAHA

RACING NEWS

17

2023 EDITION

SIDECAR TOP 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 18

BEN BIRCHALL / TOM BIRCHALL STEADPLAN / HAGER

LCR HONDA

PETER FOUNDS / JEVAN WALMSLEY FHO MOTORSPORT

LCR HONDA

RYAN CROWE / CALLUM CROWE HAVEN HOMES

LCR HONDA

DAVE MOLYNEUX / DAN SAYLE DMR

DMR KTM

TIM REEVES / MARK WILKES BONOVO ACTION / CARL COX MOTORSPORT

LCR YAMAHA

JOHN HOLDEN / MAXIME VASSEUR BARNES RACING & CARL COX MOTORSPORT

LCR YAMAHA

ALAN FOUNDS / JAKE LOWTHER SPARTAN AUTOMOTIVE / INDELIBLE INK TATTOO

LCR YAMAHA

GARY BRYAN / PHILIP HYDE SWC GROUNDWORKS / TTS SUPPORT

BAKER HONDA

LEE CRAWFORD / TBC TEAM ARC / MARIN MOTORSPORT

LCR SUZUKI

CONRAD HARRISON/ANDREW WINKLE TOWN GARAGE, HORSFORTH

IRESON YAMAHA

RACING NEWS

19

RACING 2023 EDITION

CURRENT ISLE OF MAN TT LAP RECORDS

OUTRIGHT

TT SUPERBIKE

SUPERSPORT

PETER HICKMAN, 2018 TIME: 16:42.778 AV. SPEED: 135.452MPH

DEAN HARRISON, 2018 TIME: 16:50.384 AV. SPEED: 134.432MPH

MICHAEL DUNLOP, 2018 TIME: 17:31.328 AV. SPEED: 129.197MPH

LIGHTWEIGHT TT

SUPERSTOCK TT

MICHAEL DUNLOP, 2018 TIME: 18:26.543 AV. SPEED: 122.750MPH

PETER HICKMAN, 2018 TIME: 16:50.501 AV. SPEED: 134.403MPH

SIDECAR TT

TT ZERO

FASTEST NEWCOMER

BEN & TOM BIRCHALL, 2018 TIME: 18:59.018 AV. SPEED: 119.250MPH

MICHAEL RUTTER, 2018 TIME: 18:34.956 AV. SPEED: 121.824MPH

PETER HICKMAN, 2014 TIME: 17:32.078 AV. SPEED: 129.104MPH

20

ISLE OF MAN TT 2022 REVISITED TOTAL TT MAGAZINE TAKES A LOOK BACK TO LAST YEAR, WHEN THE ISLE OF MAN TT MADE A WELCOME RETURN AFTER A THREE YEAR ABSENCE

SATURDAY 04 JUNE 2022 : RST SUPERBIKE RACE MONDAY 06 JUNE 2022: MONSTER ENERGY SUPERSPORT RACE 1 MONDAY 06 JUNE 2022: 3WHEELING.MEDIA SIDECAR TT RACE 1 MONDAY 06 JUNE 2022: RL360 SUPERSTOCK RACE WEDNESDAY 08 JUNE 2022: BENNETTS SUPERTWIN TT RACE FRIDAY 10 JUNE 2022: MONSTER ENERGY SUPERSPORT RACE 2 FRIDAY 10 JUNE 2022: 3WHEELING.MEDIA SIDECAR TT RACE 2 SATURDAY 11 JUNE 2022: MILWAUKEE SENIOR TT RACE 13

2023 EDITION

SATURDAY HICKMAN OFF 04 JUNE

TO A FLYER

In the first race of the 2022 Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy, Peter Hickman appeared to be starting as he meant to go on as he led the six-lap RST Superbike race from start to finish on his Gas Monkey Garage by FHO Racing BMW, coming home 39.9s clear of Dean Harrison (DAO Racing Kawasaki) and Michael Dunlop (Hawk Racing) for his sixth TT victory.

With sunshine bathing the island, Hickman set the fastest lap of the race at 133.461mph but there was disappointment for several of the leading runners including the Milenco by Padgett’s Motorocycles duo of Davey Todd and Conor Cummins and Lee Johnston (Ashcourt Racing), all of whom were early retirements.

That meant it was Ian Hutchinson (Milwaukee BMW Motorrad) who came through for fourth ahead of John McGuinness MBE (Honda Racing UK) on his 100th TT race start and Jamie Coward (KTS Racing powered by Steadplan). Glenn Irwin (Honda Racing UK) finished in a brilliant eighth place and became the fastest ever newcomer with a final lap speed of 129.849mph.

Moved back 15 minutes for a 12.15pm start, Hickman led through Glen Helen on the opening lap with Todd 0.6s adrift and Harrison a further 0.3s in arrears. Cummins was in fourth, 1.2s behind Harrison, with Dunlop and James Hillier (RICH Energy OMG Racing Yamaha) completing the top six.

By Ballaugh, Hickman had pulled 3.1s clear of Todd but he had Harrison and Cummins for close company, just 1.5s covering the trio, Dunlop and Hillier were still in fifth and sixth but some eight and 11 seconds behind the pace setting Hickman.

The BMW rider continued to build on his lead and with an opening lap of 133.17mph, he’d soared 9.3s clear of Harrison and it was now Cummins in third, just under half a second clear of Todd.

Dunlop was in fifth and it was now Johnston in sixth, the last rider to lap in excess of 130mph.

None of them could do anything about Hickman who was stretching his advantage at each and every timing sector. Indeed, with a lap of 133.461mph, he arrived at the pits for his first pit stop

22

at the end of lap two with a lead of 16.8s over Harrison.

Dunlop was third though as Cummins was out having stopped just after the Creg and fourth to sixth was now occupied by Johnston, Hillier and Coward. Irwin had moved up to ninth after lapping at 128.32mph but Johnston didn’t get much further as he retired at Quarter Bridge at the start of lap three. In what was proving to be a race of attrition, there were further retirements from Gary Johnson, Phil Crowe, Sam West, Brian McCormack and Derek Sheils.

At half race distance, Hickman was up to second on the road having overtaken Dunlop at Windy Corner and his lead over Harrison had moved out again to 22.8s. Dunlop was a further 18.5s back and McGuinness was up to fourth albeit only three quarters of a second ahead of Hutchinson. Hillier was still holding onto sixth from Coward, Irwin, Shaun Anderson and Michael Rutter.

Just outside the top ten were Dominic Herbertson, local rider Nathan Harrison, Rob Hodson, Craig Neve and Paul Jordan all of whom were having strong rides.

At the sharp end, and with a comfortable advantage, Hickman was controlling his lead, extending it to more than half a minute with two laps to go, but Dunlop tracked him for the entire fourth lap and that helped him cut the gap to Harrison from 18s down to just 6s. The battle for fourth was still wide open too with only 13s separating McGuinness, Hutchinson, Coward and Hillier. Irwin continued to hold on to eighth after another new personal best of 128.49mph.

There was to be no late drama for Hickman and, after two more trouble free laps he duly took the chequered flag by almost 40s whilst Harrison responded to Dunlop’s threat to get the better of the Ulsterman by more than 17 seconds.

The race for fourth went the way of Hutchinson from McGuinness and Coward with Hillier, Irwin, Anderson and Michael Rutter completing the top ten. Herbertson took 11th with Nathan Harrison finishing in a fine 12th in his first TT race, lapping at more than 127mph on his final lap.

RACING MONDAY 20 UP FOR DUNLOP 06 JUNE

8 IN A ROW FOR BEN AND TOM

Michael Dunlop claimed his 20th win at the Isle of Man TT Races on Monday morning with a new lap record of 129.475mph enabling him to get the better of Dean Harrison in the Monster Energy Supersport Race 1.

Peter Hickman (K2 Trooper Beer by PHR Peformance) got the verdict for third after a close battle with Lee Johnston (Ashcourt Racing Yamaha) and James Hillier (RICH Energy OMG Racing Yamaha).

Through Glen Helen on the opening lap, nine miles into the course, and it was Dunlop who led Johnston by half a second with Harrison just a tenth of a second further back. Hickman slotted into fourth, 0.7 seconds behind Harrison, and it was Hillier and Conor Cummins (Milenco by Padgett’s Motorcycles) who rounded out the early top six as less than ten seconds covered the top ten.

All riders made their mandatory pit stop at the end of the opening lap and, at the Grandstand, Dunlop’s lead was 3.2 seconds.

Johnston was only 1.5 seconds behind Harrison and he, in turn, had eked out a gap of 2.1 seconds over Hickman. Hillier and Cummins were still in fifth and sixth with Coward giving chase in seventh.

Lap two and Harrison was doing all he could and at Ballaugh, he’d managed to reduce Dunlop’s advantage to less than a second but Dunlop responded and added another half second to his lead as he rounded Ramsey Hairpin for the second time. They were more than 11 seconds clear of third which was now occupied by Hillier with the Yamaha man having overhauled Hickman to the tune of 1.2 seconds.

As they started their third and final lap the gap between the leading pair was only 1.2 seconds. The battle for third was even tighter with just a tenth of a second between Hillier and Hickman!

Johnston and Cummins were holding onto fifth and sixth but Coward was closing in and was only 2.8 seconds adrift.

The race was now essentially a one-lap shootout and at Glen Helen it was down to a minuscule 0.14s, Dunlop continuing to hold sway – Hickman was back up to third though, having turned his deficit to Hillier into a 2.4 seconds advantage.

All eyes were on Dunlop and Harrison and a final lap speed of 129.475mph, a new lap record, enabled Michael Dunlop to get the win by 5.6s, and it was Hickman who prevailed for the final podium position, 3.5 seconds ahead of Johnston with Hillier having to settle for fifth. Coward got the better of Cummins for sixth to continue his good start to this year’s TT and it was Cummins, Dominic Herbertston and Ian Hutchinson who completed the top ten.

Ben and Tom Birchall lived up to expectations and led the opening 3wheeling.media Sidecar TT race from start to finish, the Haith Honda duo lapping at 119.22mph, just a fraction outside their own lap record, to win their 11th TT and eighth in a row.

The battle for second went all the way to the chequered flag though and it was the Manx pairing of Ryan and Callum Crowe (Haven Homes) who secured second place, in just their second TT race, from Pete Founds/Jevan Walmsley (FHO Racing) by the tiny margin of 0.11 seconds, both lapped in excess of 118mph on their final lap.

Nine miles into the race at Glen Helen on lap one, it was as predicted and the Birchalls were leading the way but their advantage over the Crowes was only 2.39 seconds with Founds/Walmsley only another 1.8 seconds further back. Dave Molyneux/Daryl Gibson (DMR) were running in fourth place ahead of Gary Bryan/Phil Hyde and Lewis Blackstock/Patrick Rosney.

The Birchalls flashed across the line having lapped at 117.90mph on their opening lap and although both the Crowes and Founds/Walmsley set new personal best laps of 117.12mph and 116.96mph respectively, they’d slipped to 7.7 seconds and 9.3 seconds behind the Birchalls. However, with just 1.54 seconds between second and third, the battle was on.

On the second and final lap, the Birchalls really put the hammer down and by Glen Helen, they’d added another four seconds to the lead but there was still only 1.8 seconds between the Crowes and Founds/Walmsley. Molyneux/Gibson were holding onto fourth and 11.9 seconds clear of fifth which was now occupied by the flying Crawford/Hardie having overhauled Bryan/Hyde.

A lot of attention continued to fall on the battle for second for the remainder of the lap but there was to be no stopping the Birchalls and a lap of 119.22mph, just outside their own lap record, gave them their 11th TT victory by 14 seconds.

A superb lap of 118.72mph saw Founds/Walmsley become the second fastest sidecar crew in TT history but the Crowes lap of 118.57mph – almost 2mph quicker than Dad Nick’s lap – meant they held onto second place – albeit by just 0.1 second!

Molyneux/Gibson brought their 890cc KTM home in a good fourth place but with Crawford/Hardie going out at Ballacobb on the final lap, Bryan/Hyde and Harrison/Winkle came through for fifth and sixth. Gary Gibson/Tom Christie, Roger Stockton/Bradley Stockton, Gordon Shand/Frank Claeys and Bruce Moore/Ashley Moore completed the top ten.

23

2023 EDITION

MONDAY 06 JUNE

WEDNESDAY 08 JUNE

Peter Hickman claimed his second win of the 2022 Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy, with another start to finish victory, this time in the RL360 Superstock Race.

The Gas Monkey Garage by FHO Racing BMW rider put in another imperious performance around the Mountain Course to take his seventh TT victory. The Milenco by Padgett’s Motorcycles duo of Conor Cummins and Davey Todd took second and third with Manxman Cummins setting a new personal best of 133.116mph, the fastest lap of the race.

Pushed back to a 6.35pm start and cut to three laps, with a mandatory pit stop to be taken after the first lap, Hickman’s opening lap speed was a superb 132.217mph and that enabled him to stretch his lead out to an ominous looking 12.7 seconds. Todd’s lap of 130.592mph kept him in second and it was now fellow teammate Cummins in third, 3 seconds behind, with Johnston just 0.099 seconds adrift in fourth. Harrison and Dunlop slipped back to fifth and sixth.

Hickman began to edge away further and as he started his third lap, he’d stretched his lead to 15.9 seconds. Todd had also edged away from the rider in third place but it was now Cummins, the local rider having again overhauled Harrison. Johnston and Dunlop remained in fifth and sixth.

Harrison, leading on the road, was the first through Glen Helen on lap three but Johnston didn’t get there with his strong ride ending in retirement a few miles back at Glen Vine. Meanwhile, Hickman was looking good up front with a 16.5 second lead but the same couldn’t be said for Todd who now had Cummins less than a second behind him. Harrison was still fourth with Dunlop and Coward promoted up the order after Johnston’s demise.

Hickman wasn’t going to be denied another win though and a final lap of 132.274mph gave him victory over Cummins by 12.7 seconds. But a final lap of 133.116mph was a new personal best for the latter and his first ever over the 133mph mark.

Todd claimed his first podium in third with Dunlop, Harrison and Coward following him home, Coward taking his third consecutive sixth place finish of the 2022 TT. Hutchinson, Herbertson, McGuinness and Phil Crowe completed the top ten.

Peter Hickman won a third win of the week and his eighth in total, after taking victory in Bennetts Supertwin TT Race, his first ever victory in the class.

Riding the VAS Engine Racing Paton, Hickman had been locked into battle with the similarly mounted Michael Dunlop for the first two laps but when the Ulsterman went out a third of the way into the final lap, he had a clear run to the end eventually winning comfortably from Lee Johnston (Ashcourt Racing) with Paul Jordan (PreZ Racing by Prosper2) taking his first ever TT podium in third.

Dunlop edged ahead at the Bungalow by just 0.08 seconds and an opening lap of 120.303mph meant he led Hickman by 0.6 seconds as the riders made their mandatory pit stop at the end of lap one. Coward was now 13.7 seconds further back in third with Johnston having overhauled Hind for fourth and Bian holding station in a good sixth. Jordan, Rob Hodson, Michael Rutter and Stefano Bonetti occupied seventh to tenth.

As lap two progressed, there remained nothing between Hickman and Dunlop and the latter led at Ballaugh by the tiny margin of 0.04 seconds, a gap that had stretched at Ramsey Hairpin but only up to 0.8 seconds. That was halved when both riders crossed the tramlines at the Bungalow for the second time.

However, Coward was out with the Kawasaki having expired just after the 11th Milestone and that promoted Johnston into third and the final podium position.

Drama soon came on the third and final lap with Dunlop slowing through Laurel Bank and Hickman’s lead at Glen Helen now a whopping 57 seconds, the Englishman having overtaken his rival on the road. Johnston and Bian were still in third and fourth but now had Dunlop firmly in their sights, on time at least.

Dunlop was then reported to have stopped to make adjustments only to be black flagged and whilst Hickman had a huge lead over Johnston, third place was still anyone’s with just a handful of seconds covering Bian, Jordan, Hind, Hodson and Rutter.

Hickman had no issues going up and down the Mountain for the final time and, with the fastest lap of the race, 121.293mph, cruised to the chequered flag 1 minute 49 seconds clear of Johnston. A delighted Jordan took the third position from Ramsey.

Fourth was still a superb result for Bian in his first TT and Rutter and Hodson followed him home with Hind, Dominic Herbertson, Michael Evans and Xavier Denis completing the top ten.

2 FROM 2 FOR . . . AND AGAIN HICKMAN . . .

24

RACING FRIDAY 10 JUNE

Michael Dunlop became the most successful 600cc rider ever at the Isle of Man TT as he claimed his ninth supersport win in the Monster Energy Supersport TT Race 2, his 21st TT win.

Riding the MD Racing Yamaha, Dunlop was locked in battle all race, again, with Peter Hickman (K2 Trooper Beer by PHR Performance) but edged away on the second and final lap to eventually take the win by 3.2 seconds, whilst Dean Harrison (DAO Racing Kawasaki) finished in third.

With a few damp patches around the course and windy conditions all round, an opening lap of 126.655mph gave Dunlop a lead over Hickman by 0.57 seconds with Harrison 9.9 seconds further back in third. Todd was fourth, just a tenth of a second ahead of Coward and with Johnston retiring at the pits, Cummins slotted into sixth place.

Sweeping round Glen Helen on lap two and with less than thirty miles to go, Dunlop had extended his lead to 1.8 seconds as Hickman continued to work his way through traffic. Harrison was

THE MOST SUCCESSFUL 600CC TT RIDER EVER

9.5 seconds adrift in third and, in turn, was 13.4 seconds clear of Todd who’d added another second to his advantage over Coward.

Cummins continued to circulate in sixth with Hillier, Herbertson, Browne and James Hind now the running order behind.

Back at the front, as the riders leapt Ballaugh Bridge, Hickman pegged the gap back to 1.3 seconds with both riders on lap record pace, the duo repeating their battle of the Supertwin race from two days earlier. It looked to be a two-horse race with Harrison almost 11 seconds behind in third. Todd had also strengthened his hold on fourth with the gap to Coward up to two seconds.

At the Bungalow, Dunlop had increased his lead further to 2.7 seconds and with the fastest lap of the race, 128.536mph, he took the win from Hickman by 3.2 seconds as Harrison duly completed the race in third, the position he’d held all race.

Todd maintained fourth place to the end, his eventual margin over Coward 6.4 seconds, with Cummins in sixth ahead of Hillier, Herbertson, Browne and Paul Jordan.

FRIDAY BIRCHALLS WIN AGAIN 10 JUNE Tragedy struck at Ago’s Leap which resulted in a shortened 3wheeling.media Sidecar TT race 2.

The result was declared at the end of lap one with the Haith Honda duo Tom and Ben Birchall taking their 12th TT win in total, 2.3 seconds ahead of Peter Founds/Jevan Walmsley (FHO Racing).

Manx pairing Ryan and Callum Crowe (Haven Homes) finished third, a further 2.6 seconds behind after a thrilling opening lap between the leading three crews.

As the outfits rounded the left-hand sweep of Glen Helen on the opening lap, it was the Birchalls, as expected, who led but the gap to second was perhaps a bit of a surprise as their advantage was only 0.7 seconds over Founds/Walmsley. The Crowes were only a further second back and it already looked like the same three crews as the opening race on Monday would dispute the podium positions.

The crews headed towards St Ninian’s crossroads and Bray Hill

for the second and final time, but a red flag came out shortly afterwards due to the incident at Ago’s Leap which tragically cost the lives of father and son sidecar riders Roger and Bradley Stockton. and the result was declared after the first lap.

25

2023 EDITION

SATURDAY HICKMAN WINS 11 JUNE

2022 MILWAUKEE SENIOR TT

Peter Hickman became just the fourth rider to win four races in a week at the Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy, when he took victory in the Milwaukee Senior TT Race.

It was Hickman’s second Senior TT win and ninth in total.

The Gas Monkey Garage by FHO Racing rider led from start to finish with his eventual winning margin of 16.918s over Dean Harrison (DAO Racing Kawasaki). Conor Cummins took third place by 2.8s after a race long battle with his Milenco by Padgett's Motorcycles teammate Davey Todd.

With conditions similar to the Supersport race the day before, the strong winds over the Mountain continuing, Harrison led at the first timing point at Glen Helen, his lead over Hickman just half a second. Todd was eight tenths of a second further back with teammate Cummins just half a second in arrears. Michael Dunlop (Hawk Racing) and Ian Hutchinson (Milwaukee BMW Motorrad) slotted into fifth and sixth.

Hickman built on his lead up and down the Mountain and with an opening lap of 132.381mph he now led Harrison by an ominous looking 8.3s. Cummins was exactly five seconds adrift in third and was now almost three seconds ahead of Todd. Dunlop was still in fifth but it was now Dominic Herbertson (Gilbert Brown & Son) in sixth ahead of James Hillier (RICH Energy OMG Racing).

Just like the opening lap, Hickman built on his lead through each sector on lap two, a lap of 132.627mph, the fastest of the race.

Hickman’s lead sat at 14.6s as he made his first pit stop. Harrison was 13.5s ahead of Cummins who only had a 1s gap to Todd, whilst Dunlop and Hillier still sat in fifth and sixth although the latter lost time when he overshot his pit box. The running order behind was now Herbertson, Hutchinson, Coward and John McGuinness MBE, the latter just ahead of the impressive Mike Browne.

McGuinness was then hit with a 30s penalty for exceeding the pit lane speed limit but that was of little concern to Hickman who, as a result of having a slightly slower pit stop than Harrison, was 10.4s clear rounding the left hander at Glen Helen on lap three.

Harrison was suffering with a holed windscreen, the legacy of having hit a bird, whilst Todd had moved ahead of Cummins albeit by just 0.3s.

At the end of lap three, half race distance, Hickman had extended his lead considerably to 18.6s and although Harrison was comfortably in second, the battle for third was continuing to rage.

Coming into the pits for the second stop at the end of lap four and Hickman was controlling his advantage over Harrison, the margin 19.3s with two laps remaining. The battle for third was going in the favour of Cummins with the Manxman having pulling out a gap of 2.7s. Fifth to ninth remained the same, however Glenn Irwin (Honda Racing UK) had moved into tenth at the expense of Neve, the fastest newcomer’s first Senior TT came to an end as he was forced to retire at the pits, but he had already done enough to win the TT Newcomers Trophy.

Once again, Hickman’s lead was cut after the pit stop but the 35-year old had everything under control and with no issues over

26

the final two laps, he duly took the chequered flag by 16.918s. In the fight for third, Todd had brought the gap to Cummins down to half a second at Ramsey last time around but it was Cummins who had the better run over the Mountain to take the final podium position by 2.8s.

Dunlop and Hillier completed the top six with Hutchinson, Coward, McGuinness and Nathan Harrison completing the top ten, the latter having another brilliant ride with a final lap of 128.087mph, meanwhile having previously been a top ten contender, Dominic Herbertson unfortunately came off at Glen Helen.

The result meant Hickman won the Joey Dunlop TT Championship with 111 points, 22 ahead of Harrison (89) and Dunlop (88). In the race for the TT Privateers Championship, it was Coward who prevailed with a maximum 125 points with Kawasaki claiming the TT Manufacturers Trophy and DAO Racing Kawasaki taking the Team Award.

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2023 EDITION

ROLLING BACK FORWARD THE CLOCK WAIT, DON’T TURN THE PAGE. THIS ISN’T A LOOK AHEAD TO THE ISLE OF MAN’S MANX GRAND PRIX IN AUGUST, AN EVENT WHERE TEAM CLASSIC SUZUKI HAS ENJOYED SUCCESS AND EXHIBITED A NUMBER OF ICONIC RACE BIKES, INCLUDING XR69S, RG500S, ITS KATANA, AND MOST RECENTLY, A STUNNING GSX-R750 SRAD. NO, THIS YEAR TEAM CLASSIC SUZUKI IS ROLLING FORWARD THE CLOCK AND WILL FIELD SHAUN ANDERSON ON SUPERBIKE AND SUPERSTOCK-SPEC GSX-R1000R MACHINERY.

D

espite the word ‘classic’ in the team name, 2023 won’t be Team Classic Suzuki’s first showing at the Isle of Man TT races. But, while accustomed to chasing success in classic superbike and endurances around the world - Michael Dunlop has won F1 races at the Classic TT for the team, and John Reynolds has helped steer them to victory on the European Classic Endurance scene - helping privateer riders at the TT has also formed part of the team’s plans in recent years.

This year Shaun Anderson will sport Team Classic Suzuki colours. He’s no stranger to the Isle of Man - or GSX-R machinery.

He’s lapped at over 128mph on his own privately-prepared GSX-

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R1000 in the past, and last year he raced for the official Suzuki entry, operated by the experienced Hawk Racing outfit.

With Hawk switching to Honda power for 2023, Anderson found a home with Team Classic Suzuki, allowing him to continue his relationship with the familiar GSX-R, something he thinks is important at an event like the TT. “Experience around the Isle of Man is key,” Anderson explains.

“If you look at the guys right at the front, they are not jumping around and changing bikes and teams from year-to-year. You want a bike that you know and is predictable, so staying on the GSX-R is a massive advantage for me.

RACING

‘‘

UNDERSTANDING THE SUPERBIKE, GETTING EXPERIENCE WITH A FACTORY TEAM, HOW TO APPROACH THE EVENT AND WORK INSIDE A TEAM STRUCTURE WILL ONLY BE BENEFICIAL TO ME FOR THIS YEAR

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2023 EDITION

. . . ROLLING BACK FORWARD THE CLOCK “You do see some competitors jump about to different manufacturers, trying to find an advantage, but in doing so they are losing all those years of experience. We know, without turning a wheel, that we have a package that is capable of putting us in the top-10, and you never know what sort of practice week you’ll get, with weather issues and potentially limited track time.”

At last year’s TT Anderson finished ninth in the superbike race, his first outing on a ‘full’ superbike, by his own admission, having previously raced a superstock bike with modest upgrades in the superbike class, before.

“Last year was a huge step up for me, with Hawk,” Anderson continues. “Understanding the superbike, getting experience with a factory team, how to approach the event and work inside a team structure, and that will only be beneficial to me now, having that under my belt for this year.”

With all that experience, and the learnings from last year, Anderson in confident he and the team can put on a strong showing this year.

“Coming back with effectively the same bikes gives me a second bite at the cherry. I was strong on the stock bike because I had a lot of experience on it, both with my own personal bike from past years, and the testing that I had done with Hawk.

“The superbike was a step into the unknown, and with less testing than was ideal, I struggled a little to get the best out of the package. The team worked wonders for me but I know there is still more to come from it and me. So, now with a full TT behind me, spending some time on the Powerslide Motorcycles superbike at the Race of the Year, and being able to log some more seat time in testing with Team Classic Suzuki, I think we will be able to give an even better showing this year.

“We also have some small technical updates and changes that, as I have got to know the bike, I think will work for us. The Suzuki GSX-R is still a very strong package and I think it is a little overlooked, but if you see what it is capable of in the Endurance World Championship and Japanese Superbikes, we know that it can still compete right at the front.”

With that in mind, the Northern Irishman must be setting himself targets for this year’s event?

“I mean the first goal is always to have a safe TT,”, we managed to achieve a top-10 last year, so I am hoping that we will be able to push further into the top-10, and the personal goal for me has always been to crack the 130mph lap. I have it in my ideal sectors, but I need to do it when it really counts. The whole event was a little slower in terms of lap speeds, but I am sure now that we are back in the groove, after the two-year break, the speeds will be back up to record pace.”

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While Anderson’s job is to ride the bike, it is Steve Wheatman Team Classic Suzuki owner - and experienced chief mechanic, Nathan Colombi, that put the bike on the startline.

And it’s clear, after talking to them, that a return to the TT this year wasn’t high on the priority list, with several other commitments in the calendar this year, including a full season of classic endurance racing in Europe.

“We had no real plans to go back to the TT this year,” Wheatman reflects. “We’re really busy with other classic events and racing commitments, but we had spent some time with Shaun last year, at both the TT and the Manx, and when we learned he was struggling for a ride this year we offered him the two ex-Hawk bikes we used at the TT last year.”

While the plans came about fairly last minute, they still know what they as a team and Shaun as a rider are capable of.

“For Shaun, it makes a lot of sense, sticking with Suzuki machinery, given his familiarity with the GSX-R. “He’s also one of the quickest of the truly independent TT riders and he’s knocking on the door of 130mph lap times as well as top10 finishes. Our aim is to try and assist him and help him to move closer to those goals.”

In his corner on the Isle of Man will be experienced crew chief Nathan Colombi, who has built a number of race-winning motorcycles in his time.

“Two weeks after agreeing the deal with Shaun we were in Spain testing,” he remarks. “We’ve got a couple of the old Hawk TT bikes, and while they are an incredibly experienced and professional team, Shaun probably lacked a little bit of saddle time last year, so it was important for us to remedy that.

“I think his approach to the TT is very positive and giving him a bike he is happy and familiar with will allow him to really prove his potential. If we can help him achieve his personal goal of a 130mph lap then that will be a major accomplishment, but at the end of the day, as long as everyone enjoys themselves and comes home safely, then that’s the main thing.”

Probably the most important question for Anderson, however, is: do you think there’ll be a chance to get a run-out on any of the team’s iconic classic bikes at any point?

“Steve and Nathan have been ever so kind to me and I am very thankful for the bikes I have. I mean, not too many people get to ride an ex-factory superbike, but every time I am in the workshop I can't help but have a wandering eye, especially towards some of the exotic 500s.

“I hope that I can repay the team's faith in me with a great result at the TT, and then we can have a beer after the Senior and I can slip it into the conversation! If I was to get the chance, the harder question would be which one I would choose!”

