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HILLIER BACK WITH BOURNEMOUTH IN SUPERSPORT
After a five-year absence, Bournemouth Kawasaki will return to the Isle of Man TT Races in 2024 as they reunite with former rider James Hillier for the two Monster Energy Supersport Races.
Hillier will campaign a special 40th anniversary-liveried Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R in the two 4-lap races and will be looking to repeat the success he’s previously enjoyed with Pete Extance’s team.
Indeed, the partnership between Hillier, Extance and Bournemouth Kawasaki is one of the most successful in the modern history of the TT, taking victory in the 2013 Lightweight TT and 13 more podiums from 2009 to 2019. The team were also renowned for their exemplary finishing record, with only four DNF’s in 58 races over the same period.
The team make their return in a landmark year for Kawasaki, with the brand celebrating the 40th anniversary of the iconic Ninja brand. As a result, the Bournemouth Kawasaki team will run the latest ZX-6R in the highly popular green, white and blue anniversary colours.
James Hillier: “I'm excited to be back with Pete and the team at Bournemouth Kawasaki once again. We collectively have a lot of knowledge and data after many years racing together and at the TT that's a crucial element to being competitive.”
Pete Extance, Bournemouth Kawasaki Team Owner: “We are really looking forward to our return to the Isle of Man TT as Bournemouth Kawasaki Racing, which we are proud to say is an in-house dealer effort. The TT is, without doubt, the best road race in the world, and we are over the moon to be back involved in 2024. It's a great honour to be running James again, and even more so with the 40th Anniversary liveried Ninja machine. A big thanks must go to Kawasaki UK for their support.”
Following a successful 2023 that saw him lap the TT Course at over 130mph for the first time, Rob Hodson has confirmed he and the SMT Racing team will continue their partnership for the 2024 Isle of Man TT Races.
Hodson will again campaign a Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade in the RST Superbike, RL360 Superstock and Milwaukee Senior TT Races, as well as a Yamaha YZF-R6 in the two Monster Energy Supersport Races where he’ll continue to enjoy support from Vehicle Recovery Services.
Winner of the 2015 Supertwin and 2022 Classic Superbike Manx Grand Prix Races, Hodson will also contest the first Metzeler Supertwin and second Entire Cover Supertwin Races, with team owner Robin Croft sourcing a Paton S1-R for the new season.
Joining Croft’s team for the first time last year, Hodson overcame a spill at Sarah’s Cottage on the final lap of the Superbike Race to go on and have his most successful TT campaign to date. Setting personal best laps around the 37.73-mile TT Mountain Course in every class, the highlight was a maiden 130mph lap and a fine 10th-place in the Senior TT.
The Lancastrian took 9th and 11th-place finishes in the two Supersport Races, where he improved his fastest lap on a 600cc machine to an impressive 125.121mph, whilst his best result of the fortnight came in the second Supertwin Race where he secured an excellent 5thplace.
Four top-ten results in 2023 have deservedly seen him rewarded with a top20 seeded position in all classes for the first time in 2024.
Rob Hodson: “It’s good to continue with a similar set up to last year and I’m delighted to be continuing with Robin and the whole team.”
“It was a bit hectic getting it all together, but everyone settled in well and I think we all did a good job at the TT with some strong performances in