SCAN CODE

2023 EDITION

Q&A

PETER HICKMAN TOTAL TT MAGAZINE ASKS KEY RACING QUESTIONS AND FRIVOLOUS NONSENSE ONES TO TT FAN FAVOURITE AND OUTRIGHT LAP RECORD HOLDER, PETER HICKMAN. Is the IOM TT the what you look forward the most in the racing calendar and if so why?

Yes and No. The Isle of Man TT is obviously a massive part of my calendar, however, I like racing and I like racing bikes and it doesn’t really matter where I race the bikes, so whether that be BSB, NW200, Isle of Man, Ulster GP, Macau, World Superbike, I just like racing bikes.

Obviously, the TT is the biggest event that I go to in the year, so I do look forward to it.

‘‘

has the tendency to fracture, whereas in BSB it EVERYONE matter so much as they are being taken TALKS ABOUT doesn’t in and out more often. But apart from a couple THE RECORD A of little bits, the bikes are pretty much identical.

LOT, TO BE HONEST FROM You’ve been quoted saying there is nowhere A RIDER’S in the world like the Isle of Man TT. How is it POINT OF VIEW, IT’S A so special?

It’s special for so many reasons, for starters it’s NICE CHERRY ON THE a beautiful island, second, the TT course is nearly CAKE TO HAVE, 38 miles which is just unreal with 260 corners or HOWEVER, I AM MORE something like that, every type of corner you can BOTHERED ABOUT ever think of, is just different, the fact we can only RACE WINS

How does your personal preparation from BSB differ from the TT? It honestly doesn’t really, I prepare for the year in general and for riding, so it doesn’t really change between BSB and TT, as long as I am fit and sharp. BSB keeps me very fit and sharp, whereas the TT is more about the course than anything else, so preparation is basically the same.

go race there once a year, I know there is the Manx, but there is only one TT a year so you have to wait 50 weeks to go and have another go. You can’t go practise there like I can at Donington or Silverstone whenever I want, you can’t do that at the TT. It’s a two-week event and there aren’t many places you can go and race for two weeks, Dakar is the only other place that’s similar for that sort of thing.

Is you bike set-up different for the TT compared to BSB and, if so, how?

Not particularly really, no. Many times I’ve raced my BSB bike at the TT, maybe a spring rate softer maybe but not always. The gearing is slightly different as we do a higher speed, so we have to change the gearing but apart from that the bikes are set up pretty much identical.

The only thing the team do more for road racing is belt and braces, with things like bolts, and more lock wire in places.

For example, we won’t use titanium bolts at the TT because it

When you practice for the first time on the Island each year, do you notice anything different on the course or does it all come back quickly?

There are always differences, whether it’s new tarmac, whether a tree has been taken down or a fence, there are lots of generally visual things that can change year to year. It doesn’t really make any difference, even from the tarmac point of view they smooth some places out it doesn’t necessarily bring more speed, it just means it’s more comfortable or less comfortable it doesn’t make a difference from a speed point of view, so yes always changes.

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RACING

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2023 EDITION

‘‘

IYou’re the outright lap record holder. Can you beat it? Is that a challenge to you personally or a record for someone else to try and beat?

Everyone talks about the record a lot, to be honest from a rider’s point of view, it’s a nice cherry on the cake to have, however, I am more bothered about race wins, so yes it’s nice to be the outright lap record holder and the only person to do 135, but that is not the goal I go to out to try and beat, I win the race at the slowest possible pace if I can win the race at 100mph average, then I will win the race at that. The faster you go the more risk there is and its all about limiting that risk. So no it’s not something I go out to try and break, the lap record happens IF it needs to happen to win the race and to beat an opponent who’s really close.

like interviews or events or appearances, that

I HOPE YOU sort of thing, TV, Films, Pod Casts, radio, you name it, sponsor places, there is loads that HAVE A goes on, I do get some time to try and chill, FANTASTIC probably not as much as I like, but I do as TWO WEEKS ON THE ISLE OF much as I can.

MAN TT, MAKE the TT gets bigger each year, with TV SURE YOU SOAK IT IN, As coverage and live streaming taking the TT IF YOU WANT A to a more global stage, has this changed RECOMMENDATION OF your life day to day in terms of WHERE TO GO AND recognition, media profile, project offers WATCH, GO TO GORSE etc.?

LEA, 7 MILES IN OR A little bit yes, as the TT is getting bigger HILLBERRY OR BOTH! and bigger and also since I started winning at

You had an awesome TT in 2022, but do you feel your machines have been improved further since last year for you to continue where you left off?

Yes absolutely, the 2023 M 1000 RR is a good step forward for us already, we have found that in BSB, and we are really happy with what we have got. The bike is stronger and I feel like I am riding faster than I have ever ridden before, I think we are in a much better place now than we were last year and I am looking forward to getting back over to the TT and see what we can do.

the TT even, so back in 2018, I am more recognised because of my TT results and a rider that races at the TT. The TT is a global event and global brand, unlike anything else that I have done.

More people know about the Isle of Man TT than anything else, so even if they aren’t into racing or Motorcycle racing, they have at least heard of the Isle of Man TT and that pretty much goes globally because of that there are more people that maybe know who I am.

I sometimes get recognised in a supermarket or something, or in the street every now and then, not loads, I am not a like a footballer which is quite nice to be fair, I can’t imagine actually being properly famous that would do your head in. So yes, it has become more and more, especially as TT is more well known.

The atmosphere at the IOM TT is like nothing else on earth, both on and off race days. Do you get the chance to take it all in, kick back and have fun between races and race days?

Sometimes, yes, it’s a little bit difficult, there is a lot going on, I have lots of other commitments I have to do in between races,

One final message to your Isle of Man TT fans reading this ’Total TT’ magazine?

I hope you have a fantastic two weeks on the Isle of Man TT, make sure you soak it in, if you want a recommendation of where to go and watch, go to Gorse Lea, 7 miles in or Hillberry or both!

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RACING

PETER HICKMAN TALE OF THE TAPE

HICKY QUICKY TOP

2014 SUPERBIKE TT Position: 14 Av. speed 122.402

2018 SUPERSTOCK TT Position: 1 Av. speed 131.553

2014 SUPERSTOCK TT Position: 8 Av. speed 123.67

2018 SUPERSPORT TT 2 Position: 2 Av. speed 126.154

2014 SENIOR TT Position: 11 Av. speed 125.38

2018 SENIOR TT Position: 1 Av. speed 131.7

2015 SUPERBIKE TT Position: 8 Av. speed 124.608

2019 SUPERBIKE TT Position: 1 Av. speed 132.644

2015 SUPERSPORT TT 1 Position: 21 Av. speed 117.942

2019 SUPERSPORT TT 1 Position: 3 Av. speed 126.158

2015 SUPERSTOCK TT Position: 5 Av. speed 127.825

2019 SUPERSTOCK TT Position: 1 Av. speed 130.488

2015 SUPERSPORT TT 2 Position: 11 Av. speed 122.984

2019 SUPERSPORT TT 2 Position: 1 Av. speed 127.671

2015 SENIOR TT Position: 7 Av. speed 129.058

2019 LIGHTWEIGHT TT Position: 8 Av. speed 119.004

2016 SUPERBIKE TT 2016 Position: 4 Av. speed 128.444

2019 SENIOR TT Position: 2 Av. speed 129.719

2016 SUPERSPORT TT 2 Position: 8 Av. speed 123.64

2022 SUPERTWIN TT Position: 1 Av. speed 120.006

2016 SUPERBIKE TT 2017 Position: 2 Av. speed 128.068

2022 SUPERBIKE TT Position: 1 Av. speed 130.634

2017 SUPERSPORT TT 1 Position: 3 Av. speed 123.631

2022 SUPERSPORT TT 1 Position: 3 Av. speed 125.495

2017 SUPERSTOCK TT Position: 2 Av. speed 128.696

2022 SUPERSPORT TT 2 Position: 2 Av. speed 127.391

2017 LIGHTWEIGHT TT Position: 3 Av. speed 117.381

2022 SUPERSTOCK TT Position: 1 Av. speed 130.552

FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION? Thailand

2017 SENIOR TT Position: 2 Av. speed 130.04

2022 SENIOR TT Position: 1 Av. speed 129.432

FAVOURITE QUIZ SHOW? Never watch

2018 SUPERSPORT TT 1 Position: 3 Av. speed 125.72

10

FAVOURITE MOVIE? Action or Comedy FAVOURITE TV? I don’t watch it.

I don’t have the time!

FAVOURITE FOOD? Chinese food FAVOURITE FOOTBALL TEAM? I don’t watch football, but I supported Manchester United as a kid FAVOURITE COMEDIAN? Jim Jefferies FAVOURITE SUPERHERO? Superman FAVOURITE CAR? La Ferrari, the last of the V12 engines FAVOURITE MOVIE STAR? Mark Wahlberg

FAVOURITE NIGHT OUT? London!

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2023 EDITION

Q&A

JAMES HILLIER

As such a regular in the top six since your TT debut in 2008, do you get the same buzz as when you first took part?

Yes and no. Maybe less nerves now but there is a degree of pressure when riding at the level I’m at. I do sometimes miss those early years, I’d say it was a little more enjoyable then. Also recently the demand off track has become much bigger with all the commercial side but part of the job I suppose.

What technological changes to the machine you ride are having a positive effect on your performance?

To be honest we keep the bike a simple as we can. Less to go wrong and less rabbit holes to get lost in with set up.

As someone used to travelling up to 200mph, how to you completely relax in your downtime?

Racing at high speeds just a couple of times a year is enough for me. Away from racing my life is total opposite, not sure what I will do when racing stops though, will certainly need something to fill that hole.

Your PB is an amazing 132.414mph lap. What did that feel like?

Not too bad, I’ve done laps that felt a lot quicker but actually weren’t and that’s TT. You can force a lap time here. When your in the right place and bikes working well the times come nicely.

The atmosphere at the TT is always something special. Is this a help or a hindrance to the concentration levels you need?

I think it helps, most of the time anyway. There are no races in the world where you can get as up and close to the action, mostly people respect the riders and can see if a good time or not to approach you.

Lastly, as the only TT rider in history to complete the Dakar Rally, was this just a bucket list race, or would you consider doing it again?

Still making my mind up. It cost a lot of money and time to prepare everything. I think I will do it again if I can source the funds. Try and enjoy it abit more next time as will have abit more of an idea what I’m doing.

36

RACING

THE ONLY TT RIDER IN HISTORY TO COMPLETE THE DAKAR RALLY

Follow James’ Youtube Vlog during this year’s Isle of Man TT Facebook.com/Hillier37 @Jimbohillier37 @jameshillier37

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2023 EDITION

38

RACING

& Q A ‘‘ I’M ENJOYING WORKING WITH NATHAN AND WORKING WITH THE BEST TEAM IN THE PADDOCK, SO BRING IT ON

IT REALLY IS UNBELIEVABLE THAT THERE ARE ALL OF THOSE NAMES OF HONDA RIDERS AND NOW MY NAME IS ON THAT LIST

TOTAL TT MAGAZINE SITS DOWN WITH HONDA RACING LEGEND JOHN McGUINNESS MBE AND NEWLY APPOINTED TEAM MATE, MANXMAN NATHAN HARRISON. WHAT CAN THE MOST EXPERIENCED RIDER OF THE MOUNTAIN COURSE IMPART TO HIS YOUNG RACING PARTNER AS THIS DUO PREEPARES TO TAKE ON THE ULTIMTE TEST OF MOTOR RACING SKILL? LET’S FIND OUT . . .

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2023 EDITION

Q&A

John, we will start with you. 50 years old, riding a factory Honda, over 100 TT starts, an MBE. Impressive credentials. But despite that people are mentioning the retirement word - have you ever considered calling it a day before now?

No. I still really enjoy riding the bikes, the testing and the racing. I get excited when the delivery driver is bringing my new suit or when my helmet is coming through the post. I still get the opportunity to ride the bike stood behind me here and as long as I am still holding my own and doing ok and ticking boxes and enjoying it then why not. I’m going to carry on for as long as I can.

We went to Silverstone and there were 40 on the grid and I finished 20th! Which I know when you look at 20th as a result on a piece of paper you think ‘that’s a load of shite.’ But to be honest, I actually wasn’t going too bad, faster than I’ve ever gone before and that’s all you can do, go faster than before. It was great on the grid, there was Jamie Coward, there was Connor Cummins, Nathan, Michael Dunlop, James Hillier, it was a complete three or four rows of TT riders! Everybody is sticking the work in and putting the effort in, doing the training, getting testing and that’s what you’ve got to do, the pace is so hot and so hard and these bikes are so difficult to ride. So you know, I’m putting in the hard yards.

back to it though, having a teammate like John must be just mind-blowing?

Obviously last year I was running in a family run privateer team and I put loads of effort into it. My Mum and Dad do everything they can for me to get me the best bike possible. I’ve got some great sponsors and a great team and it's all due to that teamwork to get to this point. To get here within a year at 24 years old in the factory team with the factory bike with John McGuinness as my teammate. Like you say, he’s brilliant to be fair, all through testing I’m asking a million and one questions like I did when I was a kid asking for signatures and posters from him. He’s been brilliant with me, he’s got 23 TT wins in his head and all those laps too, all that knowledge. So hopefully come TT 2023 I’m hoping I can nick a thing or two from him.

Sometimes you are a bit hard on yourself, last year you were battling in and around the top 5, which is well worthy of a position. Do you think this year you can improve on that result?

Yeah I think last year there was a lot of pressure, I had a gold suit on, it was the 30th anniversary of the Fireblade, my 100th start, I got an MBE and a new set of teeth and loads of things going on which kinda took my eye off the ball a little bit. I need to be in a good position, to just put my helmet on and ride my bike.

This year I think I'm in a better position. Fifth looked good on paper last year, but to be fair I didn't really go that fast and I let a few people down last year, especially in the senior finishing 9th, speeding in the pits and making a few mistakes. At the end, it sort of all flooded out of me, I didn't really want to finish on that, I wanted to finish on a better result than that. At the end of the day if I've given it my best and still come 5th or 6th then that’s where I am. It’s 43 days away and the proof will be in the pudding. I’m enjoying working with Nathan and working with the best team in the paddock, so bring it on.

And is there any pressure now that you’ve moved from your own family team to the full factory Honda team, does that come with pressure or can you do your own thing?

They have said there is no pressure. They want John to help to nurture me and not do anything stupid as part of a progression plan. This is only my second TT on the thousand, so it’s about building slowly. I finished 10th last year in my first Senior TT so it’s about doing things properly, not rushing into it and with no pressure. It’s using the whole package to learn. A factory Honda, John’s advice with my input too as I’m hungry as ever for it. I just can’t wait to keep moving up that ladder.

Didn’t mention the new tattoo though there?

Yeah I got a tattoo, Monster had a tattoo shop in the paddock and I caved into the pressure and got a map of the TT course with a 100 for my hundredth start. But it hurt, tattoos hurt, it was horrible!

Nathan, Honda factory rider, it’s got a nice ring to it hasn't it?

Yeah, who’d have thought a year ago that I’d be stood here with a factory Honda next to me! After what happened last year it’s a great opportunity and I can't wait to get going on it.

Thoroughly deserved though. I was happy for you because I knew how much work you’d put in last year. We have to go

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What was it like getting the phone call about the job? Were there any whispers or did it come out of the blue?

Well everyone was telling me before it even happened! I kind of built up a relationship with Harv and Honda last year on my own bike in my own team. Then when Glenn moved on for his new adventure I was kind of hoping the call would come, but I just sat back and waited to see what happened. Then Harv rang me in November and said ‘Do you fancy coming down for a meeting and having a chat about what might happen’ and I couldn’t sleep that night!

John’s in your ear loads giving you plenty of advice, what’s it like having an old bloke whinging at you?

To be fair he’s in the best form of his life this year! I was racing with him last year at Silverstone and we were slower, whereas this year we’ve gone a lot faster. We were in two different groups at Silverstone because of the numbers so he was out first and I could see his time so I could see it on my dash and I was like ‘I’ve got to be faster than him’. It’s been really good, everything I expected it to be with John. He’s helped with the superbike too because I’ve never ridden the superbike before, so when I ask questions he encourages me to try a different setting or whatever it might be.

John, how exciting is it for you to pass on your experience and knowledge to your teammate? I think you mentioned yesterday that you had done something like 50,000 miles of the TT course?

Rossi came out with a stat that he had been around the world doing Motogp having done 22,000 miles which I thought was an interesting stat. So I worked it out that I had done about 52,000 miles of the TT course. So I said to him I’d been around the world twice!

RACING

I ENJOY NATHAN’S COMPANY, I CAN SEE IT IN HIS EYES AND I CAN SEE THAT HE WANTS IT AND HE’S HERE FOR THE RIGHT REASONS

Nathan your name is now on the list of Honda riders, is that a pinch yourself moment?

Yeah, I was a Joey Dunlop fan growing up in 2006 begging John for a picture. Becky still laughs now because I’ve got posters of John under my bed. It’s unbelievable that there are all of those names of Honda riders and now my name is on that list. I’m a manxman on my home track it is honestly a dream come true.

John It’s fantastic that you are still here at 50, sharing information and enjoying your racing. It’s the beauty of the TT community.

On the other side of the coin we know how dangerous it is and how fast and how hard it is, but if I can give a little bit back to this younger generation then I’ve done my job.

‘‘

I enjoy Nathan’s company, I can see it in his eyes and I can see that he wants it and he’s here for the right reasons, he’s not here to earn a few quid or anything like that. He wants to do it because he’s passionate about it. He showed me a picture a few weeks ago of himself when he was yay high in 2006 in a Joey Dunlop t-shirt with me and now he’s my teammate. He’s in a better position than I was, I didn't do my first TT till I was 25 years old. So he’s 24 and he's done a Manx grand prix and a TT. I’ve had some fantastic teammates, I've had some really good characters, all different characters. I’ve had some amazing stories and unbelievable memories. Any information I’ve got it’s all open, we can share data and I won't keep anything away from Nathan and I want to see him progress. He’s got to be patient, it won't happen overnight as there's a lot of experienced riders out there who are very fast and some fantastic bikes. I’d love to be stood in his shoes at 24 and sat on that bike there, he needs to be steady away and he will definitely make his mark.

A FACTORY HONDA, JOHN’S ADVICE WITH MY INPUT TOO AS I’M HUNGRY AS EVER FOR IT. I JUST CAN'T WAIT TO KEEP MOVING UP THAT LADDER

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2023 EDITION

AT LAST! ENJOYABLE ISLE OF MAN STEAM RAILWAY

The Manx Electric Railway was built between 1893 and 1899 and connects the Island’s capital, Douglas, with Laxey in the east and Ramsey in the north

The Isle of Man Steam Railway is the longest narrow gauge steam line in Britain that still uses its original locomotives and carriages. The three foot narrow gauge railway was opened in 1873 and runs through the Island’s charming countryside between the Island’s capital and a range of destinations in the south.

www.rail.im

www.rail.im

MANX ELECTRIC RAILWAY

AY YOU CAN P ER YOUR DRIV D

BY CAR , ESS CONTACTL OR WITH CASH!

GO BY BUS! Bus Vannin offers a full timetable booklet free of charge. You can also visit www.bus.im for a quick journey planner or www.findmybus.im to track your bus in real time. There will be representatives at the Welcome Centre in the Sea Terminal (during opening hours) to help you with any questions. During peak times Bus Vannin will also have representatives at the Airport and the main bus station in Lord Street, Douglas.

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SAVER FARES OFFERING UNLIMITED BUS TRAVEL ADULT CHILD 1 Day Saver - Paper ticket purchased on board

£7.00

£3.50

3 Day Saver

£19.00

£10.50

5 Day Saver

£25.00

£13.50

7 Day Saver

£30.00 £16.00

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

E PUBLIC TRANSPORT WHETHER YOU’RE HERE JUST FOR THE TT RACES OR HERE TO EXPLORE THIS BEAUTIFUL ISLAND, OR BOTH, THE ISLAND’S PUBLIC TRANSPORT IS RELIABLE AND - IN THE CASE OF THE ISLAND’S STEAM RAILWAY AND MANX ELECTRIC RAILWAY - TOTALLY UNIQUE.

SNAEFELL MOUNTAIN RAILWAY UNLIMITED BUS, TRAIN AND TRAM TRAVEL ADULT CHILD FAMILY 1 Day - Paper ticket purchased on board

£19.00

£9.50

£42.00

3 Day

£41.00

£21.50 £82.00

5 Day

£47.00 £24.50 £100.00

7 Day

£58.00 £30.00 £124.00

5 Day Go Explore Heritage

£69.00 £35.50

Further details on TT specials can be found in our printed timetable or online. Visit bus.im or follow us on Facebook @isleofmantransport for the most updated departure times especially when there is delays to racing.

TT1 On Race days this service will operate from the South of the Island and travel to the Grandstand before continuing as a TT6, departing Port St Mary Harbour at 07:30am calling at Port Erin station, Shore Hotel, Castletown Bypass/School Hill and Ballasalla. You may continue on this service around the course as a TT6.

TT6 On race days this service will take you to your favourite place to watch the action. Departing Lord Street Douglas via the Grandstand, the TT6 serves Quarterbridge, Glen Vine, Crosby, Ballacraine, Laurel Bank, Cronk-y-Voddy, Kirk Michael, Ballaugh, Sulby and Ramsey.

Some of the best spots around the course!

TT3 On race days this service takes you from Lord Street Douglas via the Grandstand to the Creg-ny-Baa grandstands and viewing areas. An amazing spot to watch the races! After the races Bus Vannin will come and collect you.

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This unique Victorian enterprise, which is around five miles long, has been in operation since 1895 and is the only electric mountain railway in the British Isles.

You can start your journey on the Manx Electric Railway from Douglas or Ramsey to the pretty village of Laxey on the east coast then board the Mountain Railway winding its way to the Island's only mountain, Snaefell’s summit, where breathtaking views await.

www.rail.im

NIGHT OWL PREMIUM SERVICES From Wednesday 31st May to Saturday 10th June the ‘Hullad Oie’ Night Owl services operate. These are Bus Vannin’s late night buses which operate between Douglas, the North, West and South and depart at 00:15 or 01:15. Double fares apply to all Night Owl services unless using an Explorer or Saver product where standard fare is applicable. See timetable for exact departure points and times.

SERVICE 19 - THE TT MOTOR MUSEUM AND THE TRANSPORT MUSEUM IN JURBY There will be extra services between Ramsey and Jurby during TT week to serve the TT museum. Please use the bus timetable for more information. There is also an on demand bookable minibus service called connectVILLAGES. This can be booked at the times you wish to travel via the app MANNgo, or by calling +44 (0)1624 697440.

PEAK TIMES During the busy times some buses may not be able to stop due to over capacity. There are standby buses during these times and the procedure is that the bus driver will radio bus control room who will do their best to send out standby buses to collect customers not picked up. Use www.findmybus.im to track your bus in real time.

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PUBLIC TRANSPORT

BUS ROUTES FOR MAJOR CAMPSITES DURING TT NO.

CAMPSITE

1

Ballacallin Court

2

Ballafletcher Sports Ground

SERVICE NO.

NOTES

4, 4B

Outside entrance

(Vagabonds RUFC)

1H, 5, 5C, 6A, 22H, 25H

Short walk from Hosp main entrance

3

Ballamoar Campsite

5, 5A, 5C, 6, 6A, 6C, N6

Short walk from Ballaugh village

4

Braddan Bridge TT Campsite

1H, 5, 5C, 6A, 22H, 25H

Short walk from Hosp main entrance

5

Castletown Campsite

1, 2, 2A, 2C, 11, 12, 12A, N1

800m walk from Castletown Railway Station

6

Colby Football Club Campsite

1, 2C, 11, 12, N1

300m walk from Colby Bridge bus stop

7

Cronk Aashen - Campsite

5C, 6C

Short walk from Barregarrow Crossroads

8

Cronkbourne Cricket Club

3, 3A, 12, 22, 22H, 25, 25H, N3

800m walk from Woodbourne Road

9

Crossags Campsite

5, 5A, 5C, 6, 6A, 6C, N6

Short walk from RGS bus stops

10 De-Yoxall Heights Campsite

3, 3A, N3

Short walk from Ballagawne Road bus stop

11

3, 3A, 15, 25, 25H

350m walk from Governor's Bridge bus stop

12 Foxdale AFC Campsite

4, 4B, 6F, 14

940m walk from nearest lane on rural

13 Glen Dhoo - Campsite

1, 1A, 11, 11A, 12, 12A, 22,

1.3km walk from Cat With No Tail

22H, 25, 25H

Public House bus stops

5, 5A, 5C, 6, 6A, 6C, N6

Bus stop at entrance of campsite

DHSOB Blackberry Lane

request stop

14 Glen Wyllin Campsite

15 Glendown Farm Camping Park 1, 1A, 2A, 11A, 12A

950m walk from SPLM bus stops

16 Governor's Bridge Campsite

3, 3A, 15, 25, 25H

350m walk from Governor's Bridge bus stop

17 Glenlough Campsite

5, 5A, 5C, 6, 6A, 6C, N5, N6

Bus stop at entrance of campsite

18 Ballakermeen TT campsite

3, 3A, 12, 22, 22H, 25, 25H, N3

Short walk from various bus stops

19 IOM TT Village

3, 22, 22H, 25, 25H

Short walk from various bus stops

20 Isle of Man Campsite Onchan

3, 3A, N3

Bus stop at entrance of campsite

21 Isle of Man TT Campsite

3A, 25H

Short walk from last stop on Victoria Road

22 Laxey AFC Campsite

3, 3A, N3

800m walk from Laxey MER Station

23 Laxey Campsite

3, 3A, N3

400m walk from Minorca Hill bus stops

24 Lower Ballacottier Campsite

1, 1A, 11, 11A, 12, 12A, 22,

2km walk from Cat With No Tail Public

22H, 25, 25H

House bus stops

25 Michael Utd AFC Campsite

5, 5A, 5C, 6, 6A, 6C, N6

350m walk from Cannan Court bus stops

26 Grandstand Campsite

3A, 22, 22H, 25, 25H

Short walk from various bus stops

27 Peel Camping Park

5, 5C, 6, 6C

Bus stop at entrance of campsite

28 Peel Football Club Campsite

5, 5A, 5C, 6, 6A, 6C, N5, N6

Bus stop at entrance of campsite

29 Pennybridge Campsite

5, 5A, 5C, 6, 6A, 6C, N6

Bus stop at entrance of campsite

30 Douglas Rugby Club Campsite 5, 5A, 5C, 6, 6A, 6C, N5, N6,

Short walk from Quarterbridge

22, 22H, 25,25H

bus stop

31 Ramsey AFC Campsite

3, 3A, 5, 5A, 5C, 6, 6A, 6C

Short walk from bus stop on North Shore Rd

32 Silly Moos Campsite

5, 5A, 5C, 6, 6A, 6C, N6

Bus stop at entrance of campsite

33 St Georges AFC Campsite

3

Bus stop at entrance of campsite

34 St Johns United FC Campsite

6, 6A, 6C, N6

Bus stop at entrance of campsite

35 Union Mills FC Campsite

5, 5C, 6A, N5

750m from Strang bus stops

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O RC Y H E E C L SIN C E 1 9 0 7

E AV

N

M

OT

A BRIEF REVIEW OF EVERY YEAR OF RACING SINCE THE INCEPTION OF THE ISLE OF MAN TT IN 1907 GEOFF DUKE: THE FIRST TT SUPERSTAR

2023 EDITION

THE MOUNTAIN COURSE WHERE HISTORY IS MADE STRUCTURAL CHANGES, CELEBRATIONS OF ACHIEVEMENT, MEMORIALS AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS HAVE COMBINED OVER A PERIOD OF 116 YEARS TO MAKE THE FAMOUS TT MOUNTIAN COURSE WHAT IT IS TODAY The Guthrie Memorial Cairn was erected on the spot where Jimmy Guthrie retired in his final race, the Senior TT of 1937. He was killed later in the year, at the German Grand Prix.

Drinkwater’s Bend is where Ben Drinkwater was fatally injured in the Junior TT of 1949. Handley’s Bend was named in recognition of Wal Handley who crashed there a race. He was killed during the Second World War, his last TT year being 1934.

JIMMY GUTHRIE AT GOVERNOR’S BRIDGE AT THE 1935 SENIOR TT

T

he original Mountain Course measured 37.5 miles, the difference being that riders turned right at Cronk-ny-Mona, down Johnny Watterson’s Lane, to Ballanard Road, turned left again along Ballanard Road to St Ninian’s, where they turned right down Bray Hill. The start was on Quarterbridge Road, with refuelling depots at Braddan and Ramsey.

1920 saw the Snaefell Mountain Course extended to its present length of 37.73-miles, with the start-finish just a few metres down the road from the present Grandstand.

The course was widened at Sulby Bridge in 1923, whilst Parliament Square to May Hill was used for the first time, instead of riders going through Ramsey Town to join the present course at May Hill.

Brandish Corner was given its name in 1923, after Walter Brandish crashed there and broke a leg. Birkin’s Bend was added, after, sadly, Archie Birkin was killed there in 1927 during practice, when the roads were only closed for racing. The following year practising took place on closed roads.

By 1926, the course had been improved considerably and the Mountain Section had been tarmaced.

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Finally Tate’s became known as Kate’s Cottage. It is widely thought that a commentator mispronounced the word and it stuck as Kate's. The BBC began broadcasting the races live after the Second World War. After Les Graham’s tragic death on Bray Hill during the second lap of the 1953 Senior TT, a brick and timber shelter was built on the Mountain section of the course between the Verandah and the Bungalow.

It became the Graham Memorial and is used as a marshalling and medical point during the races.

Between 1970 and 1989 the only major change to the course was where Quarry Bends was partially straightened prior to the 1989 races.

The climb from the Bungalow to Brandywell is named Hailwood Rise and the highest point on the course, just before Brandywell, is named Hailwood Heights, both in recognition of the legendary TT winner, Mike Hailwood.

2002 saw the 26th Milestone renamed ‘Joey’s’ in memory of 26 times TT winner Joey Dunlop OBE, MBE, killed while racing Estonia in 2000. The following year the 32nd Milestone Bends were renamed ‘Duke’s’ in honour of six times TT winner and six times World Champion, Geoff Duke, OBE. In early 2006, in time for the TT, Windy Corner was eased, and later that year Brandish Corner was realigned.

POWERED BY

1907: BIRTH OF RACING GLORY

F

rank Hulbert and Jack Marshall cannot have realised the significance of the moment as they pointed their singlecylinder motorcycles up the dusty track towards Ballacraine at 10 am on the cold, cloudy morning of 28 May 1907.

The Isle of Man Tourist Trophy races were born as the two Triumphs spluttered into life to start their 158-mile journey around the 15-mile 1430-yard St John's Course.

When entries closed there were 25 competitors, including 18 singles headed by the Triumphs of Hulbert and Marshall. They expected a tough time from the Collier brothers riding the Matchless-JAP machines. F. W. 'Pa' Applebee rode a Rex single, with his son Frank and Oliver Godfrey on twins. Rem Fowler competed on a Peugeot-engined Norton and Billy Wells on a Vindec, while there were two German NSU’s and a two-speed GB entered.

The Marquis de Mouzilly duly provided a magnificent trophy, which is still presented to the winner of the Senior race today. The silver figure of Mercury standing on a silver wheel is nearly three feet tall and was based on the Montagu Trophy given to the winner of the Tourist Trophy car races. Twenty-five pounds was awarded to the victor, with £15 for second place and £10 for third.

Practice sessions took place in the early morning, with regular traffic, such as it was, still allowed to use the roads, which were untarred. In the dry they produced great clouds of dust and in the wet big pools of mud, the Ballacraine to Kirk Michael section being the worst because of its everyday use by cars. It was decided to spray that part of the course with an acid solution, which not only had no effect on the dust but also burned holes in the riders' clothing. The exercise was never repeated.

The paddock was next to the old stonewall at the Tynwald Inn, while the blackboard from the nearby schoolhouse served as a scoreboard. In view of the way the TT was to develop from these

origins in the years that followed, it is clear that, as well as being brave, those early pioneers were a very far-sighted group of people who shaped the future of racing for the next 100 years.

Charlie Collier and Rem Fowler carved their own niche in motorcycle history by winning their classes in that first race.

The expected battle between the Matchless machines of the Collier brothers and the Triumphs of those early trailblazers Hulbert and Marshall soon materialised in the single-cylinder division.

Marshall took the lead when his teammate Hulbert stopped to change a plug, but fell on the second lap. He continued with a twisted ankle.

Collier took over on his pedal-assisted Matchless, but his brother Harry was not so lucky. He was forced out with serious engine trouble, having set the fastest lap in the class: 23m 05s (41.81 mph).

Charlie Collier went on to win from Marshall and Hulbert but his victory, like many subsequent TT wins, was not without controversy.

With the help of his pedals, Collier completed the race at an average of 94. 5 miles to the gallon. The Triumph of Marshall, without assistance, averaged 114 mpg, and it was argued that Marshall would have won if he'd fitted pedals. The easiest means of avoiding such disputes was adopted the following year when pedals were banned.

Fowler had an even tougher time winning the twin-cylinder class on his Norton. At one stage he'd had so many problems changing tyres, plugs and belts that he decided to call it a day. It was only when a spectator told him that he was leading his great rival Billy Wells by half an hour that he decided to continue. He was glad he did as he not only won the class but also set the fastest lap overall (22m 06s) at a speed of 42.91 mph. His time for the complete ten laps was over 13 minutes slower than Collier's despite that fastest lap, which shows the problems he experienced.

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2023 EDITION

YEAR BY YEAR: THE STORY OF THE ISLE OF MAN TT 1907 WAS THE YEAR IT ALL BEGAN, BUT CHANGES EVERY YEAR HELPED THE TT BECOME THE ICONIC GLOBAL EVENT WE KNOW TODAY. HERE’S A LOOK AT SOME OF THOSE CHANGES, EVENTS, RIDERS AND RESULTS . . .

1908

1911

It was not only pedals that came under scrutiny for the 1908 races. Fuel regulations were changed and volunteers to act as course marshals were called for.

Singles were restricted to 100 miles to the gallon and twins to 80 miles. After so many brushes with local traffic and, more often, sheep the previous year, it was obvious the St John's Course would have to be marshalled. Once again the Manx government came up trumps by enrolling marshals as special constables, a tradition that has continued until the present day.

The races were held in September alongside the car TT, and the banning of pedals had a significant effect on the development of machinery that had to negotiate the infamous Creg Willey's Hill.

With increasing speeds a worry and constant technical innovations improving machinery by the minute, a fresh challenge had to be found.

Little did the 1911 entry of 104 riders realise just what a challenge the Mountain Circuit would present. In particular, the seven-mile climb from Ramsey to the Bungalow would place unprecedented demands on machinery while providing riders with a completely new insight into stamina and fatigue.

Single-gear machines were out of the question if the Mountain was to be conquered. Indian and Scott were already using chain drive, but now all the manufacturers poured their resources into devising the best methods to tackle that climb. Just under a third retained the single gear, with Triumph using a three-speed Sturmey-Archer hub gear similar in principle to that employed on modem-day push-bikes. Matchless devised a six-speed belt, while AJS designed a three-speed gearbox. The American Indian factory took great interest in the problem before coming up with twospeed gears driven by chain drive to the rear wheel. It proved to be a winning combination.

For the first time the event was split into two separate races.

The four-lap Junior event was introduced for 300cc singles and 340cc twins while 500cc singles and 585cc twins contested the five-lap Senior.

1909 Just two years after the first TT, the regulations for the 1909 event, held in September once more, showed drastic changes to keep in line with the mood of the day.

The ACU decided to introduce engine capacity limits in place of the fuel consumption rule, and to combine the single and twin classes. Single-cylinder machines, which had proved superior in the previous two years, were restricted to 500cc, while twins were limited to 750cc, and many of the early pioneers realised the future lay with the twins.

The ACU also did away with compulsory silencers but, to keep the 'tourist' tradition alive, still insisted on mudguards and saddles.

1910 The regulations changed once again for the 1910 race, which was held at the end of May. This proved to be the last TT on the St John's Course, which now featured a wooden banking section to protect the riders from the jagged wall at the left-hander at Ballacraine.

The motorcycle industry had really got the message that racing was the perfect way to test products and parts and 83 machines were entered, half of them twins. The TT was turning into a tough, competitive battle to improve sales between the factories. It was an exciting time and exactly what Freddie Straight had envisaged when he drew up that first set of regulations.

There were worries about the speed of the modern machinery, with the twins lapping at over 50 mph. Because of this, and their success the year before, their capacity was reduced to 670cc, but, as in modern times, the restriction made no difference to the bikes' record-breaking performances. In fact, the record lap speed was increased to 53.15 mph by Harry Bowen on his BAT twin.

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1912 Many of the manufacturers had agreed to boycott the 1912 races. The difficulty of the Mountain Course combined with worries about safety was responsible for the decision, but, as always, the TT continued despite a reduced entry list.

Twins and singles were brought into line with a capacity limit of 350cc for the Junior and 500cc for the Senior.

1913 The TT had survived its first crisis, and any doubts about the future were firmly dispelled a year later when 147 riders entered the 1913 event.

Major Tommy Loughborough took over as the new secretary of the ACU and incredibly decided to make the races even tougher. Instead of one Junior and one Senior race, he decided the events should be divided into two, sections, held on different days.

The six-lap Junior would be split into two races of two and four laps. The seven-lap Senior would start with a three-lap event, the second four-lap part being run together with the Junior two days later.

Despite these crazy new regulations there were 16 different makes of machine represented in the 44-strong Junior field.

POWERED BY

1914 With war clouds gathering, the 1914 races will be remembered as the event in which the big thumping singles fought back in their constant battle with the twins.

Following the two fatal accidents, crash helmets were made compulsory and the start line was moved to the top Bray Hill.

They certainly did nothing to encourage safety when they allowed the 17 machines to start together rather than in pairs, but, luckily, everybody survived the trip down Bray Hill on the first lap.

1920 The ACU had insisted on a minimum of 30 entries for each race before agreeing to a resumption of the TT in 1920, and decided to introduce a new Lightweight class for 250 cc machines, which would be incorporated within the Junior race.

The Mountain Circuit was extended to its current length of 37 and 3/4 miles, with the riders turning left at Cronk-ny-Mona, and taking in Signpost, Bedstead and Governor's Bridge before reaching the new start-and-finish area, just a few yards down the road from the present grandstand.

Nineteen Junior and just four Lightweight machines shattered the post-war depression as they continued the TT story after the enforced six-year lay-off.

1921 The 1921 races featured an entry of 133 riders, with no fewer than 12 works teams contesting the Senior, and Howard Davies wrote himself into TT folklore by becoming the first and - so far the only rider to win the race on a Junior machine.

1922 With the first 60mph lap not far away there was general concern about the speed and safety of the machines that lined up for the 1922 races.

Plans to restrict the Juniors to 250cc and the Seniors to 350cc were scrapped, but the ACU did introduce a separate five-lap race for the Lightweights.

Meanwhile, the cost of organising the races had caused a rift between the ACU and the Manx government. The ACU threatened to stage the event in Yorkshire and were also considering an invitation from Belgium; the Manx authorities countered by saying they would run the races through their own affiliated organisation. Fortunately, both sides saw sense.

1923 Despite the objections of the manufacturers, a sidecar class was introduced in 1923 and proved an instant hit with enthusiasts.

Sidecars were a popular mode of transport and the factories felt that racing them around the Mountain Circuit was not the ideal way to promote their products, but 14 outfits lined up for the start of the three-lap race. The manufacturers' worries proved to be unfounded, with the favourites, solo star Freddie Dixon and his passenger Walter Perry, comfortably winning an accident-free race with their special 'banking' outfit at an incredible average of 53.15 mph.

1924 In 1924 the ACU introduced the Ultra-Lightweight class for 175cc machines to continue the tourist tradition and encourage machines that were used by the public.

WAL HANDLEY

1925 1925 and the wheel of fortune turned full circle for Wal Handley and his hard-working Rex-Acme team. After so many disappointments he became the first rider to win two races in one week: the Junior and the Ultra-Lightweight.

That long-awaited first win came in the Junior, which he totally dominated. He set lap and race records in overcoming Howard Davies and AJS-mounted Jimmy Simpson.

Handley had an even easier time in the Ultra-Lightweight race, for which there were only seven entries, once again setting both lap and race records on his way to victory. Handley also set the first-ever 60mph Lightweight lap.

1926 With the manufacturers still unhappy about the image of sidecar racing, the ACU scrapped the three-wheelers for 1926, together with the Ultra-Lightweight class, which suffered from a lack of entries.

The long-running format of Senior, Junior and Lightweight races was thus established, all three events being run over a distance of seven laps (264.11 miles).

The course itself had been improved considerably and even the Mountain section had been tarmacked. Another change was a ban on methanol, forcing competitors to use ordinary petrol.

The fame of the TT races had spread throughout Europe by this time, enhancing the reputation of the British factories. The Italians therefore decided it was time they had a share of the glory and machines from the Garelli, Bianchi and Moto Guzzi concerns appeared in the Island. Garelli, in particular, raised a few eyebrows among the British factory personnel with their 250 cc two-stroke Lightweight machine, ridden by Ermino Visoli, which featured four carburettors on its twin-piston single-cylinder motor.

Nevertheless it was a good old British Cotton that won the race, which almost produced an international incident when Italian Pietro Ghersi finished second on his Moto Guzzi only to be excluded for using a different plug from the one specified on his entry form.

The Senior produced the first-ever 70 mph lap (set by Simpson on his AJS) and a victory for Stanley Woods on his Norton debut.

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2023 EDITION

YEAR BY YEAR: THE STORY OF THE ISLE OF MAN TT . . .

STANLEY WOODS ROUNDS GOVERNOR’S BRIDGE

1927 Norton arrived in the Island for the 1927 races with a powerful line-up: Stanley Woods, Alec Bennett and Joe Craig, all armed with the brand new overhead-camshaft, single-cylinder engine that was to prove the backbone of racing for many years to come.

Woods was a favourite to repeat his Senior success of the previous year and looked well set after four laps. He led, establishing a new lap record of 70.90 mph, but then slowed with a slipping clutch, allowing his teammate Bennett to move ahead after being four minutes adrift. He went on to win from Jimmy Guthrie, riding the New Hudson. The Scotsman had made his debut four years earlier and later became one of the most popular riders of all time.

1928 Alec Bennett became the most successful TT rider of the time when he achieved his fifth victory in the 1928 Junior. It was not so much his personal performance that caused a stir as that of his 350cc Velocette, in particular its revolutionary foot gear change.

The 1928 Senior was held in appalling conditions following a period of drought. In heavy rain and thick mist Charlie Dodson kept going while the favourites dropped by the wayside to produce a surprise victory on his Sunbeam, but his winning speed of 62. 98 mph was the lowest Senior average for five years, which gives an indication of the hazards he faced.

1929 Charlie Dodson proved he could win whatever the conditions when he repeated his performance in the sunny 1929 Senior.

The early leader was HG Tyrell-Smith, riding a Rudge. On the third lap he crashed within sight of the Glen Helen hotel, where he was duly patched up and sent back into the fray.

After all the publicity surrounding his 1926 disqualification, Italian Pietro Ghersi did not return to the Island until 1929, when he came within a lap and a half of victory in the Lightweight.

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Riding a Moto Guzzi, he led for five and a half laps before retiring with engine problems.

Syd Crabtree won the race, giving Excelsior their first ever TT victory, and Ghersi’s only consolation was a new lap record of 66.63mph.

1930 Rudge was the British make everybody was talking about at the 1930 races.

Their new four-valve, single-cylinder machines dominated both racing and practice in a style that had not been seen before, winning both the Senior and the Junior events and also smashing the lap and race records.

The TT was now gaining great international media attention: for the first time the BBC broadcast part of a race (the Senior), and entries were received from 19 countries, no doubt attracted by the new prize and start money fund.

Rudge made clear their intentions of returning home with a large part of the money in the early practice sessions when TyrellSmith smashed the Junior lap record by an amazing 26 seconds.

The race turned into a much closer affair, however, after seven flatout laps the Rudges reigned supreme, with less than a minute separating the works trio of Tyrell-Smith, Ernie Nott and Graham Walker.

It was the same story in the Senior, with Wal Handley becoming the first rider to win all three TT classes. He had borrowed a Rudge from Jim Whalley after his FN machine failed to turn up, and the combination proved irresistible.

The Lightweight event provided Jimmy Guthrie with his first TT win, aboard an AJS. It was a hard ride by the Scotsman, who had been only sixth in the early stages.

1931 Norton did not take Rudge’s success lying down and returned to the Island in 1931 thirsting for revenge.

POWERED BY

Stanley Woods, Tim Hunt, Jimmy Simpson and Jimmy Guthrie were on duty for the Bracebridge Street team, whose engineers had spent the intervening period back in Birmingham sorting out the lubrication problems that had dogged the bikes the previous year. They had obviously done a good job, as Norton became the first factory to score a one-two-three in the Senior, while Simpson achieved the very first 80 mph lap.

Hunt also won the Junior to begin a glorious chapter of success for the Norton factory.

1932 The Norton-Rudge battle continued in 1932, but, once again, it was Norton who emerged on top, leaving Rudge empty-handed after their unexpected defeat in the Lightweight class.

The 21st running of the races attracted HRH Prince George, the future king, to the event and he watched the Norton whitewash in the Senior from the grandstand and Creg-ny-Baa.

1933 Norton broke even more records in 1933 by achieving the very first one-two-three in both the Senior and the Junior races.

There was no stopping them - or Stanley Woods, who grabbed his second double, making it four wins in two years and six TT victories in all.

In the Senior he established the first race average of over 80 mph while leading from start to finish. It had been a familiar story in the earlier Junior, which Woods dominated throughout, establishing new race and lap records on the way.

Norton did not contest the Lightweight race, which turned into a tremendous battle of the remaining manufacturers. Sid Gleave, riding the new Excelsior, was the eventual winner, but his triumph was soured when his teammate Frank Longman, who had won the 1928 Lightweight, was killed after crashing while approaching Ramsey.

1934 Jimmy Simpson decided that, after a glorious 13-year career, he would call it a day at the end of 1934 - with or without that muchmerited first TT victory.

However, to the delight of everybody, he would not hang up those well-worn leathers without one win to show for his lovehate relationship with the Mountain Circuit.

He made his only appearance in the Lightweight category on a Rudge, and for once did not run out of luck. In wet and misty conditions he led a Rudge whitewash, followed by Nott and Walker. It was a fitting end to a TT career that saw him establish eight new lap records.

During the close season Woods had left Norton and joined the Swedish Husqvarna factory for 1934 amid great controversy. Ernie Nott joined him, and the pair of them were determined to challenge the Norton domination.

Nott rode the 350 Husqvarna in the Junior, but could do nothing to stop Guthrie and Simpson running away with the race on the Nortons. He finished third, but six minutes behind the leaders.

The Senior produced a stirring contest, however, with the Nortons of Guthrie and Simpson facing a stern challenge from the Husqvarna duo. While Nott went out in the early stages, Guthrie

was in brilliant form, holding Woods at bay with Simpson third.

With just ten miles left, Woods ran out of petrol, leaving the untroubled Guthrie to complete the double. Simpson was second, with Velocette-mounted Ulsterman Walter Rusk third.

1935 Stanley Woods always had a new trick up his sleeve and he arrived on the Island for the 1935 races (in the middle of a general strike) armed with 250 and 500cc Moto Guzzi’s - and a new teammate, Omobono Tenni.

It heralded the real start of the foreign invasion, with Woods securing a memorable double for the Italian factory. He was a comfortable winner of the Lightweight, leading once again from start to finish, chased home by the Rudges of Tyrell-Smith and Nott.

The Senior was a very different story and produced one of the greatest TT battles of all time. The race was postponed for a day because of bad weather, but that 24-hour wait was well worthwhile. Norton-mounted Jimmy Guthrie started at the front, but Woods, at number 30, had to wait 15 minutes before firing the Guzzi twin into action. Guthrie was in brilliant form and led by 26 seconds going into the last 37.73 miles.

The Norton team thought Woods would have to stop for fuel at the start of that final lap and the signalling station at Ramsey told Guthrie to take it easy. They found they were wrong, however, as Woods raced through the start-and-finish area to commence the fastest lap ever recorded over the Mountain Circuit at that time.

Unaware of the Guzzi threat, Guthrie duly followed his instructions and cruised to the finish, where he was met by some worried faces. Woods was narrowing the time difference every mile and crossed the line with a four-second advantage over the unfortunate Scotsman. His lap time of 26m 10s - a speed of 86.53mph - was the fastest yet.

1936 Woods returned in 1936 without the Moto Guzzis as a result of Italy’s involvement in the war in Abyssinia. Naturally, he still had the pick of the best machinery and joined Ted Mellors and Ernie Thomas in the Velocette team for the Junior and Senior.

The opening race of the week, the Junior, brought a storm of controversy and protest from the record crowd that thronged the circuit following the 'disqualification' of Guthrie on the fifth lap.

The Scotsman was leading when he stopped at Hillberry to replace a rear chain. He continued in second place behind his new teammate, Manx Grand Prix winner Freddie Frith. However, he was stopped at Ramsey on the sixth lap and told he had been excluded because he had received outside assistance.

A furious Guthrie denied the charge and carried on to finish fifth. Frith duly recorded his first TT victory, but the Guthrie saga was not over. At the prize giving the ACU agreed they had been wrong to disqualify Guthrie and allowed him to collect second prize.

Guthrie took ample revenge in the Senior following a superb battle with his great rival Woods. After 264 miles Guthrie won by 18 seconds, although Stanley established a new lap record of 86.98 mph. Frith confirmed his arrival on the scene by finishing third.

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YEAR BY YEAR: THE STORY OF THE ISLE OF MAN TT . . .

The war over, the Italians resumed their dominance of the 1937 Lightweight class, the Moto Guzzi’s of Manliff Barrington and There was a Continental success in the Lightweight class, with Omobono Tenni becoming the first Italian to win a TT race.

Stanley Woods rode a Velocette in the Senior and enjoyed a great race with the Nortons of Guthrie and Frith. Guthrie was leading Woods by a few seconds when he broke down just above the Gooseneck, on the Mountain climb, on the fifth lap, Frith then took up the challenge and shared the lead with Woods going into the hectic last circuit.

Frith won by just 15 seconds after one of the truly great TT laps, the first at 90 mph. Velocette took the manufacturer’' award from Norton.

The 1937 Senior turned out to be the last appearance of Jimmy Guthrie on his beloved Mountain Circuit. Later that year he was killed when he crashed while leading the German Grand Prix at the Sachsenring. A cairn of stones and a simple memorial still stand at the point on the TT course where he stopped in his final race on the Island.

Maurice Cann taking first and second, with Excelsior mounted Ben Drinkwater third.

Velocette seemed to start where they had left off in 1939, with a clean sweep of the Junior. Bob Foster led from start to finish, with teammates David Whitworth and Jock Weddell second the third respectively.

The Senior was rather more dramatic. Freddie Frith was sidelined after dislocating his right shoulder when he crashed his

1938 The single-cylinder Nortons and Velocettes continued to hold the foreign invasion at bay in 1938, with Harold Daniell producing one of those never-to-be-forgotten laps in the Senior.

Stanley Woods rode a Velocette once again and proved to be a thorn in the side of the works Norton team. Frith had the upper hand in the early stages, but by the third lap Woods led by three seconds, with Daniell a further 30 seconds adrift in third spot.

Daniell was the man to watch. On the fifth lap he moved into second place, just three seconds behind Woods. It was only a matter of time before he grabbed the lead, which he did with a new record on the penultimate lap. However, he was saving his best efforts for the very last, when he pushed the Norton round the Mountain Circuit in an incredible 24m 52. 6s - an average speed of 91mph. That lap record stood for another 12 years - until Geoff Duke came along.

1939 As war loomed in 1939, the German government was determined to boost national prestige by dominating every international sporting event, and the TT races were no exception.

While BMW, NSU and DKW duly despatched works machinery to the Island, Norton decided, because of their commitment to a military contract, not to compete. In the end they did send their 1938 machines for Frith and Daniell to ride, but despite heroic efforts they could do little to stem the overseas assault.

In dry conditions the BMW team of Georg Meier and Jock West took the top two spots in the Senior and the BMWs reigned supreme.

1947 After the end of the Second World War, it was 1947 before the Isle of Man TT Races re-commenced. Superchargers had been banned and competitors had to use low-octane ‘pool’ petrol, which may have kept speeds down, but did nothing to quell the excitement that greeted the return of the races after such a grim period of seven years.

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ARTIE BELL

Guzzi at Ballacraine in practice, allowing Harold Daniel and Norton to repeat their 1938 success.

1948 There were a record 100 riders entered in 1948, firmly dispelling any post-war blues.

Freddie Frith, riding a Velocette, comfortably won the Junior with over five minutes to spare from teammate Bob Foster.

In the Senior, Artie Bell (Norton) completed an untroubled victory ahead of Bill Doran and Jock Weddell.

Such was the pace of the Lightweight race that only six machines from the original entry of 26 made it to the finish. For the first time in 24 years there was a massed start, and even a mile out at Quarterbridge the Moto Guzzis looked to be having it their own way and so it proved as Maurice Cann took the chequered flag with ten minutes to spare.

1949 The World Motor Cycle Road Racing Championships were launched in 1949 and the TT naturally hosted the British round of the six round series, in the presence of the Duke of Edinburgh, who started the Senior TT. Harold Daniell was the winner, with Norton teammate Johnny Lockett second and Velocettemounted Ernie Lyons third.

It was the same old story in the Lightweight, with Moto Guzzi supreme following massed start, Manliffe Barrington in the saddle.

POWERED BY

1950 The 1950 races welcomed the new and bade farewell to the old.

The new came in the form of Geoff Duke, who was signed by Norton to compete in the Junior and Senior after winning both the Clubman’s TT and Manx Grand Prix the year before.

Norton also introduced the new ‘Featherbed’ frame and the combination of Duke and the Featherbed was an instant hit.

Duke’s debut in the seven-lap Senior was nothing short of sensational. Riding the new Norton, he led from start to finish, smashing both race and lap records.

Artie Bell took the Junior honours, with Duke runner-up as Harold Daniell filled the last podium place in his final TT. While the Norton successes in both the Junior and Senior were very clear-cut, the Lightweight produced one of the closest finishes of all time. Just 0.2 of a second separated Italian Dario Ambrosini and Maurice Cann after 264 nail-biting miles!

1951 The Italian MV Agusta factory entered the fray in 1951 and lured Les Graham away from AJS to ride the four-cylinder 500 in the Senior and their single-cylinder 125 in the new two-lap Ultra Lightweight race.

Bill Doran replaced Graham in the AJS team, but it was once again Duke who stole all the headlines with a memorable double.

He led the Senior throughout the seven laps, destroying race and lap records.

Earlier in the week Duke had become the first rider of a Junior machine to lap the Mountain Course at over 90 mph. Once again he led from start to finish, and on his second lap, he established a new record of 91.38mph.

CROMIE McCANDLESS AT THE BOTTOM OF BRAY HILL ON HIS WAY TO GIVING MONDIAL THEIR MAIDEN TT VICTORY

Despite having only 18 starters, the new 125cc race was a great success, with Cromie McCandless' s superb little Mondial averaging 74.85mph on its way to victory.

1952 Geoff Duke made it four TT wins in succession with yet another start-to-finish victory in the Junior.

He was the clear favourite to make it five in the Senior, especially when he led for four laps. Dramatically, he then pulled into the pits and calmly got off his Norton to retire with severe clutch trouble, which left the others to fight it out. Reg Armstrong slowly but surely pulled away from rival Les Graham on the MV,

his luck holding when the primary chain broke on the Norton as he crossed the finishing line!

The four-lap Lightweight race once again turned into a Guzzi benefit, Fergus Anderson breaking the race record on his way to victory and Bruno Ruffo the lap record.

The Ultra-Lightweight race was increased to three laps and provided Cecil Sandford and the MV Agusta with their first TT victory.

1953 The 1953 races were clouded by tragedy when Les Graham crashed coming out of the dip at the bottom of Bray Hill on the second lap of the Senior and dies at the scene. Ironically, Les had secured his first TT victory just a day earlier when he won the Ultra-Lightweight race.

During the winter 1952 Junior and Senior winners, Geoff Duke and Reg Armstrong, had been lured away from Norton by the Italian Gilera factory. Rhodesian Ray Amm responded with a spectacular double for the Norton factory.

1954 A new course, the 10.70-mile Clypse Course, was used for the re-introduced sidecar and the Ultra-Lightweight races.

Not for the first time the weather played a vital and controversial part in the outcome of the Senior, which was delayed for one and a half hours because of rain.

The Junior race was reduced to five laps and produced the first AJS win for 24 years.

1955 The 1955 TT will be remembered as the first year that British machines failed to win a single TT! It will also be remembered as the year it was proclaimed that Geoff Duke, riding the 500cc Gilera, had achieved the first 100mph lap of the Mountain Course.

After the third lap of the Senior it was announced that Duke had lapped in 22minutes 39 seconds - a speed of exactly 100mph.

Minutes later the celebrations came to an abrupt halt when that time was confirmed, but it was explained that it represented a speed of just 99.97mph. Duke swallowed his disappointment, however, dominating throughout to give Gilera their first TT victory.

Bill Lomas, riding the Italian Moto Guzzi, took the Junior honours after a race-long battle with Norton mounted Scotsman, Bob McIntyre. It was the first foreign machine victory in the Junior class.

The Lightweight (250cc) race was transferred to the Clypse Course for a nine-lap race. It turned into a superb all-Italian battle between Bill Lomas’s MC and the Guzzi of Cecil Sandford, who led for the first seven laps. Lomas then took the initiative and took the chequered flag.

The Ultra-Lightweight was even closer, producing a nail-biting duel between the MV's of Italian Ubbiali and Swiss newcomer Luigi Taveri. Taveri had been runner-up on three previous occasions and was determined to win, which he did.

The German BMW factory gained the first of their many TT sidecar victories in a race reduced to nine laps, Walter Schneider taking the chequered cloth.

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YEAR BY YEAR: THE STORY OF THE ISLE OF MAN TT . . .

1956 The 1956 races saw a continuation of the Italian mastery of the solo classes, but at least the British fans gained some consolation when 22-year-old John Surtees gave MV Agusta their first Senior victory.

1957 The Golden Jubilee of the TT in 1957 could not have been celebrated in better style when Scotsman Bob McIntyre at last smashed that 100mph barrier.

The crowd went wild when the speed was announced, and McIntyre went on to win the race from the MV of John Surtees and his Gilera teammate Bob Brown. McIntyre had warmed up perfectly for that historic Senior by producing his first TT victory, again for Gilera, in the Junior.

The outcome of the ten-lap Sidecar race was predictable, BMW's filling the first three places. Fritz Hillebrand won, smashing race and lap records on the way.

1958 The 1958 TT was marked by MV's total domination of all four solo classes, a classic Junior and Senior double by John Surtees and the first appearance in the TT of Mike Hailwood.

1959 While 1958 will be remembered as Hailwood's debut, the 1959 races saw the demise of the Clypse Course, the introduction of a new race and another Surtees double. The first part of the double came in the Junior, which turned out to be Geoff Duke's last TT.

1960 All races switched to the Snaefell Mountain Course in 1960 and the Italian MV Agusta team were once again victorious in all four solo classes.

John Surtees led the way in the six lap Senior with a faultless ride on the four-cylinder 'fire engine'. He led from start to finish in perfect conditions and raised the lap record to 104.08mph. It turned out to be his last TT before going on to a successful career in car racing. It was an apt swansong.

Sidecar racing returned to the Mountain for the first time since 1925, but the outcome was predictable: more success for BMW.

1961 In 1961 MV failed to win a race, to the delight of British fans Norton won two, Honda achieved a double and Mike Hailwood became the first rider in the history of the TT to win three races in one week. It was also the debut of Phil Read, following his victory in the 1960 Junior Manx Grand Prix.

1962 Mike Hailwood joined Gary Hocking in the 'private' MV team in 1962, which meant that he could not ride for Honda in the Lightweight races. In the 250 he rode a single cylinder Benelli, and in the 125 an EMC two-stroke built by Dr Joe Ehrlich. The six-lap

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BERYL SWAIN, THE FIRST FEMAILE RIDER AT THE ISLE OF MAN TT

Junior had seen Hailwood and Hocking at their very best as they fought a titanic battle round the Mountain Course. Hocking established the 100mph lap from a standing start to lead his teammate by 11 seconds. Hailwood, with a new lap record, began to close the gap and, with a final flourish down the Mountain, he moved ahead to win by 5 seconds after one of the greatest-ever TT duels.

A two-lap 50cc race was also introduced, in which Beryl Swain became the first female rider at the TT. The 50cc race was regarded as a bit of a giggle by some cynics, but they could not have been proved more wrong as the Grand Prix battles between Suzuki, Honda and Kreidler spilled on to the Mountain Course.

East German Ernst Degner, who had defected to the West, won the race riding the two-stroke single-cylinder Suzuki. His record second lap of 75.52mph astounded the critics and also helped Suzuki to their first TT victory.

Amidst all this Japanese success a rare win for a British engine came in the three-lap Sidecar TT, when Chris Vincent crossed the line to give BSA their very first TT victory.

1963 Interest in 1963 focused on the return of Gilera - with a team managed by Geoff Duke. The former world champion and TT winner had persuaded the factory to take their 1957 350 and 500cc four-cylinder machines out of mothballs and contracted John Hartle and Derek Minter to ride them. Phil Read eventually replaced the injured Minter and the team put up a creditable performance against both MV and Honda.

John Hartle and Phil Read found the combination of Mike Hailwood and the MV too powerful in the six-lap Senior. Mike dominated throughout, establishing a new lap record of 106.41mph.

History was made in the 50cc race, which was increased to three laps after the previous year's success. Mitsuo Itoh became the first Japanese rider to win a TT.

POWERED BY

1964 The world famous TT Races literally breathed life into Manx Radio in June 1964 when the fledgling radio station took to the airwaves to broadcast the TT Races.

In the 1964 Senior race, Mike Hailwood had no real opposition.

His only worry was a virus that kept him in bed for four days, causing him to miss the Junior. He didn't have to test his fitness in the race, however, and won with over three minutes to spare from Norton mounted Derek Minter and Fred Steven's Matchless.

Jim Redman had an equally comfortable winning ride on a Honda in the Junior.

equally determined to stay in the hunt, and on the second lap he bettered Mike's effort to keep the Honda in sight. Hailwood increased the record to 107.07mph on lap three to lead his great rival by 13 seconds. He then gradually pulled away to secure his ninth TT victory and perhaps his most impressive. Agostini was a brilliant second, with RAF corporal Chris Conn completing a splendid week by finishing third on his Norton.

Hailwood and Agostini had met earlier in the week in the sixlap Junior, the Italian winning his first TT. The struggle lasted just a few miles until Hailwood's Honda ground to a halt at Bishopscourt on the very first lap, leaving the way clear for Agostini and the MV. That didn't stop him setting a new record on his second lap of 103.09mph en route to a comfortable victory over the AJS of Peter Williams and the impressive Norton mounted Conn.

1967

GIACOMO AGOSTINI

1965 Italian Giacomo Agostini arrived in 1965 to partner Hailwood in the MV team and start a magnificent TT career, although his first Senior TT ended in disaster.

In poor conditions, with rain falling on certain parts of the circuit, Hailwood led the young pretender by 25 seconds at the end of the first lap. The damp track caught Agostini unawares at Sarah's Cottage, where he slid from his MV and, although unhurt, he was unable to carry on.

A lap later the crowd hushed with the announcement that Hailwood had crashed at exactly the same spot, but was continuing.

He kicked the MV straight, and pushing got the machine restarted, the MV looking very second hand, sporting a broken screen and flattened exhaust megaphones. His pit stop took 70 seconds as the mechanics straightened bent handlebars, but he went on to win, at the slowest speed for six years, with Norton mounted Joe Dunlop second and Mike (Michelle) Duff third on his Matchless.

1966 At the end of 1965 Mike Hailwood left MV to rejoin Honda, and the stage was set for one of the great years of TT racing in 1966, which was postponed until September because of a seamens strike.

The Senior was the time British enthusiasts had witnessed the Hailwood/Honda - Agostini/MV battle at first hand, and they were not disappointed.

The 500cc four-cylinder Honda was a brute and not the ideal machine for the Mountain Circuit, but Mike tamed it with a display of skill and bravery that was the hallmark of a true champion.

A lap record gave the first round to Hailwood, but 'Ago' was

Diamond Jubilee Year and Mike Hailwood celebrated the sixtieth anniversary of the first TT race, and what everybody thought would be his last appearance on the Island, with a magnificent treble, riding the works Hondas.

His duel with Agostini in the Diamond Jubilee Senior is still regarded by many experts as the greatest TT race of all time. He had met Agostini head on in the Junior race earlier in the week, but this time there was no doubt who was the master.

Aboard the 296cc six-cylinder Honda, Hailwood was in a class of his own. He destroyed the absolute lap record from a standing start at a speed of 107.73mph and continued at nearly the same pace until dropping his speed towards the finish of the six laps.

So to the Diamond Senior TT of 1967. Friday arrived and the Isle of Man weather was perfect and the tension was indescribable.

Hailwood started at number four, thirty seconds later Agostini took up the chase. Agostini pulverised the lap record from a standing start breaking the 21-minute barrier with a speed of 108.38mph, to lead by 11.8 seconds.

After three laps, both were averaging over 108mph and the Grandstand seethed with excitement as first Agostini and then Hailwood came in for their pit stops. Hailwood had cut the lead down to two seconds, but he toured into the pits slowly. 'Get me a hammer,' he shouted as the mechanics started to refuel. His twist grip had been slipping off the handlebar. He battered it back into place before pulling down his goggles and roaring off again.

That stop lasting 47.8 seconds, cost Hailwood ten seconds and at the start of the fourth lap Agostini led by 15 seconds.

Having to hold the loose throttle in place and use sheer brute strength to keep the bike on the road, Hailwood still managed once again to pull back Ago’s lead. At Ramsey it was reported that Hailwood led by one second. By now Agostini was aware he was in danger and threw everything into it - timing at the Bungalow had him 2.5 seconds in the lead.

Then sensation! As Hailwood screamed through the start for his final lap, Agostini's light had not come on to indicate he had passed Signpost Corner. Finally the news reached the Grandstand - he had stopped on the Mountain with a broken chain. A groan went up from the crowd - the race was over.

Hailwood pressed on until he reached Ramsey, where he saw the ‘good’ news held up by mechanic Nobby Clark, and he toured home, holding onto his loose throttle.

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1968 Suzuki joined Honda as non-starters in the 1968 World Championships, leaving the way clear for Agostini and MV to dominate the Junior and Senior TTs, while Yamaha, though Bill Ivy and Phil Read, were untouchable in the Lightweight events.

There were two Sidecar races: the 500cc World Championship event and an extra 750cc race which was ideal for British engines such as the BSA and Triumph twins.

Klaus Enders on a BMW, looked the likely winner of the championship race after setting a new lap record, but slowed towards the finish with mechanical problems, allowing his team mate Siggi Schauzu to take the chequered flag. British champion Chris Vincent was the early leader of the 750cc class, but he too was hindered by mechanical gremlins and the Kirby BSApowered outfit of Terry Vinicombe went on to win.

1969 As a result of the lack of works machinery contesting the World Championships, the TT in common with the Grands Prix, went a little flat at this time, with Agostini and MV an unbeatable combination in both the 350cc and 500cc classes.

Agostini totally dominated the Senior, winning at his own pace from the Kirby Metisse of Alan Barnett and Tom Dickie's Kuhn Seeley. The Junior was much the same story with Ago way out in front of the Aermacchis of Brian Steenson and Jack Findlay after second-placed Kel Carruthers had dropped out on the last lap.

The 500cc and 750cc Sidecar races were held on different days and BMW dominated both events. In the World Championship 500cc race Klaus Enders was the winner from Siggi Schauzu.

Earlier in the week Schauzu had become the first rider to win three sidecar races on the Mountain Circuit with victory in the 750cc event

1970 The early Seventies proved to be a tough time for the TT, 1970 clearly illustrated the problems. In a tragic year no fewer than six riders were killed during practice or racing.

Much of the interest in the week focused on the Production race, which had been increased to five laps and was given International status. It was won by new three-cylinder Trident rider, Malcolm Uphill.

BMW-powered Klaus Enders won the 500cc World Championship sidecar race from Siggi Schauzu and Heinz Luthringhauser. Earlier in the week Schauzu had won the 750cc sidecar race when early leader Enders retired on the second lap at the Highlander with Battery problems.

1971 The unbelievable happened in 1971 - Agostini's MV broke down on the first lap of the Junior.

The crowd cheered when it was announced that the Italian had stopped at Ramsey with engine problems. His demise produced a dramatic race in which many of the favourites either crashed or broke down.

Yamaha's Phil Read led Alan Barnett, Rod Gould and Dudley Robinson at the end of the first lap. Gould then crashed at

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SIEGFRIED SCHAUZU / HORST SCHNEIDER (BMW) FROM 1967 TT

Quarterbridge, but continued. On lap three Barnett came off at Glen Helen, and a lap later Read retired with engine problems.

With one lap to go Robinson led Yorkshireman Tony Jefferies, riding a Yamsel, but he crashed at Rhencullen, so Jefferies came home with 37 seconds to spare from newcomers Gordon Pantall, with Bill Smith third.

Agostini had no such problems in the Senior, which was postponed by a day because of bad weather. Despite spending nearly two minutes in the pits to rectify carburation problems, he won comfortably from Peter Williams (Arter Matchless) and Frank Perris on a Suzuki.

The splendid Yamaha twins dominated the 250cc race, which was reduced to four laps and won comfortably by Phil Read.

A certain Barry Sheene made his one and only TT appearance in the 125cc race, but slipped off his Suzuki at Quarterbridge on the second lap while lying second in appalling conditions. The race was won by Chas Mortimer, riding a Yamaha, at the slowest 125cc average on the Mountain Course since 1953.

Siggi Schauzu won his fifth TT after a superb duel with BMW teammate George Auerbacher in the World Championship sidecar race. Earlier in the week Auerbacher had secured his first TT victory in the 750cc sidecar event after ten years of trying.

1972 The 1972 TT marked a real turning point in the history of the races with some of the top stars vowing that they would not return to the Island to compete.

Italian Gilberto Parlotti was leading the 125cc World Championship riding a works Morbidelli and was determined to win the TT on his first visit to the Island to increase his title chances. Tragically he was killed on the second lap of the race when he crashed while leading in pouring rain at the Verandah.

His death caused great personal sadness to Agostini, who only rode in the later Senior race after much persuasion. He then declared that he would never race on the Island again and was supported by the MV Agusta factory. Phil Read and Rodney Gould also agreed to boycott the races, although Read later changed his mind.

Agostini's last appearance brought a typically commanding victory, with teammate Alberto Pagani second after Peter Williams went out on the last lap at the Bungalow. He had ridden

POWERED BY

brilliantly on an Arter Matchless to push Pagani back into third place until his retirement. Mick Grant moved up to third spot on a three-cylinder Kawasaki, much more would be heard of the gritty Yorkshireman in the years to come.

Phil Read had joined Agostini in the MV team for the Junior, but dropped out on the second lap as the Italian overwhelmed his rivals once again. Tony Rutter, another name for the future, produced his first 100 mph lap to pip Mick Grant, who ran out of petrol on the line, for second.

Read reigned supreme in the PHIL READ 250cc class, totally eclipsing his challengers with a perfect demonstration of TT riding. He led from the start, with Gould finally seeing off the challenge of John Williams in an exciting battle for second place.

The Production event was distinguished by close racing, with Ray Pickrell gaining his third TT victory for Triumph despite a brave effort by Peter Williams on a Norton twin.

The 500cc class provided a much closer finish, Stan Woods (Suzuki) eventually seeing off the challenge of Triumph-mounted Roger Bowler, with Bill Smith third. The 250cc class was a battle of the Williams's, with John, riding a Honda, beating Charlie, riding a Yamaha by 41.4 seconds.

Siggi Schauzu continued his record-breaking ways in the sidecar class, becoming the first rider to win both the 500cc and 750cc races in the same week.

1973 So, could the TT Survive without the World Championship stars? Certainly the 1973 races proved they could as a fresh wave of TT riders hit the headlines. However, it was not a new star, but rather an old campaigner, Australian Jack Findlay, who was the popular winner of the Senior, riding a Suzuki twin.

Another first-time TT winner that week was Charlie Williams, who became the latest of the new TT breed by winning the fourlap 250cc race after a tremendous battle with namesake John.

Completing the list of new winners was another old campaigner, Tommy Robb. After fifteen years of trying he won a TT in his last race on the Island, triumphing in the 125cc event.

The World Championship stars did not turn their backs on the two sidecar races. Klaus Enders and his BMW led both the 500cc and 750cc races from start to finish. BMW teammate Siggi Schauzu was second in both.

1974 Bad weather wreaked havoc with the 1974 programme, in which the Formula 750 race was regarded as the top attraction, replacing the Senior as the final race of the week.

The real purpose of Formula 750cc racing was spoilt, with the 352cc Yamaha twins proving more than a match for their 750cc counterparts. In an exciting last lap Chas Mortimer saw off the

challenge of Charlie Williams by just 8.6 seconds with Tony Rutter, also on a Yamaha, third.

It was exactly the same story in the Senior, which was reduced to five laps because of the weather. Findlay and Paul Smart rode works four-cylinder Suzukis, but they were no match for the 352cc Yamaha twins in the slippery conditions. The race started in the dry and Williams took on the Yamahas, but as the rain fell he dropped back and let them get on with it. Eventually Phil Carpenter emerged as the surprise winner from Charlie Williams and Rutter.

Tony Rutter won his second Junior race in succession, riding a 350cc Yamaha. Early leader Charlie Williams retired on the third lap, and when Mortimer also pulled out Rutter had a comfortable passage to the chequered flag, with Grant second and Paul Cott third.

Mick Grant grabbed his first TT win in the new 1000cc class of the Production race. Riding 'Slippery Sam', the Triumph Trident that had won the race for the previous three years, Grant swept aside the opposition, with the BMWs of Hans-Otto Butenuth and Helmut Dahne second and third respectively. Peter Williams was in third place in the early stages on the Gus Kuhn Norton, but retired on lap two at the Highlander.

In the 500cc World Championship race the all-conquering BMWs were given a big scare by Jeff Gawley on his Konigpowered outfit, who led only to break down on the second lap.

Siggi Schauzu inherited the lead but retired a lap later, giving teammate Heinz Luthringhauser the chance to secure his only TT victory. Schauzu did, however, win the 750cc race.

1975 Mick Grant rewrote the record books in 1975 when he smashed Mike Hailwood's eight-year-old record.

He waited until the second lap of the final race of the week, the six-lap Classic, in which he rode a three-cylinder Kawasaki, to establish new record of 109.82mph. Unfortunately his chain broke on the next circuit and Yamaha mounted John Williams took the lead and went on to secure a popular victory from Percy Tait and Charlie Sanby. Earlier in the week Grant had won the postponed Senior on a Kawasaki.

Charlie Williams and Scotsman Alex George went at it hammer and tongs in the five-lap Junior. Their dice ended when George crashed at the 33rd Milestone on the last lap. He was helicoptered to hospital, but luckily was not seriously injured. Williams won easily from Chas Mortimer and Tom Herron. All three rode Yamahas.

Tough Scot George was back in action in the three-lap 250cc event and eventually finished a brave fifth. Chas Mortimer led all the way, with Derek Chatterton pipping John Williams for second.

The Production event was increased to an amazing ten laps, making it the longest-ever TT race. Two riders shared the distance on one machine, and Alex George and Dave Croxford continued Slippery Sam's amazing TT exploits by winning the 750cc class.

Charlie Williams and Eddie Roberts won the closely contested 500cc class on a Honda, with Chas Mortimer and Billy Guthrie giving Yamaha victory in the 250cc class, which was run over just nine laps.

The BMW stranglehold was finally broken in the 500cc sidecar class, with Rolf Steinhausen, aboard his Konig-powered outfit, just beating Mac Hobson to the line.

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YEAR BY YEAR: THE STORY OF THE ISLE OF MAN TT . . .

MIKE HAILWOOD’S 1978 COMEBACK AFTER A GAP OF 11 YEARS IS THE STUFF OF LEGEND

1976 In 1976 John Williams upped the lap record by nearly 3mph in a dramatic Senior TT. Riding a works Suzuki, he led Yamahamounted Tom Herron by almost three minutes going into the last lap before slowing dramatically. He was indicated on the scoreboard at Signpost Corner, but then appeared pushing the big Suzuki from Governor's Bridge, having run out of petrol.

With the crowd urging him on, he pushed over the line, collapsing with exhaustion and frustration. Herron was the winner from Ian Richards, with Billy Guthrie third.

Williams' only consolation was a new lap record of 112.27mph, but later in the week he was the comfortable winner of the Classic, which had been postponed by a day. He led from start to finish from the Yamahas of Alex George and Tony Rutter.

Because of the postponements the Junior was the opening race of the week. Chas Mortimer controlled the event throughout on his Yamaha.

Herron made it a Senior and Lightweight double by winning the four-lap 250cc race. The popular Ulsterman set the early pace and held a two-second advantage over Charlie Williams at the end of the first lap. Williams went out on the second and Herron increased his advantage to win comfortably from Takazumi Katayama and Mortimer.

The BMWs were not so lucky in the two sidecar races, with twostrokes reigning supreme. In the World Championship race they filled the first three places, Steinhausen and passenger Josef Huber leading throughout the three laps. The Yamahas of Dick Greasley and Mac Hobson were second and third respectively. The bombshell then dropped. The FIM decided to strip the TT races of their World Championship status because they felt the Mountain Circuit was too dangerous. The British round of the series was switched to Silverstone.

1977 With the FIM stripping the TT of its World Championship status, the Island responded by organising, with the ACU, its own

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Formula TT championship that would later include rounds at road-type circuits throughout the world.

Ironically one of the main instigators of the walk-out of World Championship stars in 1972 came back to triumph. Phil Read had vowed never to return, but did so with a vengeance in 1977, having been signed by Honda Britain to ride in the new TT Formula One event.

The race ended in controversy when it was stopped after four laps because of deteriorating weather. At the end of the third lap Ducati-mounted Roger Nicholls led Read by 22 seconds, but then pitted to take on fuel. Read went straight through and was declared the winner after four laps, with Nicholls second and Ian Richards third.

There were no such problems for Read in the Senior, although it was also stopped a lap short of the scheduled six-lap distance.

Riding a Suzuki, Read was never headed, with the Yamaha of Herron and Eddie Roberts (Suzuki) second and third respectively.

After two wins Read was looking for a third in the six-lap Classic, but he crashed and broke his collar-bone at Brandish Corner during an unofficial practice session.

He would have found it hard to beat Mick Grant and his Kawasaki even if he'd been fit, however. The Yorkshireman smashed the absolute lap record when he averaged 112.77mph on his second lap, leaving the others to fight it out for second place.

To celebrate the Queen's Jubilee, a special Schweppes Jubilee race was held which was won comfortably by Ulsterman Joey Dunlop, riding a 750cc Rea Yamaha. It was the start of Dunlop's love-hate relationship with the Snaefell Mountain Course that made him one of the greatest TT riders of all time!

With the demise of the World Championship rounds, the sidecar race was split into two legs for machines up to 1000cc.

Dick Greasley and passenger Mick Skeels broke that 100mph barrier from a standing start, but George O'Dell and Kenny Arthur increased the record to 102.80mph on their last lap to beat Greasley by 50 seconds. Mac Hobson led the second leg throughout

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1978 Mike Hailwood's return brought record crowds to the Island and, of course, he did not let them down, winning the TT Formula One race on the booming Ducati. At the opposite end of the scale the appalling accidents that led to the deaths of Mac Hobson, Kenny Birch and Ernst Trachsel in the first sidecar race and the serious accident to Pat Hennen in the Senior produced massive shock waves throughout the racing world.

Mike's return was one of the supreme sporting dramas. He'd retired from both car and bike racing and was living in New Zealand when he decided that he needed something to occupy his time. That did not mean fishing or golf, but a return to the scene of his greatest triumphs nearly two decades previously.

Everybody wanted him to win the TT Formula One race, but secretly felt he had little chance. Mike had different ideas and roared away from the start to lead at the end of the first circuit after his fastest-ever TT lap: 109.87mph.

The crowds went wild as he slowly closed on his old rival Phil Read on the roads. They cheered even louder when he passed the Honda Britain rider and Read retired with engine problems on the fifth lap at the 11th Milestone.

Those privileged people who were on the Island will never forget Mike's last lap. At every vantage point the crowd gave him the reception his return deserved. As he crossed the line more than one person, including Mike, wiped away a few tears. It was one of those special moments that only witnessing a truly great sportsman in action can provide.

Unfortunately Mike's three other races on the Martini Yamahas were not so successful. In the Senior his steering damper broke at Ramsey and he limped home in 28th place. Tom Herron led from start to finish on a Suzuki, but was chased hard by Pat Hennen on a similar machine. The American had set a new lap record of 113.83mph when he crashed at Bishopscourt on the last lap. He was critically injured and was never able to race again.

Hennen's new record had lasted only four days when Mick Grant produced a brilliant display in the six-lap Classic. Riding the Kawasaki, he imposed his authority on the race and on his second lap became the fastest rider around the Mountain Circuit with a speed of 114.33mph. John Williams was second, with Alex George third after a race-long battle with Phil Read. Mike retired on the first lap with engine trouble.

Mike also hit problems in the five-lap 250cc Junior and eventually finished 12th. Chas Mortimer led all the way, with Charlie Williams taking second after a great duel with Herron.

Alan Jackson retained his TT Formula Two title with a comfortable win on his Honda, while Bill Smith made up for his previous year's disappointment by clinching the Formula Three crown for Honda.

1979 The Isle of Man celebrated its millennium in 1979 and the TT and the Classic Race provided a suitable acknowledgement of the 1000-year history of Tynwald, the Isle of Man parliament.

The six-lap Classic lived up to its title, but also marked the last appearance on the Mountain Circuit of the TT's favourite and then, most successful son, Mike Hailwood.

He had already won the Senior, riding a 500cc Suzuki, and if it had not been for the skill and determination of Scotsman Alex

ALEX GEORGE

George he would have bowed out on a winning note.

George, riding a 1000cc Honda Britain four-stroke, and Mike, aboard a two-stroke four-cylinder 500cc Suzuki, fought a fantastic duel. George led for the first four laps, with Mike closing all the time. Mike snatched the lead on the penultimate circuit and, going into a dramatic last lap, led by just 0.8 of a second.

He still led at Ramsey, but climbing the Mountain, George retook the lead and won by just 3.4 seconds at an average speed of 113.08mph, the fastest ever for a TT race.

Mike's 14th and final victory had come in the six-lap Senior, which he won comfortably with new race and lap records.

Alan Jackson completed a hat-trick of victories in the Formula Two race, while Australian Barry Smith made a dramatic comeback by winning the Formula Three title on his Yamaha.

Charlie Williams dominated the six-lap Junior, leading from start to finish on his Yamaha. He smashed the 11-year-old record with a lap of 106.83mph.

Swindon-based Trevor Ireson scored a notable double in the two sidecar races on his 750cc Yamaha powered outfit.

1980 The decade marked the emergence of Ulsterman Joey Dunlop as one of the truly great TT riders.

The 1980 races really set the pattern for the rest of the decade.

Joey Dunlop displayed his true road racing talent with a superb win in the six-lap Classic, riding his scruffy-looking Rea Racing Yamaha. There was nothing scruffy about Dunlop's performance, though, as he established a new absolute course record at 115.22mph.

Graeme Crosby won his first TT in the postponed six-lap Senior after a tremendous race with Ian Richards, who was forced out with a broken gearbox at Ballacraine on the last lap. Richards had led for most of the race, but trailed Crosby, riding the four-cylinder Suzuki, by just 1.6 seconds going into the last lap. Steve Cull and Steve Ward completed a Suzuki clean sweep.

Charlie Williams became one of the few riders to win two TT races in one day with easy victories in the postponed Junior 250 and Formula Two races.

Barry Smith continued his success in the Formula Three race, while Trevor Ireson and Clive Pollington won their third TT sidecar event in succession. Jock Taylor made no mistake in the second leg. He stormed away with passenger Benga Johansson to win easily from Ireson and Nigel Rollason and claim overall victory.

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Graeme Crosby could not set off at his allocated time because of chain problems on his big Suzuki. He was allowed to start at the rear of the field, but with no time allowance.

Joey Dunlop was the early leader on a Honda, but, after being forced to change a tyre at his pit stop, he was relegated to second

by Ron Haslam, who went on to win from the Ulsterman. Crosby was in brilliant form and fought his way back to third from the back of the field. However, Suzuki protested - after Haslam had been garlanded the winner - that Crosby should have been given a time allowance.

Two hours later Crosby was declared the winner and Honda were furious - so furious that they dressed their riders in all-black leathers and painted their machines black for the Classic at the end of the week. It was a protest that badly misfired.

Crosby was never headed. Dunlop's increasing Honda challenge ended when the Ulsterman ran out of fuel on the third lap, having just raised his absolute lap record to 115.40mph. Crosby thus completed an easy double, with teammate Mick Grant and Alex George on the only all-black Honda to finish.

Bad weather once again played havoc with the Senior and also produced a cruel twist of fate for the luckless Chris Guy. After the start had been postponed for one hour, he led the field, but after two laps the race was stopped because of worsening conditions.

A day later Mick Grant, riding a Suzuki, was unchallenged in a race that ended in heavy rain. Crosby went out on the first lap and poor Guy crashed at Braddan.

Steve Tonkin broke the Yamaha domination in the six-lap Junior 250, riding Ruth Randle's Armstrong. World Champions Jock Taylor and Benga Johansson produced two superb sidecar victories on their 750cc Yamaha-powered outfit.

1982 Ron Haslam finally scored his first TT victory in the 1982 Formula One race, riding for Honda Britain.

Teammate Mick Grant was the early leader, with Haslam pushing him hard until Grant's Honda expired on the fifth lap. His demise left Haslam with a comfortable ride to victory ahead of Dunlop and impressive New Zealander Dave Hiscock aboard a Suzuki.

The Classic race was won by another New Zealander, Dennis Ireland.

The six-lap Senior was split into two classes for 500 and 350cc machines. Grant was looking the likely winner on his Suzuki when he collided with a slower rider near Ballig Bridge and was lucky to escape serious injury.

Ulsterman Norman Brown made it a memorable TT debut by taking over to win on his Suzuki from Ekerold and Ireland.

Tony Rutter won the 350cc class on his Yamaha after Graeme McGregor, who had led for the first couple of laps, dropped out.

Rutter made it a double with victory in the TT Formula Two race on his Ducati, with Gary Padgett winning the Formula Three event on his Yamaha. Con Law was the 250cc Junior winner, riding a Rotax-powered Waddon.

In the sidecar events, Jock Taylor and Benga Johansson had

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chequered flag. Taylor and Johansson won the second race but, sadly, this was to be Taylor’s last TT. He was killed competing at the Finnish Grand Prix at Imatra two months later.

1983 The absolute lap record continued to shoot up in 1983, with Norman Brown raising it to 116.19mph in the Senior Classic event for machines up to 1000cc.

He did not win the race, however. Just a lap after establishing that new mark he ran out of petrol and Rob McElnea, riding a big four-stroke Suzuki, won from Con Law (Suzuki) and Dunlop (Honda).

Dunlop had started the week in record-breaking style with a record lap from a standing start in the TT Formula One race.

Despite having to change a rear wheel, he won from the Suzuki's of Grant and McElnea.

Rutter completed a hat trick of Formula Two wins, although he left it until the last lap to pass Graeme McGregor.

In the afternoon the popular Phil Mellor won the re-instated 350cc Junior race on his Yamaha.

Earlier, Con Law, riding Dr Joe Ehrlich's EMC, had hammered all opposition in the six-lap 250cc Junior event. He led from the start and established a new record of 110.03mph, the first ever lap at over 100mph lap by a quarter-litre machine.

Dick Greasley won the first sidecar race from husband and wife team, Dennis and Julia Bingham. The second leg saw Mick Boddice finally win a TT race after 14 years of trying.

1984 Rob McElnea was the star of the 1984 races, completing a memorial double for the British based Heron Suzuki team.

In a superb classic battle with Honda-mounted Dunlop and Suzuki teammate Grant, he upped the lap record to 117.13mph.

Australian Graeme McGregor not only won his first TT, but also completed a double within the space of a few hours. In the morning he won the six-lap Junior on an EMC. In the afternoon McGregor switched to Yamaha power to end Ritter's three-years hold on the TT Formula Two event, setting new lap and race records in the process.

Geoff Johnson won the 1500cc class of the Production race on his Kawasaki, while Nation and Helmut Dahne fought a great duel in the 750cc class. After three hectic laps Honda-mounted Trevor Nation won by just 2.2 seconds. Mellor won the 250cc class.

Dave Roper became the first American to win a TT with victory in the 500cc class of the Historic race, riding a Matchless, while Steve Cull took the 350cc class on his Aermacchi.

Mick Boddice continued his winning ways in the Sidecar class, leading the first leg from start to finish. Steve Abbott took full advantage of a host of retirements to win the second leg.

1985 Joey Dunlop emulated Mike Hailwood's feat of winning three TT races in one week with a hat trick of victories in 1985. Riding for the new Rothmans Honda Britain team, the Ulsterman was in

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JOEY DUNLOP RIDING THE ROTHMANS HONDA TO YET ANOTHER VICTORY

brilliant form. He started the week with a comprehensive victory in the TT Formula One race, shattering the lap record in the process.

Dunlop ended the week in even greater style with an easy win in the six-lap Senior from teammate Roger Marshall. Mick Grant crashed out at the Black Dub, while West German Klaus Klein was a faller at Glentramman, leaving Mark Johns to claim affine third place on his Suzuki.

Dunlop's other victory must be considered a trifle lucky, with Brian Reid having looked a certain winner of the 250cc race when he ran out of petrol with the finish almost in sight.

Geoff Johnson repeated his 1984 success in the 150cc class of the three-lap Production race, beating Bill Simpson by just 3.5 seconds. Mick Grant completed his seventh TT win in the 750cc class on a Suzuki.

Mick Boddice and Chas Birks also experienced problems at Governor's Bridge on the last lap of the first sidecar race. Their chain slipped off less than a mile from the finish, and Dave Hallam and John Gibbard snatched victory on their Yamaha-powered outfit. Boddice made no mistakes in the second race, winning easily from Lowry Burton, with Dennis and Julia Bingham third.

1986 1986 produced a real mixed bag of emotions, weather and results. The weather severely disrupted the programme, which produced a number of surprise, but worthy winners. However, four riders were killed so results this year meant little to the winners.

The Senior was won by Roger Burnett while the Formula One race, reduced to four laps, was won by Joey Dunlop, completing his fourth consecutive victory on the Rothmans Honda fourstroke.

The Formula Two race was also reduced to four laps, but this time Brian Reid made no mistakes with his fuel calculations. He led all the way on his Yamaha, establishing new race and lap records.

The Junior saw victory for Steve Cull, while Trevor Nation annihilated the race and lap records in the Production Class A race on a GSX-R1100 Suzuki. He produced the first under 20-minutes lap by a production machine and a new record of 113.26mph on his way to victory over Kevin Wilson and Brian Morrison.

Grandfather Lowry Burton and passenger Pat Cushnahan became the first Irish pair to win a TT sidecar race with victory in the first leg. The 750cc Barton Phoenix enginepowered Nigel Rollason and Donne Williams to victory in the second sidecar race.

1987 The weather tried its hardest to ruin the week, but Dunlop paid scant regard to the conditions as he notched up another two wins.

His first came on a dry track in the TT Formula One race. Dunlop's second victory of the week, his tenth overall, came in The Rizla Senior, postponed by a day, and then reduced to four laps in appalling conditions.

Geoff Johnson's moment of glory came in the three-lap Production Class B (401-500cc two stroke and 601-750cc fourstroke) race, but only after his Loctite teammate Trevor Nation had run out of fuel once again. He was leading by an impressive 24seconds just three miles from the finish when, for the second year in succession, he was forced out by a dry tank.

Steve Hislop's name found its way into the record books when the 25-year-old Scotsman won the six-lap Formula Two event.

Mick Boddice scored a comfortable victory - his fourth - in the first leg of the Sidecar TT. Ulsterman Lowry Burton became the oldest-ever TT winner in the second sidecar race.

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Emotions were so muddled as people left the races. They had witnessed a hat-trick of wins from Steve Hislop and a new absolute lap record at a truly amazing 121.34mph, but they had lost friends that the fans had all loved and respected.

Fans eagerly awaited the Joey Dunlop-Steve Hislop clash that stirred up memories of the epic Mike Hailwood-Giacomo Agostini duels of the Sixties, but sadly it was not to be.

Dunlop was badly injured in an Easter crash at Brands Hatch.

Although he was passed fit by his doctor in Ireland, it was plain for all, including the ACU medical men, to see that he was not fit to ride, so he handed the stage over to Hislop. However, even Joey must have been staggered by the performance of the Scotsman.

That astonishing lap record came in the TT Formula One race, after he had given every indication in practice that history was about to be made. Riding an RC30 Honda, Hislop smashed the 120mph barrier from a standing start and on the second lap established that new record in just 18 minutes 39.4 seconds.

Hislop's first victory had come the night before in the Supersport 600 race, in which he saw off the challenge of Dave Leach's Yamaha, although Leach set a new lap record.

Hislop became the third rider to win three TT races in a week with a start-to-finish victory in the Senior.

TT Formula One World Champion Carl Fogarty won his first TT in the 750cc Production race.

Robert Dunlop, Joey's younger brother, upheld the family name by winning the first 125cc race on the Mountain Course for 15 years, while Dave Leach won the 1300cc Production event.

STEVE HISLOP

1988 Joey Dunlop continued to make all the headlines in a cluttered eight-race programme in 1988 with three magnificent wins, which put him just one victory away from Mike Hailwood's 14-win record.

Morrison had started the week by wining the Production Class C (400cc two-strokes/600cc four-strokes) race after a superb clash with Kawasaki-mounted Roger Hurst. Barry Woodland won the Production Class D for the third year in succession on the FZR400R Yamaha.

The Production Class A race produced one of the closest TT finishes of all time. After a magnificent all-Yamaha, all-Yorkshire duel, just 0.8 of a second separated winner Dave Leach and Geoff Johnson. Despite finishing second, Johnson had the consolation of a record lap at 116.55mph, which was over three mph quicker than Nation's old record.

Despite having to stop three times in four laps to take on fuel, the RC30 Hondas of Hislop and Morrison dominated the Class B race. At the finish Hislop won by just 12 seconds from his teammate, with Johnson third on a Bimota Yamaha.

Mick Boddice had his old passenger Chas Birks back after a long lay-off following his fall at Greeba Castle two years earlier and achieved a lifelong ambition by winning both sidecar races.

1989 A new hero emerged in 1989, but, once more, all concerned left the Island with that familiar feeling in the pit of their stomachs following five deaths in practice and racing.

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1990 The first TT of the new decade saw the big productions machines dropped from the event after the previous year’s tragedies in the 1300cc production race. Wisely it was decided that these bikes were just too heavy and powerful to control around the 37 ¾ mile circuit at lap speeds approaching 120mph.

Blackburn’s World Formula One Champion Carl Fogarty, was a start to finish winner of the opening race on his Honda Britain RC30.

Robert Dunlop dominated the three-lap 125 TT on Patsy O’Kane’s Honda leading from start to finish, and setting a new lap record at 104.09mph.

Popular Dave Leach won an exciting inaugural Supersport 400cc race on the FZR-400 Yamaha while Welshman Ian Lougher scored a superb victory over race favourite Steve Hislop in the Junior race.

Carl Fogarty completed a famous TT double when he led the rain-hit Senior from start to finish while Dave Saville dominated both Sidecar TTs.

1992 Steve Hislop, after the disappointments of 1990, was in a determined mood. In the Formula One race, Hislop set off at a storming pace - he lapped at 122.83mph to lead Fogarty by 9.4 seconds with Morrison third. Joey limped into the pits in 21st place and retired after a fork seal broke in the first mile and spewed out oil. Hislop went on to cross the line one minute 16 seconds ahead of Carl Fogarty.

Dave Leach (Yamaha) scored a start to finish victory once again

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absolute lap record in 18 minutes 18.8 seconds equal to 123.61mph.

Hislop was just a second slower, and also inside the old record, and took victory by 4.4 seconds to give Norton their first Senior TT win since 1961.

1993 The Formula One TT saw Nick Jeffries take the chequered cloth, scoring a popular first TT win from Phillip McCallen and Steve Ward. Jim Moodie made it two wins in a week when he won both the Supersport 400cc and 600cc races.

Joey Dunlop rewrote the history books with a start to finish victory in the 125cc TT, taking his total of TT wins to 15, one more than Mike Hailwood.

Brian Reid scored his fifth TT win in a start to finish win in the Junior TT, followed home by Jim Moodie and Joey Dunlop.

Phillip McCallen on the RVF Honda won his first Senior TT when he took the honours in the race delayed from the Friday to the Saturday because of bad weather.

Hopes of a 'local' victory were high in the Sidecar races as Dave Molyneux and Karl Ellison were fastest in practice and they duly completed a Sidecar double.

1994 ROBERT DUNLOP

in the Supersport 400 race. Honda-mounted Robert Dunlop scored his third successive record breaking win in the 125cc race.

For the Junior 250cc race, Robert Dunlop beat Phil McCallen by 5.8 seconds to complete a memorable double for the week, beating Steve Cull into second place by 30 seconds.

With the fastest-ever race speed, Steve Hislop (Honda) led the Senior from start to finish and notched up his second hat trick of wins, equalling the record of Mike Hailwood and Joey Dunlop.

Mick Boddice and Dave Wells gave Honda their first Sidecar victory with a start to finish win in Sidecar Race A and went on to complete the double by taking Race B, notching up his ninth Sidecar TT victory, equalling the record of Siegfried Schauzu and Dave Saville.

1992 On the final lap of the TT Formula One race,, Steve Hislop set the fastest lap of the race at 123.30mph, just 1.6 seconds outside his 1991 lap record, but Phillip McCallen won his first TT Race. Steve finished second with Joey third.

After a spill in the 1991 TT, Brian Reid scored a popular victory in the Supersport 400 Race.

Joey Dunlop on his 125 Honda, finally achieved his ambition of equalling Mike Hailwood's record of 14 TT wins, with a start to finish record-breaking ride in the four lap 125cc race.

What a tremendous climax to TT week 1992 when the A McAlpine (IoM) Senior TT provided a race-long battle between Steve Hislop on the Norton - The White Charger - and Carl Fogarty on the Loctite Yamaha. They swapped the lead practically every lap - and finished up setting a course record lap and the fastest ever speed between them. On the final lap, Fogarty set a new

The Formula One TT race was stopped at the end of the second lap after a sudden change in the weather brought heavy rain., Riders were paid lap money, and the race was re-scheduled for 2pm on Sunday. Steve Hislop went on to win his tenth TT at 119.54 mph from Phillip McCallen and Joey Dunlop.

Jim Moodie won his fourth TT, the Supersport 400 and Joey again rewrote the history books with a start to finish victory taking his total wins to sixteen in the Ultra Lightweight TT and his 17th win came in the Junior.

The Supersport 600cc race brought Iain Duffus his first TT win and Rob Fisher completed the Sidecar double.

1995 Changes to the race programme for 1995 saw the Junior TT being allocated to 600cc machines, replacing the Supersport 66 Race and the Supersport 400s were included in the Lightweight TT which was 'back to basics' and 250cc machines.

The Formula One TT proved to be a battle between Ulsterman Phillip McCallen, who had been quickest in practice, and Joey Dunlop, with McCallen holding on for victory by 18.1 seconds.

Runner-up in the Singles race in 1994 Robert Holden went one better in 1995 to take the win by a minute and a half from David Morris with Steve Linsdell third.

In the Ultra Lightweight race, Mick Lofthouse finished first, but Mark Baldwin was really flying and with a record lap at 109.01mph and snatched victory at the flag by 0.6 of a second.

Joey Dunlop went all out in the Lightweight 250cc and collected win number 18 by 25.5 seconds from James Courtney and Gavin Lee with a record race speed of 115.68mph. The Junior TT, which now catered for 600cc machines, provided a second TT win for Scot Iain Duffus from Nick Jefferies and Colin Gable.

The two sidecar races again provided a double victory for Cumbrian Rob Fisher.

Joey won the Senior, his nineteenth TT, at 119.11mph, from Iain Duffus by 33.5 seconds.

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Simpson, with the fastest lap of the race at 123.38mph, took the 1996 victory by just 2.2 seconds over Michael Rutter.

1996 saw the reintroduction of the Production Race, over three laps of the Mountain Course, with great interest being shown once again by the manufacturers, riders and fans. At the flag Phillip McCallen won by 5.9 seconds from Iain Duffus. The 750cc class was won by Suzuki mounted Ian Lougher.

Phillip McCallen, the 1995 winner of the TT Formula One event repeated this achievement from Nick Jeffries and Tony Rutter.

The Singles TT was reduced to two laps from four due to the weather - no pit stops - just a sprint to the line - won by Jim Moodie.

Joey was all out for win number 21 in the Ultra Lightweight TT and secured a narrow victory over Gavin Lee and Glen English.

The Junior TT was another race effected by the weather, being reduced to three laps. Phil McCallen took his third win of the week at record speed, Iain Duffus finished second with Ian Simpson in third.

Double wins in the Sidecar races continued in 1996 as Dave Molyneux took record breaking victories in both races.

No rider had ever won four races in a week in the history of the TT - the question was could Phillip McCallen and the mighty Honda RC45 make history with the blue-riband race of the TT the Senior? The answer - yes. Phillip McCallen rode on to become the first 'four in a week' winner as Joey pipped Nick Jefferies for second place to make it yet another Honda one-two-three.

1997 Phillip McCallen continued where he left off the previous year - winning. In the Formula One TT, which he had won in 1995 and 1996, he was again favourite. Leading at the conclusion of the first of the six laps, he went on to complete a hat trick of Formula One wins.

The Singles TT provided BMW with their second solo race win - the first being back in 1939, when George Meier won the Senior.

David Morris, who had been runner-up a number of times in this class, went one better in 1997 with a start to finish victory.

In the concurrently run Ultra Lightweight race, Welshman Ian Lougher snatched victory almost on the line from Denis McCullough by 2.1 seconds, having set a new lap record of 109.25mph on his final lap. Elder brother Joey made it win number twenty-two when he took the chequered flag in the Lightweight TT. Phillip McCallen got his revenge over rival Ian Simpson when he took victory in the Production TT, which was reduced, from three to two laps because of the weather.

Race A in the Sidecar event went to Roy Hanks, with Rob Fisher winning Race B. Phillip McCallen’s victory in the Senior took his total of TT wins up to 11.

1998 In 1998 Honda celebrated their fortieth anniversary on the Isle of Man - it turned out to be one of the wettest meetings ever, and for only the second time in TT history a race was cancelled.

The TT Formula One race was postponed from the Saturday, it had a delayed start and was reduced from six laps to four. Ian

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The first sidecar race was cancelled and the organisers announced the prize fund for the race would be added to the Sidecar Race B prize fund.

The B race was the first race of the week to run the full distance - three laps. Lap and race record-holder Dave Molyneux was back with Honda-backed machinery and found the conditions to his liking, leading from start to finish he took the win with a 79.3 second advantage from Kenny Howles with Gary Horspole third.

The Singles TT was reduced to three laps and once again it was the BMW of David Morris claiming victory. Run concurrently with the Single Race, the Ultra Lightweight TT was also reduced from four to three laps and proved to be a very popular start to finish victory for Robert Dunlop.

The Lightweight TT was also reduced from four laps to three and, as soon as the flag dropped, the rain started. The opening lap in the prevailing conditions by Joey Dunlop must rank as one of his bravest ever, he went round in 22 m 31.4 s - a speed of 100.50mph - to lead John McGuinness by 34.4 seconds with James Courtney third.

The weather really deteriorated as the opening lap was in progress, and the Clerk of the Course announced that the race would be reduced to two laps. Some of the riders came in for fuel and were waved away by their pit crews. Joey sailed straight through to notch up victory number twenty-three in his 23rd year of TT racing!

The Junior TT, also reduced from four laps to three, saw Michael Rutter go on to win his first TT race by 4.7 seconds from teammate Ian Simpson.

Jim Moddie won the three lap Production TT to give Honda their 100th TT win.

The Senior TT brought the curtain down on the 1998 Races the six lap race with the fastest lap at over 123mph turned out to be a cracker and a fitting climax to Honda’s celebrations as Ian Simpson took the chequered flag.

1999 TT 1999 turned out to be a record-breaking year with absolute solo and sidecar lap records broken.

The Formula One race started the week as usual and David Jefferies won his first TT Race at the fastest-ever average speed recorded for a race - 121.35mph - by 15.8 seconds from Joey Dunlop, who recorded his fastest ever lap at 123.06mph, with Iain Duffus taking the final podium place in third.

The Singles TT was won for the third year in succession by BMW-mounted David Morris, who led from the drop of the flag.

He was followed home by Bill Swallow and Rich Hawkins.

The Ultra Lightweight race, run concurrently with the Singles race, was another start to finish victory, this time for Ian Lougher.

Paul Williams won his first TT with victory in the Lightweight 400cc race while the Lightweight 250cc TT gave John McGuinness a record-breaking first TT win on his 250 Vimto Honda.

Jim Moodie stamped his authority on the Junior TT , winning by 18.4 seconds from David Jeffries.

Dave Molyneux, with Craig Hallam in the chair, on the Bullock DMR Honda led the Sidecar Race A from start to finish and

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ridden in.

Rob Fisher and Rick Long became only the second crew to lap the Mountain Circuit at more than 110mph when they cakewalked the opening sidecar TT and took their second win two days later.

David Jefferies won his second successive Senior TT, delayed until the Saturday due to the weather. It was an emphatic performance by the ebullient Yorkshireman, leading from flag to flag in perfect sunny conditions and setting a new outright lap record on the sixth circuit at 125.69mph.

On July 2nd, barely four weeks after yet another triple victory including an astonishing 26th TT win, Joey Dunlop was killed in an obscure road race meeting near Tallinn, Estonia.

2001 The Foot and Mouth crisis in the UK caused the eventual cancellation of the TT Races, only the third time in their illustrious history that the races had been cancelled - the two previous occasions being the World Wars 1914-1918 and 1939 - 1945.

IAN LOUGHER

shattered the lap and race records in the process to win from Rob Fisher and Rick Long and Tom Hanks and Steve Wilson.

The Sidecar B Race appeared to be following the pattern of the first race, when Dave Molyneux opened with a lap at 111.48mph to lead Fisher by 35.1 seconds. Next time round the lead had increased to 71.8 seconds, then on the last lap the announcement was made that Moly had retired at Handleys Corner with machine problems. Rob Fisher won at 108.76mph.

The last Senior TT of the century started with a bang when Jim Moodie, on his Honda UK RC45, smashed the seven-year-old absolute lap record from a standing start in 18 m 11.4 s - 124.45mph - to lead David Jefferies on the V&M R1 Yamaha by 8.1 seconds, with Joey Dunlop in third place on his RC45.

Jim Moodie's race only lasted to Ballig Bridge on lap two when he retired with a shredded rear tyre. Jefferies, with a second lap at 123.69mph, took over the lead from Dunlop and held on for victory.

2000 Joey Dunlop, for long the acknowledged 'King of the Roads', surpassed even his own legendary standards when he won the first three races at the TT in 2000, to bring his total wins to 26.

Celebrating his 25th TT year, Dunlop won the Duke Formula One race on the SP1 Honda. He followed that by winning the 250 Lightweight on the Bertie Payne Bitmac Honda that hadn't completed a decent practice lap. And he followed that with another start to finish victory in the 125cc Ultra Lightweight TT, which he won for the fifth time.

The Singles TT was once again won by John McGuinness while David Jefferies broke Honda's five-year stranglehold on the 600 Junior TT when he completed the set of wins in each class he'd

2002 It was back to 'business as usual' for the TT in 2002. This year, thanks to a 'one-off cash injection of around £200,000' plus a bonus of £5000 to each TT winner, it was the richest of all time.

The opening race day brought the best of the weather of the week for the Duke Formula One TT. David Jefferies relished the conditions, leading from start to finish at a race record of 123.38mph, 3.38 mph up on Steve Hislop's mark of 11 years before.

Milky Quayle became the first Manxman to win a solo TT since Neil Kelly in 1967 when he won the Lightweight 400cc TT riding a Honda CBR400.

The Ultra Lightweight TT went to Welshman Ian Lougher. The Lightweight 250cc TT brought a comfortable win for Kiwi Bruce Anstey, his maiden victory. Jim Moodie's eighth TT win came in the Junior 600 TT. New for 2002 was not one, but two Production races. In addition to the 1000cc established race, the organisers included a race for 600cc machines. Lougher set a new lap record at 120.25mph taking the chequered flag by some 28 seconds. In Monday's 1000cc Production Race, David Jeffries demolished the rest of the field. With not a single flying lap on the TAS GSX-R1000 Suzuki he set the fastest lap of no less than 124.31mph. His average 122.64mph was faster than any TT race ever run prior to his own F1 victory two days earlier.

Rob Fisher took his ninth TT victory in Sidecar Race A and joined the illustrious sidecar company in the record books, equalling the tallies of Mick Boddice, Dave Saville and Siegfried Schauzu.

The first eight finishers in the Senior TT all averaged over 120mph. Way out in front of them all was that man Jefferies, recording his ninth TT win and uniquely, his third consecutive treble.

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2023 EDITION

YEAR BY YEAR: THE STORY OF THE ISLE OF MAN TT . . .

2003 2005 For race fans the abiding memory of TT 2003 will have nothing to do with the racing, but the tragic death of lap record holder David Jefferies during practice on Thursday 29th May. The loss cast a pall over the meeting, although it was somewhat lifted by the fittingly superb racing that was witnessed.

By the time racing finally got underway after the delayed start to the six lap Duke Formula One TT, Adrian Archibald and the TAS Suzuki team were in the line-up and fittingly, after taking his debut TT win, the Ulsterman dedicated his emotional victory to his late teammate.

Chris Palmer, now a Manx resident, took his first TT win in the Ultra Lightweight event. John McGuinness, who only got hold of a 400 Honda on the eve of the race, won the Lightweight 400cc TT. Triumph won the Junior TT with Kiwi Bruce Anstey aboard, their first TT victory for nearly three decades. In the 250cc class run alongside the 600's, Chris Palmer took a borrowed four-yearold Honda to victory.

Kiwi Shaun Harris won in the 1000cc Production Race with an emphatic performance on the all-conquering GSX-R1000 Suzuki.

New Zealand's third win of the week came in the 600cc Production TT, when Shaun Harris took his second victory.

Ian Bell and Neil Carpenter to score a maiden TT victory but it was 'business as usual' in Race B, as Dave Molyneux took the chequered flag.

The Senior TT was reduced from six laps to four and postponed to the Saturday because of the weather. By Ramsey on lap one Ulsterman Adrian Archibald had forged a narrow lead over John McGuinness, which he increased all the way to the end.

2004 2004 saw the ACU sign a 20 year agreement to hand over control of the TT to the Isle of Man Government and for the Manx Motor Cycle Club, which runs the popular Manx Grand Prix, to organise the TT Races.

John McGuinness (Yamaha) set the pace in the opening Duke Formula One race, with a sensational opening circuit of 17 minutes 43.8 seconds, (127.68mph) ensuring that the last Formula One TT went out with a ‘bang’, clinching victory by 18.6 seconds over TAS Suzuki mounted Adrian Archibald, with team-mate Bruce Anstey third.

John McGuinness went on to take wins in the Junior TT and Lightweight 400, three in a week, to join TT great, Mike Hailwood, Joey Dunlop, Steve Hislop and David Jefferies in the elite hat-trick club.

Kiwi Bruce Anstey took the 1000 Production race, upping the class record to 125.10mph on his TAS Suzuki.

Former 125 British Champion Chris Palmer created a bit of TT history, when he clinched victory in the last-ever 125cc TT, in record-breaking style, repeating his win of the previous year.

Ryan Farquhar brilliantly won the Production 600 race, to notch his first TT triumph and give Kawasaki only their sixth TT victory. Meanwhile, Dave Molyneux equalled Rob Fisher’s record of ten TT Sidecar victories with another TT double this week.

Adrian’s second successive Senior TT triumph rounded off another exciting week of world class racing.

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2005 brought a change to the classes in the TT - the Formula One became the Superbike, Production the Superstock and the Junior the Supersport. Only the Sidecars and the Senior remained ‘untouched’.

Morecambe’s John McGuinness gave Yamaha a marvellous 50th anniversary present by taking his 1000cc R1 to victory in the first ever Superbike TT. Kiwi Bruce Anstey snatched a dramatic win in the inaugural Superstock TT as his teammate race leader Adrian Archibald ran out of fuel at the Bungalow on the last lap.

Ian Lougher won the Junior Supersport Race A while Ryan Farquhar took victory in the second Supersport 600cc Junior TT. John McGuinness rode a trouble-free race to claim his first ever Senior TT success in fine style. He led the six-lap event from start to finish, breaking the Senior lap record from a standing start with a sensational speed of 127.326mph.

Dave Molyneux took his number of wins to 11, and set the first sub 20-minute Sidecar lap. Another local crew, Nick Crowe and Darren Hope had scored victory in the opening Sidecar race.

2006 John McGuinness won his ninth TT, blitzing the six-lap Superbike TT, winning for the second year in succession.

Bruce Anstey narrowly fought off the close attention of Yorkshire’s Ian Hutchinson to win his second successive Superstock TT and make it five wins in five years.

At an astounding record average speed of 122.264mph and a record lap at 123.975mph John McGuinness won the Supersport TT John McGuinness again set a blistering pace in the Senior TT race taking the outright lap record to 129.451mph on the second lap of the ‘blue-riband’ TT, and take his number of wins to 11.

Manxmen Nick Crowe and Darren Hope led from start to finish to complete a Sidecar TT double.

2007 John McGuinness became the star of the Centenary TT Races taking victories in the two feature races, the Superbike and Senior TTs. In Friday’s Senior TT when he not only led the race from start to finish but also became the first man to break the magical 130mph barrier. A second lap speed of 130.354mph sent the HM Plant Honda rider into the record books once more.

Bruce Anstey claimed the 4-lap PokerStars Superstock race in record-breaking fashion. The flying Kiwi shattered the lap record from a standing start and went quicker still on the second lap (128.400mph) to take command of the race, eventually running out the winner by 40 seconds.

Hutchinson took his first ever TT victory when he claimed a dramatic and record-breaking PokerStars Supersport race by just 2.84 seconds from McGuinness.

Dave Molyneux came from behind to take the opening F2 Sidecar race – his 12th win, Partnered for the first time by Rick Long, who equalled the late Wolfgang Kalauch’s passenger record of 7 TT wins, the duo overcame all their problems in practice to overhaul long time race leaders John Holden and Andrew Winkle on the final lap, winning at an average speed of 111.668mph.

POWERED BY

IAN HUTCHINSON ON HIS WAY TO CREATING TT HISTORY WITH A HAUL OF ALL FIVE SOLO VICTORIES IN 2010

2008 Cameron Donald took his first ever TT win with victory in the Dainese Superbike race. Donald was Australia’s first TT winner since Graeme McGregor won the 1984 Junior TT. Donald then made it two wins out of two in the Scottish Life International Superstock race.

Less than 3 hours after finishing what he thought was in an excellent second place, Lincolnshire’s Steve Plater was awarded the win in the first Relentless Supersport race after original race winner Bruce Anstey was sensationally disqualified from the race results. Anstey had dominated proceedings on his Relentless by TAS Suzuki to ‘win’ by over 20 seconds but the exhaust cam measurement was found to be illegal to that what was homologated and the Kiwi was taken off the results sheet and the win awarded to Plater.

However, Anstey overcame his disappointment when he picked up his 7th TT win the Supersport 2 race.

John McGuinness etched his name even further into the Isle of Man TT record books when he won a sensational Dainese Senior race, taking his 14th TT victory and equalling the tally of the legendary Mike Hailwood.

Nick Crowe made it a Manx double when he took his second victory of the week in the second Sure Mobile F2 Sidecar race coming home just over ten seconds clear of arch rival Dave Molyneux and Daniel Sayle.

2009 John McGuinness won his 15th TT when he took victory in a

record-breaking Dainese Superbike race, also claiming the outright lap record en route.

In a record-breaking day, Dave Molyneux took his 14th TT race win when he clinched victory in Monday afternoon’s 3-lap Sure Sidecar race, the first three-wheel win for Suzuki.

Ian Hutchinson won a dramatic Relentless Supersport race one and made it two wins in the day when he won a sensational Royal London 360◦ Superstock race on his Padgetts Honda, defeating Guy Martin by 8.77 seconds.

Michael Dunlop won a delayed second Relentless Supersport race on his privately entered Street Sweep/Marlow Construction Yamaha, leading from start to finish, following in the footsteps of father Robert and Uncle Joey as a TT winner.

Steve Plater took a highly dramatic Senior TT race, taking control after early race leader McGuinness was forced out on the fourth lap with a broken chain.

2010 In 2010 Ian Hutchinson, riding for Padgetts Honda, achieved something that no-one had done in the event’s 103 year history – a clean sweep of all five solo races, exceeding Philip McCallen’s four wins set in 1996.

The Senior TT had to be run over a reduced race distance after the race was red-flagged on lap 3 after an incident at Ballagarey on the TT Course involving Guy Martin which caused a number of protective hay-bails to be set alight.

Meanwhile, Former World Champion Klaus Klaffenbock claimed both sidecar victories to be the first Austrian winner since 1954.

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2023 EDITION

YEAR BY YEAR: THE STORY OF THE ISLE OF MAN TT . . .

The New Zealander, Bruce Anstey repeated his 2011 success and again won the 600cc Supersport TT Race 1 with Michael Dunlop winning Race 2. he Blue Riband event of the 2012 TT Race week the Senior TT was held over to the next day due to heavy rain and low cloud on the TT Mountain Course. The rescheduled Senior TT race was later cancelled for the first time in the history of the event due to further problems with low cloud and rain showers.

The last race of the 2012 Isle of Man TT Races, the Lightweight TT making a return to the race programme for 650cc Supertwin motor-cycles and after being reduced in length produced an inaugural win for Ryan Farquhar.

2013

JOHN McGUINNESS

2011 At the 2011 Isle of Man TT, Guy Martin didn’t score his first TT victory, but he took four out of five podiums. Martin’s best performance came in the PokeStars Senior TT race; in that IOMTT race, Martin finished 7.2 seconds behind the winner, John McGuinness (Honda TT Legends).

The Supersport TT Race 1 was reduced to 3 laps (113.00 miles) and after a tactical battle was won by the New Zealand competitor Bruce Anstey.[2] The Supersport TT Race 2 produced a first win for Gary Johnson and the sidecar crew John Holden/Andrew Winkle also scored a popular maiden win in the second Sidecar TT Race. After dominating Sidecar TT practice the former Austrian World Sidecar Champion Klaus Klaffenböck scored his third Isle of Man TT win in the Sidecar TT Race 1. The Superstock TT Race for production motorcycles was won by Michael Dunlop.

2012 After winning the first event of the 2012 Isle of Man TT the Superbike TT race, the works Honda rider John McGuinness[1] later in the week won for the first time the 1000cc Superstock TT race to raise his tally to 19.

After a year's sabbatical, the Isle of Man sidecar TT competitor Dave Molyneux returned to racing at the Isle of Man TT to win both Sidecar TT Races 1 and 2.

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Wet conditions plagued the week-long qualifying events at the 37.73-mile Mountain Course.

The lack of quality qualifying time caused the opening Dainese TT race to be rescheduled from its normal Saturday to Sunday.

And taking his first-ever Superbike-class TT was Michael Dunlop, who after years on a Yamaha joined the Honda TT Legends team for 2013 and duly won.

But Dunlop wasn’t done as he went onto to win the Supersport 1 TT, the Royal London 360 Superstock TT, and the Supersport 2 TT. The only man who finally beat Dunlop in 2013 Isle of Man TT solo races was no other than John McGuinness. The ‘Morecambre Missle’ piloted his Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade to the Senior TT win on the final Friday of this year’s race week.

In the sidecar races, Tim Reeves and Dan Sayle won the opening race and in race two, Ben and Tom Birchall led from start to finish to take their first victory of many that were to follow.

2014 There’s motorcycle racing, and the there’s the Isle of Man TT. And the 103rd edition of the iconic road race held on the 37.73mile Snaefell Mountain Course once again proved that the Isle of Man TT is like no other.

Michael Dunlop won four TTs - Dainese TT, RL360 Superstock TT, Supersport 2, Senior TT – and took his total of wins to 11.

Besides Dunlop’s victories, another feat arrived from Bruce Anstey. During the Dainese Superbike TT, Anstey piloted his Valvoline Honda CBR1000RR to a new outright lap record of 132.298 mph, beating the previous record held since 2009 by McGuinness (131.671 mph).

POWERED BY

Conrad Harrison and /Mike Aylott took victory in sidecar race 1 whilst Dave Molyneux and Patrick Farrance won race 2.

2015 John McGuinness left the 2015 TT with 23 TT wins after dominating the Senior TT aboard the Team Honda CBR1000RR SP, and the SES TT Zero race aboard a Team Mugen electric motorcycle nicknamed “Shinden Yon.” He also reclaimed the outright Mountain Course lap record on the final lap of the Senior TT when the CBR pilot posted a 132.701mph.

The other main story of the 2015 Isle of Man TT was the one of Ian Hutchinson – known as “Bingley Bullet.”

After Ian Hutchinson was badly injured ar the 2010 Silverstone where he serious leg damage, he struggled for the next few years, racing off and on, but was finally up to full health for the 2015 Isle of Man TT. And his comeback story was glorious; Hutchinson added three more TTs to his rooster for a total of 11. He won both Monster Energy Supersport TT races (Team Traction Control YZFR6) and the Royal London 360 Superstock TT (PBM Kawasaki).

In the 2015 Isle of Man TT Sidecar TT races, Ben and Tom Birchall doubled, setting a record race time in the Sidecar 2 TT.

2016 In the Superbike and Superstock classes the records were demolished - and all by one rider - BMW S1000RR pilot Michael Dunlop.

In the opening race of 2016, the RST Superbike TT, the Northern Irishman became the first rider in history to post a record lap under 17 minutes. He also posted a best outright lap of 133.393mph – destroying the previous record set in the 2015 Senior TT by 23time TT winner John McGuinness (132.701mph, Honda).

But Dunlop was not finished; he would also earn win at the closing race, the Senior TT. En route to claiming his 13th career TT, the 27-year old also set another outright lap record – a 133.962mph.

The other huge story was Hutchinson; he won the Superstock TT aboard his BMW S1000RR, and for the second-straight year earned both Monster Energy Supersport races. Win is an understatement; he crushed the competition in all three TTs, which brought his career TT wins to a total of 14.

In the Sure Sidecar TTs, the Silicone Engineering/Barnes Racing duo of John Holden and Andrew Winkle won the first race, and IEG Racing’s Tom Birchall/Ben Birchall the second.

2017 John McGuinness, was unable to participate due to breaking his femur, along with some ribs and vertebrae, during a 2017 North West 200 qualifying crash in May. Instead of the usual nine solo TTs, there were only eight, and the 2017 IOM TT throttled into action with the RST Superbike race on Sunday, June 4. After setting the quickest lap of the race, 131.135mph, Michael Dunlop was forced to retire on lap 2. This left the Mountain Course wide open for Ian Hutchinson, who went on to claim his 15th TT win.

Dunlop redeemed himself Monday, June 5, in the Monster Energy Supersport 1 race, piloting his Yamaha YZF-R6 to the win of the four-lap race ahead of Kawasaki’s James Hillier and Triumph’s Peter Hickman.

Next up was the RL360 Quantum Superstock TT. Again it was

BMW’s Hutchinson who claimed the win.

With the second Supersport race canceled due to weather, all focus was on Wednesday’s Bennetts Lightweight TT. Riding the only Italian-made Paton on the grid among one CFMoto and 28 Kawasaki ER-6s, Michael Rutter claimed his fifth TT win in recordbreaking fashion. Rutter gave the Paton its first-ever TT win with a new Lightweight TT lap record of 118.645mph.

The Senior TT began on a sour note for Hutchy, who had a huge crash at Milestone 27. He was airlifted to the hospital and diagnosed with a broken femur.

On the restart, Michael Dunlop would go unchallenged during the Senior TT, which was shortened from six to four laps due to Hutchinson’s crash. It was Dunlop’s 15th TT win.

In the three-lap Sidecar races, the Birchall brothers - Ben and Tom - dominated both TTs.

2018 The 2018 Isle of Man TT marked 100 years of racing at the IOM since 1907 – the only time racing didn’t occur was during the two World Wars BEN AND TOM BIRCHALL (1915-1919, 1940-1945).

Though John McGuinness was missing while he recovered from his crash the previous year, the 100th year of TT racing arrived with records broken in every class: Superbike, Superstock, Supersport, Lightweight, Electric (Zero) and Sidecar.

The most impressive news of all was the new lap record. First, Silicone Engineering Kawasaki’s Dean Harrison broke the lap record with a 134.432 mph during the RST Superbike race. But this feat was surpassed during the Senior TT when Smith’s Racing BMW S 1000 RR rider Peter Hickman broke the outright lap record with a 135.452 mph.

The other big news arrived from Michael Dunlop’s efforts. He won three TTs – the RST Superbike, Monster Energy Supersport 1, and the Lightweight TT. The Birchall brother won both sidecar races.

2019 The contrast between the 2018 and 2019 Isle of Man TTs was significant. In 2018, records were broken in every solo TT. This year’s TT was much different. Only one record was broken – a new race record during the opening Locate.im Sidecar race (Ben Birchall/Tom Birchall: 57:24.005, 118.317mph). As for the other seven motorcycle TTs, only two were run at full length – the one-lap TT Zero and six-lap Dunlop Senior TT. All other motorcycle TTs, and the second Sidecar race, were shortened due to wet and misty weather conditions. So, for the first time in the the TT’s 101 years of racing, five TTs were held on a single day.

Hickman was hungry to win the Senior TT, and become only the third rider in TT history to earn four TTs in a single year, but he had issues with his hybrid bike and had to ride a Superbike setup. He still podiumed, but missed the win to Harrison, who claimed his first-ever superbike TT victory for a total of three TT wins.

Michael Dunlop also won, taking the Lightweight TT aboard the SC-Project Reparto-Corse Paton S1-R, taking him to 19 TT wins.

Once again, The Birchall brother won both sidecar races.

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2023 EDITION

THE FIRST TT SUPERSTAR A HOST OF OUTSTANDING BRITISH RIDERS BEGAN THEIR CAREERS IN THE 1950S, BUT OF THEM ALL, ONE STOOD HEAD AND SHOULDERS ABOVE THE PACK: GEOFFREY DUKE, A SUPREME STYLIST WHO GAINED 3 WORLD TITLES FOR NORTON AND 3 FOR GILERA

G

eoff Duke came to prominence after winning the 1949 Senior Clubmans TT and the Senior Manx Grand Prix. He was snapped up for the Norton works team for the 1950 TT, finishing second in the Junior and shattering the lap and race records on winning the Senior! He took three more victories for Norton before changing to Gilera in 1953. In 1955 he won the Senior, and was declared the first rider to lap at 100mph, but this was corrected two laps later to 99.97mph. His final race was the 1959 Junior when he finished fourth on a Norton. Duke, a six-times TT winner and six-times World Champion took the sport to a whole new level with his professionalism. He introduced revolutionary one-piece leathers thereby reducing drag and weight, was crowned Sportsman of the Year in 1951 and 1952, awarded the RAC Segrave Trophy and, in recognition of his services to motorcycling, was awarded the O.B.E. in 1953.

Geoff Duke was born at St. Helens in 1923. As a teenager he trained as a telephone engneer, and from there he enlisted in the Royal Corps of Signals, attaining the rank of sergeant. During his army tenure Duke was an enthusiastic member of the signal corps motorcycle display team. Following his de-mob in 1947 he purchased a 350cc competition BSA, and on the ‘Beeza’ he began his career as a trials rider.

Duke’s exploits attracted the attention of Irish race star Artie Bell, who was instrumental in finding a position for him with the prestigious Norton firm in Birmingham. Despite wins in national level trials, the prospect of becoming involved in road racing always seemed much more appealing to Geoff. Nortons supported him fully from the outset, to the extent of loaning him a new 350 for the 1948 Manx Grand Prix. He arrived in the Island a week before official practice began and set about learning that most demanding course by first walking the 37 miles and then using his trials machine fitted with road tyres to do lap after lap.

In his first ever road race, he did not feature on the practice leader board. His practice plan was to conserve his machine on the straights, but concentrate on the quickest possible way through the numerous bends. On race day he faced the starter; quietly confident of a good showing, riding to a pre-determined plan that saw him assume the lead on lap three. Shortly

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afterwards he was forced to retire with a split oil tank. It was a great disappointment, and but for this breakage he may well have won a Manx Grand Prix at his first attempt. He won the 1949 Senior Clubman’s TT at the Isle of Man in June and was anxious to make a good showing at the 1949 Manx Grand Prix in September, but in July he was involved in a crash at the Skerries 100 in Ireland. He suffered a broken leg and painful lacerations when he was thrown through a thicket hedge, and had barely recovered in time when practice began for the Manx.

His main opposition at the Manx came from Ulsterman Cromie McCandless, who like Duke was a most capable racer. Both riders encountered problems during their races, Duke finishing a close second to McCandless in the Junior event, but positions were reversed in the Senior.

Following his Manx Grand Prix success, Duke was an obvious selection for the 1950 Norton works team. His initial outing was in late 1949 at the Montlhery speed bowl near Paris; for the purpose of attacking world endurance records. Artie Bell was Duke’s partner in the solo attempts, which resulted in a bag of 21 records.

Duke went on to score emphatic wins in the 500 class of the Senior TT, the Ulster Grand Prix and the final GP of the season, the Italian. Only for tyre failure in Belgium and Holland he would have surely become 500cc World Champion at his first attempt. There was some consolation for Duke when he scored decisive wins in the 350 and 500 events at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

In total, Geoff Duke won three world titles for Norton before joining Gilera in 1953 where he won a further three (consecutive) world titles during a highly competitive era when there were typically seven or eight factory teams on the start grids.

Geoff Duke was the only motorcycle racer to be named ‘Sportsman of the Year’ an accolade he received in a national newspaper poll in 1951, before the BBC adopted the ceremony, with 42 per cent of the vote and won again in 1952. An O.B.E.

POWERED BY

followed in 1953. No other sporting figure was as popular as Duke who was a national hero at a time when the TT had become the biggest motorcycle race in the world, which remains the case today.

With six TT victories, two second places and one third place, Geoff Duke is cemented in the annals of Isle of Man TT history, taking racing the mountain course to a new level at a time when technical advances in the machines were taking speeds beyond what was thought possible just a few years earlier.

After retiring, Duke reformed the Gilera team in 1963 with John Hartle and Derek Minter, who was replaced later by Phil Read. Although the team enjoyed some success, they could not match Mike Hailwood and MV. Duke was not just a great rider, he changed the perception of motor cycle racing, introducing professionalism and a scientific approach to a mainly amateur sport, making him the first ‘celebrity’ of motorcycling. He figured on newsreels and the front covers of various magazines, attracting international media attention long before global TV. He died aged 92 on 1st May 2015. At his funeral, Bill Smith ex-racer and chairman of the ACU said that “Geoff wasn’t just the Rossi of his day but the Beckham”.

THREE SHARP BENDS AT THE 32ND MILESTONE BETWEEN BRANDYWELL AND WINDY CORNER NOW CARRY THE TITLE 'DUKE'S’ 73

Duke TT Village bigger and better

THERE’S NO BETTER WAY OF GETTING THE ULTIMATE TT EXPERIENCE THAN WITH A STAY AT THE DUKE TT VILLAGE. A GREAT LOCATION NEXT TO THE TT PADDOCKS, COMFORTABLE EN-SUITE ROOMS, TOP CLASS BREAKFASTS AND FRIENDLY SERVICE COMBINE TO BE A POPULAR CHOICE FOR HUNDREDS OF FANS. Now in its third year of operation, the pop-up hotel has expanded to include 193 ensuite twin rooms making 2023 its most ambitious undertaking yet.

Operated by local business Duke Events - sister company of Official TT Travel Partner Duke Travel and motorsport home entertainment brand Duke Video - the Duke TT Village staff pride themselves on their unrivalled combination of local knowledge and motorsport expertise.

The highly rated TT accommodation provides the security, comfort and privacy that can be expected from a top class hotel. Each of its well insulated ensuite rooms has a shower and WC connected to mains services and offers guests a quiet and comfortable night’s sleep, something that can’t be taken for granted when the TT atmosphere is in full swing!

Located 150 metres from the entrance to the team paddocks and TT Grandstand, you really couldn’t stay much closer to the beating heart of the TT unless you were sleeping alongside the competitors themselves. Village guests have easy access to the free Fan Park entertainment next to the main grandstand whilst a short walk takes you to Douglas Promenade, the TT’s main entertainment hub away from the racing. With this year’s promenade entertainment set to include the legendary Bushy’s Village, a funfair, the Red Arrows Display and the annual TT Fireworks, you couldn’t be in a better place.

New for 2023 is the addition of hot food options to the complimentary morning breakfast buffet. ‘Continental’ or ‘full English’ breakfast, we’d like you to start the day well in the Pit Stop Marquee. The Pit Stop is open to guests throughout the day showing live coverage of the action, daily evening highlights and some classics from Duke’s extensive range of TT video titles.

And if you’re looking for something to take back with you after your trip, a range of top selling TT products will also be available to buy in the shop as well.

For fans looking to catch the spectacle of racing away from the start-finish area, Duke has arranged qualifying and raceday transfers from the Village to six top viewing locations on the 37-mile Course. From Black Dub next to the 140mph curves of the Glen Helen valley, to viewing over a mile of track at Victory Cafe or Hillberry there’s a fine range of locations to choose from.

Book at the Village or online to reserve grandstand seating at any of the 6 locations or treat yourself to a VIP experience with all day catering and drinks. Star hosts include British Superbike ace Glenn Irwin at Sulby and and popular TV commentator and ex-rider Steve Parrish at Ginger Hall.

Book your place at TT 2024 with Pre-Pitched Camping

Glamping

New to Peel in 2023. Enjoy your trip from the moment your arrive with comfortable pre-pitched camping and top class clubhouse facilities at Peel Football Club.

Spend TT 2024 in comfort at one of our exceptional boutique glamping accommodations. Each 5m bell tent includes proper beds & bedding along with onsite showers and toilets.

Hotels

Duke TT Village

Stay in one of the Isle of Man’s finest hotels for your next trip to the TT. Multiple 3 and 4 star hotels available.

Stay in the heart of the action next TT at the Duke TT Village. Each ensuite room offers the comfort of a hotel next to the TT Grandstand.

Secure your place at one of these fantastic accomodation options now Call: +44 (0)330 088 5045 Email: info@dukevideo.com or visit:

dukebookings.com

BOOKINGS

Feel the speed in comfort!

Six great locations to make each day at the TT really special Black Dub, Glen Helen Section Grandstand & VIP Tickets • Standing viewing area • Seated grandstand • VIP area • Onsite food vendors & bar • Dedicated male & female toilet facilities • Nearby parking

Sulby Straight Trackside Hospitality Tickets • Full day hosted by BSB & road racing star Glenn Irwin • Access to VIP marquee & private bar • Private elevated viewing area • Breakfast & lunch BBQ • Complimentary drinks • Private toilet facilities from £175pp

from £5pp

Ginger Hall , Sulby VIP Tickets • Full day hosted by motorcycle racing legend Steve Parrish • Access to VIP marquee & private bar • Private elevated viewing area • Breakfast & lunch BBQ • Complimentary drinks • Private toilet facilities from £175pp

Milntown, Ramsey VIP Tickets • Full day hosted by experienced TT commentator Roy Moore • Buffet style big breakfast roll • BBQ buffet style lunch • Afternoon tea and cakes • Three inclusive alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages • Private elevated viewing area from £150pp

Victory Cafe, Bungalow Hospitality Suite Tickets • Full day hosted by 4-time TT winner Chris Palmer • Breakfast baps with pastries, tea & coffee • Free bar • A full buffet lunch • Home made afternoon cakes • Return tram tickets from £300pp

Hillberry Grandstand Tickets • Covered grandstand • Open seating - front row • Open seating - general • Free parking adjacent to site • Free Wi-fi • Dedicated male & female toilet facilities from £5pp

Book now for 2023 and 2024 Call: +44 (0)330 088 5045 Email: info@dukevideo.com or visit:

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BOOKINGS

Relive this year’s TT time and time again Pre-order the TT 2023 Official Review today Pre-order NOW!

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dukevideo.com/tt2023 4.8 out of 5 based on 9823 customers

THE HISTORY OF CASTLETOWN…

Distilled to perfection.

The Isle of Man is rich in romantic fables, yet none of them capture the imagination quite like The Peggy of Castletown.

An 18th - century schooner boat, her apocryphal ties to rum runs is what prompted us to embark on our own adventure of distilling a libation that captured the vivid legend behind one of the Isle of Man’s most captivating tales.

Rich chocolate and coffee infused with oak, baked apple, and a hint of liquorice gives Peggy Dark Rum a palate as unique as her story.

Rich in flavour. Rich in heritage.

W W W . P E G G Y S R U M . C O M P L E A S E

D R I N K

R E S P O N S I B LY

JUST A FEW OF THE RACE DAY AND NON-RACE DAY ACTIVITIES AND PLACES OF INTEREST ACROSS THIS BEAUTIFUL ISLAND YOU CAN VISIT TO MAKE ISLE OF MAN TT 2023 REALLY SPECIAL

2023 EDITION

THE MONSTER ENERGY FAN PARK RETURNS FOR TT 2023 WITH ANOTHER PACKED SCHEDULE OF TT-THEMED ACTIVITY.

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deally located, free to attend and boasting a bounty of daily content that stretches from morning to night, the Monster Energy Fan Park is set to build on its successful first year with another bumper fortnight of exclusive TTthemed entertainment.

Fans can again expect plenty of insight, analysis and biker banter from their favourite teams and riders, while there’s hours of big-screen action with live coverage of the TT scheduled between the best films and classic races from the archives.

There’s also the opportunity to catch the brand-new 8-part TT docuseries, No Room for Error, in its entirety.

Race enthusiasts will also have the post-race Podium Chat Shows and the hugely popular TT Prize Presentations marked down as must-visit events, but there’s plenty on offer for fans of every age with some unique games and competitions planned.

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The TT Festival has long been synonymous with live music and there’s more on offer here. A selection of hand-picked acoustic artists will be serving up a soundtrack perfect for those sunny days, while there’s something more energetic in the evenings; the best local DJs providing a party for patrons of the Trackside Bar. Although there’s much to keep anyone occupied and entertained, spectating at the Fan Park can also provide a stressfree day at the TT with easy access to essential services. Fans can also stay fuelled up thanks to a superb range of street food and local artisan goodies, while there are all sorts of drinks on tap at the TT’s two official bars: The Trackside and Vinos.

The TT’s headline sponsor, Monster Energy, will also be bringing their own brand of fun to the Fan Park. Offering everything from refreshments to stylish haircuts and tattoos, the

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Monster Energy compound will be central to the Fan Park experience for many.

But the Fan Park is not just a list of services and entertainment; it also promises unbeatable access to the stars of the TT. Chris Pritchard, co-host of the TT Podcast, is looking forward to presenting some of the scheduled activity at the Monster Energy Fan Park in 2023 and understands the appeal.

“Fan Parks are very popular today. Some of that is the age-old appeal of coming together and sharing special moments with like-minded people, but Fan Parks have found a real niche when it comes to accessing sports stars. They are an ideal way to connect fans with their heroes, and that sort of access is unbeatable.”

“The TT is actually already a leader in this area; you can already collect countless autographs and selfies just by walking round the Grandstand area and visiting the team awnings in the Paddock. The Fan Park just takes that access up another level.”

The Monster Energy Fan Park is situated in Noble’s Park, adjacent to the TT Grandstand. The Fan Park will open daily from 9am between Saturday 27th May and Saturday 10th June and is free to visit. Grandstand tickets are also available to purchase from iomttraces.com for a ‘best of both worlds’ experience.

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE . . .

A detailed schedule will be available to view on the official TT website: iomttraces.com.

Final timings can be affected by changes to the race schedule, however, so fans are encouraged to follow the TT’s social media channels for up-to-date announcements @ttracesofficial

OPEN DAILY 09:00AM TO 11:00PM 15 DAYS OF FREE-TO-ACCESS ENTERTAINMENT

HOURS OF TT ACTION ON THE BIG SCREEN MONSTER ENERGY EXPERIENCES

LIVE COVERAGE OF THE TT RACES

STREET FOOD & TRACKSIDE BAR

OFFICIAL PRIZE PRESENTATIONS

DAILY MUSIC (Acoustic Stage)

INTERVIEWS, CHAT & SPECIAL GUESTS

NIGHTLY MUSIC (DJs)

SIGNINGS, GAMES & COMPETITIONS

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YOU CAN ALREADY COLLECT COUNTLESS AUTOGRAPHS AND SELFIES JUST BY WALKING ROUND THE GRANDSTAND AREA AND VISITING THE TEAM AWNINGS IN THE PADDOCK

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2023 EDITION

IN ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR, THE ISLE OF MAN’S NATIONAL MUSEUM HAS OPENED A NEW GALLERY DEDICATED TO SHOWCASING THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD FAMOUS ISLE OF MAN TT.

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nown to the Manx as the Island’s Treasure House, the new gallery is certainly packed with TT treasures from racing memorabilia to machines, leathers and helmets worn by some of the greatest names of the TT – John McGuiness, Mike Hailwood, Carl Fogarty and Dave Molyneux among them.

Peppered through the gallery are iconic objects that reflect the character of the TT from sections of the old scoreboard, the silver hip flask presented to Rem Fowler for his performance in 1907 on the St John’s Course and silverware presented to German sidecar ace Max Deubel. A trophy presented to the first race winner on the Mountain Course from 1911, and an AJS machine which took part in the 1914 Junior TT testify to the dominance of British manufacturers in the early years. Other areas explore the involvement of the Nazis in the late 1930s, and the arrival of the Japanese in the 1960s, with a helmet worn by Phil Read.

An electric Mugen machine from 2019 brings the story up to date, whilst the thread of silver which runs through it all are the most spectacular exhibit of all, the magnificent Mercury trophies, which will be on display during non-race periods all year round.

Mike Hailwood Suzuki RG 500

SUZUKI GSXR-1000 (2007) RIDDEN BY BRUCE ANSTEY, PICTURED WITH ORIGINAL HELMET AND LEATHERS

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Star exhibits include Maike Hailwood’s Suzuki RG 500. This motorcycle was ridden to victory by Mike Hailwood in the 1979 Senior Tourist Trophy (TT) race, complete with leathers and helmet mounted in a dynamic race pose.

Regarded as Britain's greatest ever motorcycle racer, he returned to the TT in 1978 after an 11 year absence, and single-handedly re-invigorated the event.

In 1979 he returned for his farewell TT. Only Suzuki had the confidence to supply a machine for him to ride, and he scored his 14th and final TT win in the Senior. Suzuki presented the machine as a souvenir to Hailwood later that year.

Hailwood achieved a record-breaking 14 TT wins in the 1960s and 1970s, and is still a hero to a generation of fans. He was born in Oxfordshire in 1940 and his father, a pre-war racer, owned a large motorcycle dealership. Hailwood began racing at 17 and showed huge natural ability. He rode for both Honda and MV

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Agusta, winning nine World Championships.

Hailwood’s TT career began in 1958, the highlight being the 1967 Senior race against Agostini, which he won after a thrilling battle. Following a period in car racing, he returned to the TT in 1978 and made a triumphant comeback with victories in the 1978 and 1979 races.

Also on display is the Suzuki GSXR-1000 (2007) ridden by Bruce Anstey. New Zealand born Anstey stormed to victory aboard this machine painted in distinctive Relentless colours in the 2007 Superstock race. John McGuiness commented memorably afterwards "Bruce really pulled our pants down out there today".

The TT has always attracted a strong contingent of riders from the southern hemisphere and Anstey is the latest in a long line from New Zealand.

Step further back in time to view the Honda CR92 125cc from the 1962 TT). This motorcycle is one of a handful imported into the UK by Honda for use by privateers. It was ridden at the TT first by Bill Ivy and latterly by the diminutive Gary Dickinson. Honda were renowned for supplying privateers and satellite teams with machinery which was at least as good as their own factory teams.

They did not care who won, so long as Honda was on the side of the motorcycle.

Between the wars, Stanley Woods reigned supreme. So it is truly something spcial to view his Velcotte 350cc ridden by Woods in 1939 . Woods was the most successful rider of the interwar era.

The last of his 10 wins came in 1939 aboard this machine. The TT that year was highly charged politically, with Nazi Germany seizing the Senior title and fascist Italy claiming the Lightweight.

Only in the Junior was British pride upheld, albeit with Irishman Woods in the saddle.

Where: The Manx Museum, Douglas When: Open daily 9.30am – 4.30pm How much: Amazingly FREE, donations welcome Whilst visiting the Isle of Man, take in another Manx National Heritage attraction - the House of Manannan in Peel. There you can see an amazing photographic exhibition by Rachel Clegg..

‘Thirty Seven and Three Quarters’ celebrates the history of the Isle of Man TT through a series of striking unusual photographs, each illustrating an event in the TT’s history.

See her latest eye catching show can be seen at the House of Manannnan on Peel Quayside from 27 May to 25 June. Once again, admission is free.

HONDA CR92 125CC (1962) WITH ORIGINAL

VELCOTTE 350CC RIDDEN BY

HELMET AND LEATHERS

STANLEY WOODS (1939)

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2023 EDITION

PROBABLY THE MOST BEAUTI THE NEW TT GALLERY AT THE MANX MUSEUM GIVES TT FANS AND ART ADMIRERS THE CHANCE TO GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH THE TRULY STUNNING FIVE TT TROPHIES CREATED BY ITALIAN DESIGNER, GIOVANI DA BOLOGNA

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ocated just a short walk from Douglas promenade, the spectacular new gallery can be found at the Manx Museum, where the entire basement is packed with stunning exhibits showcasing the stories of famous TT riders, marshals, mechanics and fans.

Marvel at the sight of over five beautiful TT trophies including the Senior TT trophy. Created by Italian designer Giovani da

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Bologna, the Senior TT Trophy was presented by Joseph the Marquis de Mouzilly St Mars – whose name can still be seen on the award. He was President of the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme in 1905-1906.

The magnificent trophy embodies the history and importance of the world famous motorcycle races, the Isle of Man TT. Standing a staggering 108 centimetres tall and weighing in at 23.7

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FUL TROPHIES IN THE WORLD kilograms it is an awe-inspiring sight. First presented in 1907, to Charlie Collier, and the reward for every TT hero who followed in his wheel-tracks to take the victor’s laurels in the Senior race.

The Senior Trophy was based on the Montague Trophy, awarded to the winner of the TT car races which pre-dated the

motorcycle TT, and was handed to the rider of the winning single cylinder machine. Mercury, the Winged God of the Messengers from Roman mythology, is represented in silver, standing atop a winged wheel, also crafted from silver. The effigy is mounted on a tiered plinth featuring engraved shields detailing the winner of

every Senior race. The names read like a who’s who of motorcycling legends – Duke, Hailwood, Woods, Dunlop, Agostini, Hutchinson, McGuiness and many more.

As the TT story has grown, so has the Senior Trophy – it was originally 88cms high and weighed-in at 11.5kgs. A new base was added in 1937 to accommodate more shields bearing winners’ names. The trophy is in two parts because of the sheer weight.

Although insured for at least £1.5million, it is a priceless, unique part of the TT’s heritage. Even for the most obsessive TT fans, a face to face encounter with this magnificent trophy is an absorbing experience, not to missed. Marvel at this magnificent piece of motorsport history in the new Isle of Man TT Gallery at the Manx Museum, when the trophy isn’t being presented on the track.

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2023 EDITION

THE FYNODEREE DISTILLERY THE MULTI-AWARD-WINNING “FYNODEREE DISTILLERY” IS THE ISLAND’S LARGEST CRAFT DISTILLERY AND CAN BE FOUND IN RAMSEY, NORTH OF THE ISLAND, VERY CLOSE TO THE TT COURSE. FOUNDED IN 2017 BY PAUL AND TIFFANY KERRUISH, THE PRODUCTION OF THEIR SIGNATURE RANGE OF SEASONAL ‘FYNODEREE MANX DRY GINS’ FEATURING HAND-FORAGED LOCAL BOTANICALS TOOK THE ISLAND BY STORM.

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ince the launch of their distinctive range of gin, the distillery has evolved and expanded to now include “Manx Bumbee Vodka”, the “Glashtyn Manx Rum” range along with their recent historic commencement of “Isle of Man Single Malt Whiskey” production.

The Distillery is located in a converted Victorian warehouse opposite the ‘end of line’ tram stop on the Manx Electric Railway.

Catching a vintage tram from Douglas or Laxey is a wonderful way to arrive at the distillery as you can enjoy the spectacular scenery on the way. However, if you are visiting by car, there is a carpark right next door and also the town’s main bus station just a very short walk away.

The craft spirits produced at Fynoderee can be enjoyed islandwide in many pubs, bars and restaurants, however the most engaging and informative place to enjoy a “perfect serve” Fyn & Tonic or Fynoderee cocktail is undoubtedly at the distillery’s own bar, “The Fyn Bar” - a charming and cosy cocktail bar adjoined to the main distillery. Here, you can also browse the shop shelves and chat to the knowledgeable team and enjoy some free sampling.

The distillery hosts regular pop-up events with visiting food vendors and live traditional music evenings so be sure to visit the website to see what’s on the agenda during TT Fortnight! The Fyn Bar is also the ‘meeting point’ for all Distillery Tours as well as the location for its “Cocktail Masterclasses”.

07624 433131 @fynoderee @fynodereedistillery

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The Distillery operates bookable Tours at various times throughout the year with extra tours available at peak seasonal times. Tours must be booked online via the distillery website www.fynoderee.com, however visitors are welcome to call in anytime when the “Fyn Bar & Shop” is open for a drink, a cocktail, coffee and to peep through the glass window in to the main distillery floor.

Distillery tours are a fun and engaging way of learning all about the methodology the distillery uses to create it’s range of spirits. The Fynoderee team operate three very different Still systems including traditional Copper Pot stills used for Gin and Vodka production, a Dual Kettle Column Still used exclusively for its Isle of Man Single Malt Whiskey and an IStill 2000 which is a high tech still system used primarily for its Rum production. The Distillery is one of only a few in the British Isles who ferment and distil their own Rum from scratch using Fair-Trade, organic Panela Cane Sugar.

During the tour you will also delve into the unique fairy folklore that inspires the distillery’s name and branding and exquisite artwork used within its labels. The Fynoderee Distillery is dedicated to promoting Manx culture, folklore, language and music and you will hear a re-telling of the story “Kitty Kerruish & The Fynoderee” which is set in a location just outside of Ramsey which has special significance to the team. A Fynoderee is a character from Manx folklore – a big, strong satyr-like creature

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All in the best possible taste . . . with large horns who is reputed to dwell within the Manx landscape. BUT, he didn’t start out his life this way….All will be revealed during your tour!

Distillery Tours will cover the full range of spirits produced at Fynoderee and include a tutored tasting.

However, if you are particularly interested in learning about the distillery’s Whiskey production, then do look out for their dedicated Whiskey Tours. These will go into deeper detail about how the distillery has started to produce its own “Isle of Man Single Malt Whiskey” using a specialist distiller’s barley that is grown on the Island. You will also be able to hear about the “Fynoderee Founders Whiskey Club” which provides members exclusive access to the very first release of “Isle of Man Single Malt Whiskey” in 2026 along with other unique membership benefits.

The Fynoderee Distillery is proud to be a partner business to the Isle of Man UNESCO Biosphere, which means it has made pledges to operate in a sustainable and community focussed way.

Be sure to include a visit during your stay on Island - Come and discover The Spirits of Mann!

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DISTILLERY TOURS COVER THE FULL RANGE OF SPIRITS PRODUCED AT FYNODEREE AND INCLUDE A TUTORED TASTING.

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2023 EDITION

COME ON YOU REDS! THE SPECTACULAR RED ARROWS WILL BE RETURNING THIS YEAR FOR THE ISLE OF MAN TT RACES. THE RED ARROWS DISPLAY IS SYNONYMOUS WITH THE TT AND SPECTATORS CAN LOOK FORWARD TO WATCHING THE WORLD-RENOWNED AIR DISPLAY OVER DOUGLAS BAY ON THURSDAY 8TH JUNE AT 19:30.

DID YOU KNOW . . ?

The Red Arrows’ first UK public display was at the Biggin Hill International Air Fair in 1965.

The pilots fly in the same position in the formation for the entire year. If one is unwell, a gap is left. If the Leader (Red 1) cannot fly, the display is cancelled.

Each Red Arrow Hawk aircraft carries enough dye to create five minutes of white smoke, one minute of red and one minute of blue during each display.

In 2010 Flt Lt Kirsty Moore became the first female Red Arrow pilot.

In 2010 Flt Lt Kirsty Moore became the first female Red Arrow pilot.

Officially the Red Arrows are titled the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team.

The Red Arrows display has taken place in more than 50 countries around the world.

With the exception of their arrival manoeuvre the Red Arrows do not fly directly over the crowd.

The Red Arrows help more than 500 UK charities every year.

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When they have completed their three-year course of duty for the Red arrows, these pilots usually go back to ‘front line’ duty in their main-stream career.

Every year, three pilots are changed every year, so there is always three first year pilots, three second year pilots and three final year pilots.

There are three types of display the pilots can perform, weather permitting – the Full Display, the Rolling Display and the Flat Display.

The Red Arrows are nicknamed ‘The Reds’ – their supporting engineering team is known as ‘The Blues’.

The Red Arrows engine is a Rolls-Royce Mk 151 and it can reach speeds of up to 645 mph at sea level.

RAF training aircraft were mostly painted red in the 1960s and there was a very popular aerobatic team named the ‘Black Arrows’ during the 1950s and early 1960s, so the ‘Red Arrows’ was a tribute to both names.

The motto of the Red Arrows is ‘Éclat’, which translates as ‘Brilliance’.

When in flight, the Red Arrow pilot’s body weight can be six times lighter than usual.

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2023 EDITION

AH, THE GREAT OUTDOORS YOU’VE ARRIVED AT THE PERFECT DESTINATION FOR GETTING STUCK INTO MEMORABLE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES AND ADVENTURES. SO, IF YOU’RE A LOVER OF THE GREAT OUTDOORS, YOU’VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE. HOWEVER EXTREME YOUR ADVENTURE, WE’RE SURE YOU’LL ENJOY ALL THE ISLE OF MAN HAS TO OFFER . . .

CYCLE HIRE Outdoors Ramsey offer Claud Butler mountain bikes for hire, with a hard-tail and front suspension.

The bikes are fitted with intermediate tyres to give you the smoothness on the road along with the grip for off-road.

All bikes are maintained in-house and checked before leaving the premises.

1-5 days - £12.00 per bike per day (Including helmet & lock) 6+ days - £10.00 per bike per day (Including helmet, lock & Puncture kit)

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outdoorsramsey.co.uk

ISLE OF MAN TRIKE TOURS APE MANN ADVENTURE PARK Set in one of the Island's largest plantations, South Barrule, there are activities for all the family. Find your way through the rope courses, crawl through the sky barrels, take on the leap of faith, and whiz down the long zip-lines.

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www.apemann.info

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Isle of Man Trike Tours are offering you a unique way to enjoy our roads. The Island has hundreds of miles of quieter roads that will take you through places of historical interest and breathtaking scenery. The drivers are very knowledgeable about the Island, its history, people and places, so feel free to ask anything! The team love to show people what our Island has to offer and therefore IOM Trike Tours provide a range of set tours for your enjoyment.

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iomtriketours.com

PLACES TO GO RAMSEY GOLF CLUB FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THESE AND MANY MORE ACTIVITES, GO TO visitisleofman.com

Ramsey golf club located in the north of the island at the foot of the beautiful Glen Auldyn. The course was first established in 1891 and the current 18 hole parkland course was designed by James Braid in 1929. Ramsey Golf Club was recently listed by Golf Monthly in their “100 Hidden Gems” within the UK, for its spectacular greens as well as its exceptional views of the northern hills.

The club house offers excellent value on meals and drinks or alternatively head into the town of Ramsey for a selection of great pubs.

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ramseygolfclub.im

QUAD BIKE MANIA Adventure off-road on a guided quad bike tour in our growing activity centre at South Barrule forest. Let of some steam and take to the saddle on four-wheels for a trek through our forest course.

This off road tour is a fantastic way for groups, families and individuals to enjoy some freedom and exhilarating adventure while experiencing the beauty of the Island.

Available to ages 16+. No previous experience is required and full instruction and tuition given by their friendly team.

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JURBY KARTING The Isle of Man's Premier Karting Centre, located at Jurby Airfield in the north of the Island. We use the Manx National Kart Circuit for our Ultimate Karting experience. The circuit is a full racing kart circuit with over 1,000 metres of adrenaline-fuelled fun!

With an outrageously quick straight and hair pin bends you are guaranteed the drive of your life. A great venue for a group event with a competitive edge!

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WALKING & HIKING Rugged cliffs, rolling hills, picturesque glens, hidden coves and panoramic views. These are just a few of the reasons why the Isle of Man is a walker's delight. Whether you enjoy a gentle stroll or a challenging hike, there’s a range of footpaths and trails to choose.

Visitisleofman.com (search ‘Walking and Hiking’)

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2023 EDITION

GO GREEN THIS TT...

WITH OVER 40 PER CENT OF THE ISLE OF MAN UNPOPULATED AND UNCULTIVATED, THE ISLAND IS SOMETHING OF A NATURAL GARDEN. BOASTING A VIBRANT LANDSCAPE FEATURING SOME OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GLENS AND FORESTS TO BE FOUND ANYWHERE IN THE BRITISH ISLES, PERFECT FOR UNWINDING AFTER A FRENETIC DAY OF RACING

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s the only entire jurisdiction in the world to be awarded status as a UNESCO Biosphere, the Isle of Man has gained the prestigious title in recognition for the way in which the Island’s population exists alongside a plethora of diverse natural habitats.

If you’re looking for peace and tranquillity, take a trip to one of the Isle of Man’s picturesque glens, forests or plantations. Here you will find tumbling waterfalls, deep rock pools and incredible scenery.

There are 18 mountain and coastal National Glens across the Island which have been preserved and maintained in a seminatural state by the Manx Government. They’re all open to the public throughout the year and can be accessed by car with several situated near the Manx Electric Railway, Steam Railway stations and on bus routes.

If you fancy a hunt for something quirky, take a look round Bishopscourt Glen in Kirk Michael. It was once part of the private garden belonging to the Bishops of Sodor and Man who resided at Bishop’s Court. Look carefully and you may spot a small cave

with a carved seat that is believed to have been used for rest and meditation purposes!

If you’re feeling energetic, why not pay a visit to Dhoon Glen near Ramsey, which is one of the steepest on the Island.

Recognised for its rugged beauty, 190 steps, and the highest waterfall on the Island, Dhoon Glen has long been a favourite for photographers.

Ballaglass Glen in Maughold is also incredibly popular with artists and photographers due to its spectacular beauty. And if you’re looking for truly breath-taking scenery, Tholt y Will lies in the shadow of Snaefell Mountain and descends in winding paths alongside a mountain stream.

As for forests and plantations, the Isle of Man has many to explore. They have traditionally been popular with walkers and dog owners but are being developed to suit other recreational activities such as horse riding and mountain biking. Many of the plantations feature a huge variety of cycle trails, ranging from open gravel forest tracks to purpose built single-track. There really is something for every level of mountain biker and adventure seeker here.

THE ISLE OF MAN’S 18 MANX NATIONAL GLENS THERE ARE 18 MOUNTAIN AND COASTAL NATIONAL GLENS SPREAD AROUND THE ISLAND, PRESERVED AND MAINTAINED IN A SEMINATURAL STATE BY THE FORESTRY, AMENITY AND LANDS DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND AGRICULTURE. THEY HAVE FREE ACCESS TO ALL AND ARE CHARACTERISED BY TUMBLING WATERFALLS, DEEP ROCK POOLS AND LUSH VEGETATION

Ballaglass Glen Ballure Walk Bishopscourt Glen

Glen Helen

Laxey Glen Lhergy Frissel

Glen Maye

Molly Quirk's Glen and Bibaloe Walk

Glen Mooar

Port Soderick

Colby Glen

Glen Wyllin

Silverdale Glen

Dhoon Glen

Groudle Glen

Tholt-y-Will Glen

Bradda Glen and Headland

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Elfin Glen and Claghbane Woods

PLACES TO GO BALLAGLASS GLEN

GLEN MAYE

A spectacular bridged gorge and waterfall dominate this glen, which is located three miles south of Peel. Covering eleven and a half acres, its beautiful sheltered, fern-filled woodland includes some relics of the ancient forests that once covered Mann. A feature of this glen is the Wheel case of the 'Mona Erin', another of the many water wheels which once provided power for the Manx lead mines. Glen Maye can also be reached by the coastal footpath (Raad ny Foillan).

Post code: IM5 3BL Glen Maye can be accessed via bike or car with on-site parking.

Ballaglass Glen is a pretty Manx Glen, north of Laxey, which is a favourite for artists and photographers. Sparkling streams dance over rocks sculpted over millions of years. Look out for the wooden sculpture of the 'Wizard of Mann'.

GROUDLE GLEN

Post code: IM7 1EJ Ballaglass Glen can be accessed via bike or car, bus or by alighting at Ballaglass Station on the electric tram.

LAXEY GLEN

Laxey Glen, a favourite among tourists and locals alike, is a popular spot for families of all ages with its playground and grassed paddocks. Within the glen is the Pavillion Café and restaurant.

Post code: IM4 7BE Ballaglass Glen can be accessed via bike or car, bus or by alighting at Laxey Station on the electric tram.

Only two and a half miles north of Douglas is the Groudle Glen. It is of a deep, and in places rocky nature, with a lively bubbling stream running through its length. Excellent specimens of beech grow in the upper section whilst lower down pines and larch are more abundant. A small water wheel is situated in the lower glen. An attraction in the glen is the minature railway, run by enthusiasts which operates seasonally.

Post code: IM3 2HZ Groudle Glen can be accessed via bike or car, bus or by alighting at Groudle Glen on the electric tram.

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2023 EDITION

BUSHY'S BREWERY HAS REVEALED ITS LATEST BEER, WHICH WILL HELP RAISE FUNDS TO HELP GOOD CAUSES THAT SUPPORT MOTORCYCLING.

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ushy's brewery has revealed its latest beer, which will help raise funds to help good causes that support motorcycling.

It's called 'Pegasus' and has been released in memory of Laxey soldier and motorbike racer Billy Redmayne, who died in 2016.

The brewery says each pint sold will see 20p donated to The Billy Redmayne Memorial Fund.

Bushy’s founder, Martin Brunschweiler added that the brew is made using Citra and Mosaic hops, “creating a lovely fruity, tropical finish".

The Lieutenant Governor, Sir John Lorimer, performed the official opening ceremony at this year's Isle of Man Beer and Cider Festival, held in April.

Sir John will pour the first pint of the festival ale 'Pegasus' - that was specially brewed for the occasion by Bushy's Brewery.

The 20p donation towards the Billy Redmayne Memorial Fund from each pint sold means a lot, as this particular Fund is one close to Sir John's heart. Billy, a Manx Grand Prix winner, was a paratrooper under Sir John's command during three tours in Afghanistan.

BILLY REDMAYNE: A LASTING LEGACY Billy Thomas Redmayne was born 6th February 1991 in Accrington. He moved to the Isle of Man just after his first birthday and, even at that young age took great pleasure watching the bikes racing at the TT and the Manx Grand Prix.

Growing up Billy enjoyed cycling, a precursor to his motorcycle passion, but also played a lot of football - very well as it turned out, as he joined Corinthians and was selected to play for the Isle of Man junior squad.

His first bike was a Yamaha DT125 trail bike, then the motocross started, with a YZ85cc Big Wheel. He often fell off but, to be fair, he was never put off and jumped straight back on, earning him the nickname, Billy Bounce! He progressed to a Yamaha YZ125, got faster and was a regular in the top five of trials he entered. At 16, he rode a YZ250 and achieved his first win. He soon entered full time employment, working for an electrical firm. One of the firm’s contracts involved work at the new prison at Jurby and, riding his DT125 to work every day, Billy got a taste for speed.

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As months passed, Billy realised that a career in the Army was more ‘him’ and he went off to the recruiting office to begin the next chapter in his life.

After his passing parade, Billy’s family saw that the “slouching teenager” has become a straightbacked man. At the end of his time at AFC Harrogate, Billy was a parachute regiment junior sergeant.

Billy then passed with flying colours at the Catterick Infantry Training Centre and was given his posting with the 1 Para Special Forces Support Group.

Now the really hard work started with intense training on different weapons; the jumps course at Brize Norton to earn his wings; counterterrorism training; anti-piracy training in the English Channel at the dead of night. He was still only 19 but by then the boy had very much become a man.

Three tours of Afghanistan followed, his last tour in a training capacity. For his R&R Billy had signed up for the Manx Grand Prix Newcomers and Junior races. Dad Dave prepped the bike and, remarkably, Billy won the Newcomers and finished second in the

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DAD DAVE PREPPED THE BIKE AND, REMARKABLY, BILLY WON THE NEWCOMERS AND FINISHED SECOND IN THE JUNIOR. AFTER COLLECTING HIS AWARDS, BILLY WAS BACK OFF TO AFGHANISTAN TO FINISH HIS TOUR.

Junior. After collecting his awards, Billy was back off to Afghanistan to finish his tour.

His racing career seemed set for similar success as his army career. Having acquired a Honda CBR600RR in 2013 for the purpose of getting his Mountain Course licence, prepared by Billy and his Dad at the family home in Laxey.

Competing at Oulton Park, Cadwell, Snetterton, Croft, Donnington and Mallory Parks - all tracks which were new to him - Billy finished a highly creditable 8th in the championship.

2015 brought more training and his first promotion followed by

CHARITY

discussions with the regiment to take a year out in 2016 to compete in the Isle of Man TT Races.

Despite being in the midst of his tour as a serving member of the Parachute Regiment, for this forthcoming season, he had the full support from the Regiment to pursue his road racing ambitions, enabling him to focus on training and preparing for the challenge ahead.

This never came to fruition after Billy tragically lost his life in April 2016. Through no fault of his own, Billy got caught up in a crash at Oliver’s Mount, Scarborough. And that was that.

He received a full military funeral in Douglas on 13th May, at which he was well-supported by the Special Forces Support Group. There was a surprise visitor in the shape of a Tornado jet fighter flying over the pit lane at the TT Grandstand at about 400 feet with full afterburners on!

Billy’s family simply couldn’t leave the light Billy shone unrecognised. His personality, hard work and passion won him many friends and admirers and those both in the Armed Forces and the racing fraternity expected great things from the loveable Billy.So the Billy Redmayne Memorial Fund was launched with the specific purpose of securing resources to ensure a safe, secure future for motorcycle racing, support up and coming riders and related charities. Bushy’s have chosen well this year to launch Pegasus beer and, in doing so, helping raise the profile of the Fund and raise considerable funds with their ‘20p per pint’ donation.

Anyone wishing to donate to the Billy Redmayne Memorial Fund can do so by visiting:

www.billyredmaynememorialfund.co.uk

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2023 EDITION

Back with a bang!

2023

2023 EDITION

Viva la Village!

BUSHY'S TT VILLAGE IS BACK WITH A BIGGER BANG FOR TT 2023! THE ICONIC FESTIVAL WILL BE HELD IN THE VILLA MARINA GARDENS FROM THURSDAY 1ST JUNE TO SATURDAY 10TH JUNE.

T

his year Bushy’s Village is bigger and better than ever before, with the introduction of a TT themed crazy golf course, Arcade games and Bushy's Big Screen to show the live racing!

There will be a variety of retailers, local caterers and a speciality bar serving Manx spirits.

This year there is a £3 entry fee to be paid on the door, and you'll be given a wrist band for re-entry that day if you decide to go and explore the island.

Bushy's loves all things local. Supporting local businesses, musicitains and artisans. They are all about bringing the community together, to show the best of what the island has to offer. Making memories and bringing the community together to celebrate our beautiful island community is a key part of Bushy's.

Local musicians of all ages and backgrounds take to the stage to showcase their talents, whilst you soak up the atmosphere, browse their retail shops, enjoy some beautiful local food and of course a cold one!

Key Bar Events are the powerhouse team of festival lovers that bring Bushy's TT Village to the community. The small team of experienced professionals are the people that make Bushy's happen, and make it what it is today. They source retailers, sponsors, food vendors, musicials, social media, everything you can think of that is needed to put the festival on. They carry the Bushy's name on and are able to provide fans with the festival they know and love.

Wondering who the retailers and caterers are for this year? Check out the Bushy's social media pages for the latest information and site map to help you navigate your way round the village.

www.bushysttvillage.co.uk bushysvillage23 Bushy’s TT Village 2023 98

‘‘

LOCAL MUSICIANS OF ALL AGES AND BACKGROUNDS TAKE TO THE STAGE TO SHOWCASE THEIR TALENTS, WHILST YOU SOAK UP THE ATMOSPHERE, BROWSE THEIR RETAIL SHOPS, ENJOY SOME BEAUTIFUL LOCAL FOOD AND OF COURSE A COLD ONE!

Key Bar Events' Harry Barbour and Dave Wookey have been managing the event for many years and are really excited to bring another year of festivities to the TT. Ella Cowin joined the team in 2021 as the Head of Marketing and Advertising. Together they make the perfect team to guarantee you a TT you'll never forget. Bushy's TT Village also has a big team of staff across the 10 days that help them bring Bushy's to life. Without the continued support of the

Bushy's returners the working atmosphere wouldn't be as vibrant and fun as it is. Want to work at the Village in 2023? Check out Bushy's TT Village website for ways to apply.

Bushy's also have an exciting sponsor in the works, so check out their social media pages or website for the latest.

So join them this year for another amazing 10 days of TT celebrations!

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2023 EDITION

Yep, this is Bushy’s Village . . .

100

Your guide to EVERY Pub, Cafe and Restaurant on the Isle of Man!

From quick bites to five star delights, find your perfect dining choice on the following pages . . .

2023 EDITION

LET YOUR TASTE BUDS FLY . . .

T

he Isle of Man may be small but it produces a wide range of great tasting food and drink. Proudly the only entire nation to enjoy UNESCO world biosphere status, much of the Island's rich and varied landscape owes its appearance to the activities of generations of farmers.

The Isle of Man's farms are family run, with excellent traceability of produce from farm to fork.

Its clear, clean waters are mainly fished for King and Queen Scallops, crabs and lobsters plus langoustines. The Manx kipper industry dates back to the 1830s and kippers are still produced without the use of artificial dyes.

A single creamery produces milk, cream, buttermilk and award winning cheeses whilst locally produced pork, lamb and beef are widely available.

The Island’s quality assurance scheme, ‘Taste Isle of Man’ recognises a wide variety of island wide eateries, offering the highest

quality food and drink using only the best, local ingredients. From hand picked vegetables at local farms to home reared Loaghtan lamb and freshly caught queenies, our produce is key to creating traditional mouth-watering dishes to make your stay memorable.

Savour succulent meats, flavoursome seafood and home brewed beers at some of our finest restaurants and pubs, surrounded by picturesque views of the Irish Sea and Manx countryside. Explore Douglas Quayside for family eating, fine dining and pub grub. There are so many to choose from located in the North, South, East and West with menus that deliver breakfast, lunch and dinner, accompanied by a smile to keep your palette entertained no matter what time of day.

In a hurry? Grab something quick and tasty when you’re on the move from one of the many local outdoor street-food takeaways perfect comfort food.

Let your taste buds fly when you experience Manx cuisine.

14 North

The Abbey

Aura Bar & Bistro

Located on North Quay in Douglas. The restaurant offers superb food with views over the marina.

Fresh, seasonal ingredients in an extensive menu that is an ever evolving feast of local delicacies.

Family restaurant serving fresh and wholesome trendy Indian inspired dishes.

14 North Quay, Douglas, IM1 4LE T: 664414

Mill Road, Ballasalla, IM9 3DB T: 822393

Queens Prom, Douglas, IM2 4NH T: 620999

1886 Bar, Grill and Cocktail Lounge

The Alpine

Ballacregga Corn Mill Tea Room

1886 bar, Grill and Cocktail lounge is the home of great food, wine, family meals out.

5 Regent Street, Douglas, IM1 2EB T: 619249

6 Regent Street, Douglas, IM1 2EA T: 611886

Aaron House Vintage Tearooms Decadent, luxurious afternoon teas are served with a glamorous sense of tradition and occasion.

Aaron House, The Promenade, Port St Mary, IM9 5DE T: 853702

Super Cute, Super Fresh : Open for breakfast, lunch and everything tasty in between.

Andrea’s

Mines Road, Laxey, IM4 7NJ T: 860840

Authentic family Italian restaurant and takeaway with extensive menu and attentive service.

Bar George

Bay View Rd, Port St. Mary, IM9 5AE T: 834040

Bar George, the authentic food and wine bar in the heart of Douglas' financial district.

Archibald Knox A vibrant community pub with a great reputation for serving home-cooked, locally sourced food.

Avondale Ct, Onchan, IM3 4EZ T: 613203

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Unique cafe with a working watemill. Delicious food, attentive and friendly staff.

1 Hill St, Douglas, IM1 1EF T: 617799

WHERE TO EAT Barista Coffee House

Bonzai Pan Asian Kitchen

Excellent home-made food in a relaxing atmosphere in the heart of Ramsey.

Serving Pan Asian Food from Lao, Thai, Filipino, Japanese to Malaysian.

80 Parliament Sq , Ramsey, IM8 1AQ T: 817145

Sefton Hotel, Harris Promenade, Douglas, IM1 2RW T: 645512

The Barbary Coast Grill & Bar A great atmoshere and a memorable experience every time. Piri Piri chicken the signature dish.

North Quay, Douglas, IM1 4LA T: 679297

Bay Green Restaurant Restaurant based on the Langness Peninsula at Castletown Golf Links Open 7 days a week.

Castletown Golf Links, IM9 1UA T: 822211

Bayroom Cafe at the Manx Museum

The Bowling Green Cafe For breakfast lunch and tea, The Bowling Green Cafe offers a menu you’ll really enjoy.

Cafe Delight Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch with everything home-made. Not forgetting the home-baked cakes. There will always be at least one gluten free.

Victory Court, Douglas, IM1 1EH T: 660557

Cafe Red Small, cosy cafe offering fabulous range of tasty snacks and quality service.

Station Rd, Port Erin, IM9 6LN T: 455749

Marine Parade, Peel IM5 1PB T: 844514

Cafe Villa

Bradda Glen Café & Restaurant

Villa Arcade, Douglas, IM1 2HN T: 665000

This lovely cafe and restaurant offersviews across the town and even down as far as the Calf of Man.

The Caff

Bradda Glen, Port Erin, IM9 6PJ T: 837713

Sit, relax and enjoy a lovely view of Douglas Prom accompanied by some tasty food and drinks.

A small friendly café located opposite Douglas Bus station that serves all the home comforts .

1 Lord Street, Douglas, IM1 1LG T: 614214

Breagle Glen Indian Restaurant

Capones

Great, freshly cooked meals by experienced and passionate chefs. Dine-in and take away.

Family diner in the middle of town offering good quality food at reasonable prices.

Breagle Glen, Port Erin, IM9 6JJ T: 835767

84 Strand Street, Douglas, IM1 2EP T: 616323

Fresh seafood straight off the boat and local meat from the finest local butchers is prepared daily.

Bride Tea Rooms

The Cat That

Mariners Wharf, Peel, IM5 1AR T: 845470

Superb range of hot and cold meals and snacks in the beautiful village of Bride. Fully licensed.

Serving a wide range of drinks, sandwiches, breakfast menu, cakes, and ice cream.

A10, IM7 4AT T: 882005

Tynwald Mills, St John's IM4 3AD T: 802879

The British

The Cat With No Tail

Coffee and delicious sandsiches and sweet treats in relaxing comfort. Perfect!

Wide range of award-winning cask ales with a food menu featuring much loved British classics.

A stylish and modern venue. Delicious food where you can dine surrounded by Manx countryside.

77 Strand St, Douglas, IM1 2EN 26 Victoria St, Douglas, IM1 2LE T: 610856

North Quay, Douglas, IM1 4LB T: 616663

Hailwood Avenue, Douglas, IM2 7EA T: 616364

The Buttery

Chinatown

One of the longest establshed Douglas eateries always offering good quality at reasonable prices.

The exciting taste of Chinese, Peking and Szechuan cuisine from their extensive Menu.

49 Duke St, Douglas, IM1 2AU T: 621605

7 Strathallan Cres, Douglas, IM2 4NR T: 673367

Byron's

Coast Bar and Brasserie

Take a break from your museum visit to enjoy some wonderful Manx meals and light snacks.

Manx Museum, Kingswood Grove, Douglas, IM12 3LY T: 648000

The Boatyard

The Bohemian Coffee House

Boho Casual Dining A unique casual dining experience, relax with friends and family with great food. It is BYOB.

Port Jack, Douglas, IM3 1ED T: 610239

Bonds Restaurant High class menu offering traditional, vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options .

With a rooftop terrace, unbeatable views over Port Erin Bay, Byron's is a great place to enjoy a well made pizza in a relaxing envrionment.

26 Main Rd, Onchan, IM3 1AP T: 266491

Shore Road, Port Erin, IM9 6HL T: 256984

Enjoy delicious food and an impressive selection of drinks, served in luxurious art-deco surroundings.

18-22 Loch Prom, Douglas, IM1 2LX T: 698888

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2023 EDITION

The Coffee Station Adjacent to the House of Manannan on Peel quayside is the recently opened Coffee Station.

House of Mannanan, Peel, IM5 1JH T: 339901

The Coffee Cottage Small, cosy cafe in a fabulous forest location among a range of outdoor activities.

South Barrule, IM4 3FB T: 234555

The Colby Glen Noted for its varied menu of classic dishes with a modern twist in a country pub environment with a separate restaurant.

Main Road, Colby, IM9 4LR T: 834583

Conrod's Coffee Shop

Cranky’s Coffee IOM

Serving amazing Coffee Mann products, as well as fresh locally produced food to eat in or take away.

34 Michael St, Peel, IM5 1HD

74 Parliament St, Ramsey, IM8 1AG T: 624640

The Creek Inn

Sink into a sofa and enjoy beautiful coffee and tasty food in the quirkly comfort of Cranky’s.

Conrod's at The Boathouse The Conrod’s Pizzeria for authentic pizza in a warm and welcoming environment.

Mooragh Park, Ramsey, IM8 3AP T: 608767

Court cafe A traditional Caféserving all your favourite treats and wholesome comfort food with daily specials.

The Creek Inn is a traditional friendly harbour side pub overlooking Peel Hill and the Marina.

Wonderful selection of dishes, sseasonal eafood a speciality..

14 Lake Ln, Peel, IM5 1AT T: 842216

Cregneash cafe A unique cafe nestled in one of the Island’s most distinctive locations. Lovely hot and cold food, tea, coffee and amazing homemade cakes.

Sound Road, Cregneash, IM9 5PX T: 835288

12 Parliament St, Ramsey, IM5 1QB

A truly unique experience Dine with a view.

At Coast Bar & Brasserie our philosophy is simply to produce some of the finest food the Island has to offer. From freshly-caught seafood to Manxreared beef, Coast is proud to use only locallysourced, seasonal ingredients in all our menus.

We cater for every meal from breakfast to late evening and offer both informal and fine dining menus as well as an extensive wine list.

coast.im | bookings 01624 698 888 18-22 Loch Promenade, Douglas, IM1 2LX

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WHERE TO EAT The Creg-Ny-Baa

The Eatery

Gandhi Restaurant

Situated in a fabulous viewing spot on the World famous TT course, this is a family friendly pub serving delightful food.

A street food café that is all about the flavour!

The finest freshly-prepared Indian cuisine in a great location with beautiful decor.

Mountain Road, Onchan, IM4 5BP T: 676948

The Crosby Hotel The Crosby is a fabulous pub sitting right on the TT course. It offers a wide range of drinks, serves extremely good food in a welcoming atmosphere.

Main Rd, Crosby, IM4 2DQ T:851293

Cycle 360 A unique and exciting place where cycling, fitness and cafe culture all meet under one roof.

Isle of Man Business Park, IM2 2QZ T: 649360

Davison’s Ice Cream Parlour Davison's Ice Cream Parlour is a small family run ice cream outlet overlooking the historic seafront .

Shore Road, Peel, IM5 1AQ T: 844761

D.D’s From home cooked meals to D.D.'s signature dishes, choose D.D’s for lunch, all-day breakfast, light options, desserts or daily specials.

20-22 Michael St, Peel, IM5 1HB T: 844405

The Dining Car Dining Car Pullman style fine dining can be experienced on the Isle of Man Steam Railway's beautifully restored Dining Car.

20A Dukes Street, Douglas, IM1 2AY

6-10 Peel Street, Ramsey, IM8 1JH

Enzo’s Restaurant Beautiful freshly-prepared Italian cuisine in a convenient location. Fully licensed.

52 Bucks Rd, Douglas, IM1 3AD T: 622653

The Potts family welcome all to this famous pub complete with newly refurbished Carvery room.

Sunday carvery a speciality!

Golden Phoenix

Station Road, Port Erin, IM9 6AF T: 834077

The Fig & Olive A menu without geographical restrictions, marrying classic Mediterranean, Asian and international flavours for imaginative dishes.

13-15 Castle Street, Douglas, IM1 2EX T: 292122

Filbeys A fabulous little restaurant offering a delicious range of homemade dishes. For TT, Filbey’s will be located at the TT Grandstand. See you there!

E Quay, Peel, Isle of Man IM5 1AR T: 844144

Flavours Indian Cuisine Flavours Indian cuisine is a new restaurant in Douglas Broadway offering finest Indian cuisine.

1 Sherwood Terr, Douglas, IM2 4EN T: 665599

The Dovecote

Main Road, Santon, IM4 1JE T: 610031

Excellent grill & fry style food with an emphasis on homemade, fresh and flavoursome dishes.

Main Road Kirk Michael, IM6 1AB T: 878534

Froth Coffee Shop

Downtown Cafe

62 Bucks Rd, Douglas, IM1 3AF T: 612883

40 Duke St, Douglas, IM1 2AX T: 678669

Traditional values by serving delicious homecooked locally sourced food and cask ales.

The Parade, Castletown, IM9 1LG T: 822533

The Forge

A popular eatery in Douglas, Downtown offers a wide and varied menu, including gluten-free.

The George

Falcon’s Nest Hotel

Douglas Station, Bank Circus, Douglas, IM1 5PT T: 697457

Vintage style tearooms offering homemade breakfasts, snacks, lunches and lovely cakes!

T: 610225

Homemade cake and food offering fresh salads, daily special foods and Mix and Match milkshakes.

Fryers Fish & Chips Everything you’d expect from a quality chippy with a large comfortable adjoining diner.

Large Chinese restaurant offering a substantial choice of quality oriental cuisine.

13-15 Parliament St, Ramsey, IIM8 1AS T: 813288

Good Stuff Freshly prepared from the best locally caught fish, meat and vegetables; we are also fully licenced and have an extensive range of wine and cocktails.

6-10 Peel Street, Ramsey, IM8 1JH T: 610225

Gopher's Coffee Shop A small friendly bistro style cafe and coffee shop overlooking Ramsey Harbour.

2 West Quay, Ramsey, IM8 1DW T: 815562

Gourmet Shakes and Snacks Shake Lounge offers quality fresh local food made inhouse by dedicated chefs.

10 Castle Street, Douglas, IM1 2EU T: 416792

Grove Conservatory Where time has stood still, The Grove Conservatory is situated within the Grove Museum grounds, where you can enjoy an elegant afternoon tea.

Andreas Rd, Ramsey, IM8 3UA T: 816791

Greens Cafe Greens café has been going 30 years, with a heavy emphasis on whole foods made in house.

Main Road, St Johns, IM4 3NA T: 490912

25B Village Walk, Onchan IM3 4EA T: 610395

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2023 EDITION

Haneffe’s Bar & Grill

HQ Bar & Restaurant

Kurries and Steaks

Located in The Savoy Hotel, Haneffe’s offers a wide selection of traditional meals using local produce.

Delicious traditional food with a ‘bistro’ style menu, prepared using fresh, local ingredients.

For people who want authentic Indian food inspired by the essence of their Indian traditions.

6 Castlemona Terrace, Central Promenade, Douglas T: 621695

1 Empire Terrace, Douglas, IM2 4LE T: 676355

Queens Prom, Douglas, IM2 4NP T: 613811

Isola Restaurant

La Mona Lisa

Isola is a cosy welcoming restaurant offering the best in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine.

A friendly, family run restaurant which has been serving quality Italian cuisine since 1994. Located in picturesque riverside setting near Laxey harbour.

Harbour View Bistro Specialising in the most amazing fresh sea food with tantalizing dishes right next to the harbour

East Quay, Ramsey, IM8 1BA T: 814182

Harbour Lights at The Sefton Seating up to 60 people for breakfast, lunch or dinner, Monday to Sunday, we serve good food and delicious drinks in a relaxed atmosphere.

Harris Prom, Douglas, IM1 2RW T: 645512

The Hawthorn Firmly established as a food destination offering fresh, home-made traditional and international dishes to suit a wide range of tastes.

Main Road, Greeba, IM4 3LF T: 801268

The Highwayman Delicious home-cooked food every day, including hand-crafted stone baked Bella Pizzas.

1 Close Beg, Peel, IM5 1XF T: 842386

The Horse & Plough Dine in comfortable surroundings in this popular pub and restaurant. Lovely food reasonably priced.

IOM Business Park, Braddan, IM2 2QZ T: 626060

Hotel Halvard Fresh local Manx food cooked to the highest standards for an unforgettable dining experience, delivering the highest quality with every dish they serve.

57-58 Loch Prom, Douglas, IM1 2NA T: 844040

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7 John Street, Douglas, IM1 2AD T: 623764

Jade Harbour Asian cuisine at its finest. With 20 years of experience cooking in the finest restaurants, chef is excited to present their superb menu.

Glen Road, Laxey, IM4 7AB T: 862488

La Piazza Family-owned for 20 years, La Piazza has carved a great reputation for their superb Italian cuisine.

Peel Rd, Peel, IM5 1AR T: 845353

Loch Promenade, Douglas IM1 2BT T: 672136

Jaks Bar & Steak House

Laxey Beach Cafe

Roomy, modern sports bar and steakhouse specialising in their wide range of steaks.

Laxey Promenade, Laxey.

T: 860215

43 Loch Prom, Douglas, IM1 2LZ T: 663786

Java Express Java Express Coffee Shop & Noodle Bar for great coffee, tea, milkshakes, cakes, soups, sandwiches and delicious noodles. Sit in or take away.

7 Prospect Hill, Douglas, IM1 1LD T: 677228

JC’s Bar & Restaurant Huge array of cocktails, extensive menu from nibbles and sandwiches to full restaurant menu.

32 North Quay, Douglas, IM1 4LB T: 613271

Perfect Laxey Promenade location for tasty bites, drinks and ice-creams..

The Laxey Glen Pavilion A real gem only using the freshest ingredients to ensure food of the highest quality.

Laxey Glen Gardens, New Road, Laxey, IM4 7BE T: 863613

Leonardo’s Where Mediterranean cuisine is reflected in the delicious food and hospitality.

Castle Street, Castletown IM9 1LF T: 827635

Le Brûlot Bar & Grill Just Pizza & Pasta Warehouse styled restaurant with open kitchen for all to see. They even have their very own pizza vending machine at their front door!

12-14 Clinch's Court, North Quay, Douglas, IM1 4LH T: 627185

A mouth-watering menu, showcasing inspired seasonal dishes using the finest local ingredients

Mount Murray, Douglas, IM4 2HT T: 661111

WHERE TO EAT L’Experience Long-establised popular restaurant specialising in French cuisine among a wide and varied menu.

At The Regency Hotel, Queens Promenade, Douglas, IM2 4NN T: 623103

Liberties

‘The Mad Hatter’ Cake Boutique

MSPCA Tearooms

From full English to tasty waffles and, of course, cakes! A super little cafe.

Ard Jerkyll, Foxdale, IM4 3HL T: 853409

Victoria Buildings, 54 Parliament Street, Ramsey, IM8 1AX T: 323896

The ManxSPCA Tearooms offers freshly prepared and home-cooked meals and snacks.

The Marine Hotel Delightful home-made meals. Something of an Island instituion famous for its generous portions.

Liberties Restaurant & Lounge is situated on the ground floor of the Mannin Hotel, over-looking Broadway and Villa Marina, offering a wide variety of dishes from bar snacks to juicy steaks and everything in between.

The Mangrove

Mannin Hotel, 8-16 Broadway, Douglas, IM2 4EL T: 602555

Curraghs Wildlife Park, IM7 5EA T: 897323

Meating Steakhouse

Manx Cat Café

18 Broadway, Douglas, IM2 4EL T: 628353

Little Fish Cafe The restaurant showcases the Island’s delicious seafood in a spectacular quayside setting. Ideal if to linger over a coffee, grab lunch or enjoy a delicious dinner .

30/31A North Quay, Douglas, IM1 4LB T: 622518

Stuated at the far end of the Park with views of spider monkeys and flamingos against the distant hills. Fresh food in a bright, clean environment.

Light snacks and hot and cold refreshments in a warm and welcoming environment where you can relax with our resident Manx cats.

First Floor, 6-7 Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2AG T: 292122

Velo Cafe, at the heart of Onchan Park, with lots of free parking nearby and its amazing views out to sea, is the perfect place to relax. Serving freshly ground coffee, tea, delicious toasties, cakes as well as hot and cold lunches and a variety of ice cream.

Velo Cafe Onchan Park, IM3 1HU T: 01624 628283 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Shore road, Peel IM5 1AH T: 842337

We are the Island's original steakhouse with a new concept and great customer oriented service.

Milntown Cafe Set in a purpose built conservatory, the cafe has wonderful views of both the Walled Garden and the famous Winchester gates.

The Milntown Estate, Lezayre, Ramsey, IM7 2AB T: 818091

The Ocean Views is a popular, family friendly Bar & Restaurant offering great food, delicious drinks with spectacular views over Douglas Bay. Our extensive menu offers something for everyone from burgers, chicken and rib dishes to sumptuous steaks, fish and sharing platters.

We offer a Vegan menu and and Kids menu too!

MAKE A RESERVATION ONLINE: www.oceanviews.im

The OCEAN Views BAR & GRILL

ONCHAN PARK, IM3 1HU • 01624 623348

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2023 EDITION

The Mines Tavern

Northern Pool Cafe

Pestle & Mortar

Reopened in March 2022 following a refresh, and ready to welcome back our locals and visitors!

Serving delicious food and drinks for a wonderful new dining experience in Ramsey.

A delightful, small, friendly coffee shop. All food and drinks freshly made to order.

3 Captain's Hill Laxey, IM4 7AY T: 861484

Ramsey Swimming Pool, Mooragh Promenade, IM8 3AB T: 612082

Windsor Rd, Douglas, IM1 3PH T: 343190

The Mitre Delicious hot food at The Mitre, dating back to at least the 1780's, it’s the oldest pub on the Island.

Main Rd, Kirk Michael, IM6 1AJ T: 878244

Mrs Yang Chinese food cooked to perfection in this hugely popular restaurant overlooking Douglas horbour.

5 Bank Hill, N Quay, Douglas IM1 1QF T: 886886

The Nutty Chef Cafe Delicious coffee and food at decent prices. Debbie and Christina look forward to welcoming you.

2b Onchan Village Walk, Onchan, IM3 4EA T: 326378

Ocean Views

Pizza Napoli Wood-fired oven pizzas, a great selection of pasta, burgers asnd homemade desserts.

6 Prospect Terrace, Douglas, IM1 3AL T: 813100

Port Erin Chippy Diner A family run fish and chip business serving fish & chips on the Isle of Man since 1980

Fabulous views and atmosphere combine with beautiful food for an excellent dining experience.

3 Station Rd, Port Erin, IM9 6AR T: 832564

Onchan Pleasure Park, Royal Dr, Onchan, IM3 1HU T: 623348

Portofino

Tynwald Mills, Ballig, IM4 3AD T: 802872

Oscar’s

1 Bridge Rd, Douglas, IM1 5AG T: 617755

Neo’s Pizza

28 Victoria Street, Douglas, IM1 2LE T: 667917

Port St Mary Golf Pavilion

Castle Mona shops, Douglas IM2 4LZ T: 614001

The Other Place

Traditional, home cooked menu for breakfast, lunch, dinner, as well as fantastic afternoon tea.

A small, personal restaurant serving classic and international dishes at reasonable prices

New Hong Kong

4 Forrest View, Parliament Square, Ramsey IM8 2LH T: 812971

Kallow Point Rd, Pt St. Mary, IM9 5EJ T: 834932

The Neb Cafe Serving a wide variety of hot food including, breakfast and a full lunch menu & daily specials

Quality hand-stretched pizza baked in a stone oven. Burgers, chips, salads, local produce.

Modern Asian cuisine, unique to the Isle of Man. Tasty dishes you’ll not find anywhere else.

35 Castle Street, Douglas, IM1 2HA T: 621059

Niarbyl Cafe Set on the west coast of the Isle of Man at one of the most beautiful locations on the Island. The menu offers a variety of local Manx produce.

Bayr Niarbyl, IM5 3BR T: 843300

Noa Market Hall A vibrant cafe and coffee shop in the heart of Douglas.

Old Market Hall, Douglas, IM1 2BH T: 309689

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Oscar’s is a restaurant and bar offering the very best food and drink in an elegant, refined setting.

Paparazzi Pizzeria Paparazzi restaurant has served and entertained generations of customers since June 1996

12 Loch Prom, Douglas, IM1 3DQ T: 671735

Paragon Restaurant Open daily from 7am until late, offering a variety of hot and cold drinks, a bar menu, walk in breakfasts, brunch, hearty meals and light bites.

Palace Buildings, Central Promenade, Douglas, IM2 4NA T: 662662

Superb food dining in opulence and refinement at one of the Island’s top restaurants.

The Prospect A great drink selection, plus a delicious lunch and dinner menu teamed with a ‘Specials’ board.

Prospect Hill, Douglas, IM1 1ET T: 616773

The Queens Indoor and outdoor dining on this hugely popular Douglas Promenade traditional pub.

Queens Prom, Douglas, IM2 4NL T: 674438

Ramsey Park Hotel Serving a full Bistro-style menu that features homemade dishes using fresh local Manx produce.

Park Rd, Ramsey, IM8 3AR T: 818123

WHERE TO SEARCH FAR AND NEAR, FOR YOUR FAVOURITE BUSHY’S BEER! ALL OVER THE ISLAND Shoprite Supermarkets

SULBY The Ginger Hall The Sulby Glen Hotel

KIRK MICHAEL Quayle’s Store UNION MILLS BRADDAN The Railway Inn Agrimark Vagabonds Rugby Club The Comis Hotel PEEL Black Dog Pizzeria Centenary Centre ST JOHNS The Creek Innx Greens Café The Marine Hotel Tynwald Hill Inn The White House Hotel

RAMSEY The Commercial Hotel Fynoderee’s Fyn Bar SNAEFELL The Mitre Victory Café LAXEY The Bridge Inn The Queens Hotel The Shore Hotel ONCHAN The Creg-Ny-Baa

PORT ERIN Athol Park - Chinese Restaurant The Balmoral Hotel The Bay Hotel Bradda Glen Café Byrons Pizzeria Erin Arts Centre The Falcon Hotel Foraging Vintners Rowany Golf Club Rushen United FC

DOUGLAS The Albert Hotel The Claremont Hotel Douglas Rugby Club The Empress Hotel HQ Bar & Restaurant BUSHYS TT The Hydro Hotel VILLAGE Joseph Bucknall Ltd The Majestic SANTON The Forge Smokehouse - Chinese Restaurant The Manx Legion Murray’s CREGNEASH - Motorcycle Museum The Old Market Inn The Palace Hotel The Sound Café The Pinewood GANSEY BALLASALLA Quids Inn PORT ST MARY The Shore Hotel The Old Bakery Stores The Regency Hotel The Albert Hotel Roundhay IOM Yacht Club IRISH SEA CASTLETOWN The Rovers Return The Railway Station Hotel Ben-my-Chree Secret Pizza The Villa Marina Manannan Fast Craft Vessel The Sidings The Welbeck Hotel Station Garage The Wine Cellar The Viking Hotel

MOTORCYCLE HEAVEN SINCE 1907 111

2023 EDITION

The Raven

Sir Norman's Bar

Enjoy a good meal and a pint of Ravens Claw (a beer brewed exclusively for this pub) in cosy surroundings.

Both tasty and tasteful, Sir Norman’s offers a delicious menu and is fully licensed.

Ballaugh Bridge, Ballaugh, IM7 5EG T: 896128

Rio's BBQ & Rodizio An all you can eat Brazilian BBQ, gourmet hot and cold buffet, all for a fixed price.

28-29 Loch Prom, Douglas, IM1 2LY T: 613010

Roots by The Sea

Harris Promenade, Douglas, IM1 2RW T: 645514

Shamyr Hey Tea Rooms

Pepsi Max Bowl & Leisure Centre, Ramsey, IM8 3ET T: 626003

The Shed The Promenade, Laxey, IM4 7DD T: 863151

The Royal George

The Shore

A great find located just off Ramsey’s harbour, offering a fabulous range of both food and drink.

A warm welcome awaits, as does freshly-prepared home-cooked hot and cold food and craft beers.

10 Market Place, Ramsey, IM8 1JY T: 812146

Shore Rd, Gansey, IM9 5LZ T: 863151

Royal India

Siam Orchid

Long-established in Peel town centre, enjoy a variety of Indian food at its very best in this fully licensed restaurant.

Delicious menu featuring both Chinese and Thai dishes in heart of Douglas.

Victory Court, Douglas IM1 1EH T: 618142

Silverdale Glen Cafe Silverdale cafe is open for light lunches, teas, coffees, cakes and most importantly ice cream. (hand made on the premises!).

Wheel Hill, Laxey, IM4 7NL T: 860840

The Cregg Mill, Silverdale Glen, Ballasalla, IM9 3DS T: 823474

Secret Pizza

Snaefell Restaurant

A micro restaurant in Castletown giving you street food vibes and local artists gigs, equalling one recipe for a fabulous time.

Perfect for breakfast, morning coffee and pastries, a midweek or Sunday lunch or afternoon tea.

Barracks Square, Farrants Way, Castletown, IM9 3AT T: 822833

112

Sombreros Diner

47 Michael St, Peel, IM5 1HD

26 Shore Road, Peel, IM5 1NH T: 234221

Lovely cafe located just 50 yards from the Laxey Wheel. Excellent selection of meals and snacks in unique setting..

Snaefell Summit, Laxey, IM4 7NY T: 673631

A Tex-Mex style diner with a stunning sea front location, easy parking and seating for up to 80.

Quirky, cosy, artisan beachside eatery on the far end of Laxey Promenade. Open all year round, you can be sure of a warm and friendly welcome.

The Salmon Centre

The warm and cosy setting of this fine diner will cheer you whatever the weather.

A good, honest, reasonably-priced little tea room for good food served by friendly staff.

A small coffee shop with a big personality equipped with homemade tasty delights.

6 Atholl Pl, Peel, IM5 1HE T: 845678

Snaefell Summit Restaurant & Café

Mount Murray, Douglas, IM4 2HT T: 661111

The Sound A large cafe with floor to ceiling windows allows you to enjoy the amazing views no matter what the weather. Great Wildlife, great food.

Sound Road, Cregneash, IM9 5PZ T: 838123

Spill the Beans Great coffee and delicious freshly cooked food at reasonable prices.

1 Market Hill, Douglas, IM1 2BF T: 614167

The Station From morning coffee to afternoon refreshment, scone, jam & cream to their famous Fish & Chips

Station Road, Port Erin, IM9 6AE T: 838991

The Sunset Lakes Such a beautiful setting for this fabulous cafe offering a great selection of hot food.

Ballagyr Ln, Peel IM5 2AD T: 308449

The Swan The Swan is a family friendly pub with a reputation for serving good home-cooked food.

3 Parliament St, Ramsey, IM8 2LN T: 814236

WHERE TO EAT Swiss Chalet

Thai Taste

Velo Cafe

Stunning cafe and restaurant set within the beautiful Glen Helen.

Think tasty lunch and dinner Thai style, think Thai Taste! Fabulous food reasonably priced.

Glen Helen, St.johns IM4 3NP T: 808080

46 Bucks Rd, Douglas, IM1 3DE T: 314285

Situated in Onchan Park and the famous home of the toastie! Plenty of choice, child friendly and a stunning sea view!

Tacoma

Thai Thai

Newly open, Tacoma offers cool dining and a wide range of drinks & cocktails in sumptuous comfort.

Authentic Royal Thai Cuisine for lunch and evening dining, full of flavour, colour and history.

6 Victoria Street, Douglas, IM1 2LH T: 649329

Capital House, Circular Road, Douglas, IM1 1AG T: 614000

Talk of the Town Talk of the Town is a scenic Family restaurant, with a licenced bar and free parking.

Nobles Park, Douglas, IM2 4BD T: 670430

Tandoor Authentic South Indian cuisine set in the heart of Douglas. Colourful, aromatic and delicious food.

3 Market Hill, Douglas, IM1 2BF T: 615202

Taste Of Bengal Superb, freshly prepared Indian Cuisine. Eat in or take out. You can bring your own alcoholic drinks.

1 Clarence Terrace, Douglas, IM2 4LS T: 613909

The Tea Junction A warm and friendly welcome awaits you, with capacity for up to 70 guests. Open 7 days a week.

14 Castle Street, Douglas, IM1 4AR T: 616578

Tea Rooms at Tynwald Hill Beautifully home-cooked food including an excellent range of vegetarian options.

Main Road, St. John’s, IM4 3NA T: 800129

The Terminus Tavern Highest quality traditional pub food served in a cosy interior and warm, friendly atmosphere.

Strathallan Cres, Douglas, IM2 4NR T: 624312

Terrace Chippy Diner A proper chippy serving delicous fish and chips with prompt service and generous portions.

26 Prospect Terr, Douglas, IM1 3AL T: 672474

The Tickethall Famous for its Fireman’s breakfast offering 10 different items, served on a shovel (plate optional).

Douglas Railway Station, IM1 4LL T: 627888

Timeout Authentic Asian cuisine freshly prepared and served by friendly staff. Katsu sauce a speciality!

Unit 1, Douglas centre, & 2 Marina Rd, Douglas, IM1 2HE T: 410667

Titan Restaurant

Onchan Pleasure Park, Royal Drive, Onchan, IM3 1HU T: 628283

Versa Brunch by day and tasting menus by night with only local, Manx ingredients.

Station Road, Port Erin, IM9 6AN T: 205104

Victory Cafe New in 2021 Victory Cafe is based in a crazy ex Cold War Rotor Radar Station overlooking the 31st Milestone of the TT Racecourse.

31st Milestone, TT Race Course, Mountain Road, Snaefell, IM4 5AF T: 675981

Victoria Grill Craving for a burger? Here you’ll find an awesome variety of burgers your tastebuds will love.

8 Victoria St, Douglas, IM1 2LH T: 629560

One of the leading restaurants on the Island since it's inception in Port Erin in 2013. Now in Douglas .

The Whistlestop

Broadway, Douglas, IM2 4EW T: 613647

Whistlestop Coffee Shop is located at Port Erin Railway Station, Isle of Man. Fresh coffee and homemade cakes and food served daily.

Tower House Cafe

Railway Station, Church Road, Port Erin, IM9 6AH T: 261802

Lovely food and drinks, great selection and a kids play area. Conveniently located in town centre.

Castle Street, Douglas, IM1 2EZ T: 629490

Truth Wine Bar & Grill Wine and tapas, steak, mixed grill and specials all served in a cosy intimate atmosphere.

66 Parliament St, Ramsey, IM8 1AJ T: 814725

Tuscany Restaurant Authentic, Italian restaurant, where you are encouraged to relax, indulge and enjoy.

31 Malew St, Castletown, IM9 1AD T: 331499

Vellika’s Beautifully presented Indian cuisine from one of Ramsey’s most popular eateries.

The Whitestone Home of delicious food which is homemade, locally sourced and freshly prepared.

Station Road, Ballasalla, IM9 2DD T: 822334

Windsor Coffee Co The Windsor Coffee Co sits above the famous Paparazzi Pizzeria. It's the perfect place to sit down and relax whilst enjoying the perfect cup of coffee.

26/27 Loch Prom, Douglas, IM1 2LY T: 671735

Wine Down Lovely food, generous portions, delicious wine, attentive staff and a great atmosphere.

24 Duke St, Douglas, IM1 2AY T: 624777

6 Parliament Sq, Ramsey, IM8 2LQ T: 818241

113

2023 EDITION

Magazine will be back next year with a whole new issue dedicated to giving you the ultimate TT experience.

GET YOUR COPY OF THE 2024 EDITION BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME! The 2024 edition of Total TT magazine will be available from mid-May next year.

Simply email your name, address and postcode to portfolio@manx.net and we’ll be in touch just before the 2024 issue lands to arrange a postal delivery straight to your door.

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR! À L'ANNÉE PROCHAINE WIR SEHEN UNS NÄCHSTES JAHR TE VEO EL PRÓXIMO AÑO TOT VOLGEND JAAR VI SES NÄSTA ÅR 114

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VICTORIA ROAD, DOUGLAS IM2 4RF VICTORIA ROAD, DOUGLAS IM2 4EZ

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All of our stores stock a wide range of products from

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FUELLING PASSION SINCE 2002 We’re incredibly proud to be the TT’s longest running sponsor. We’ve been championing our community through our association with the RL360 Superstock Race for since 2002.

OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF THE TT SUPERSTOCK RACES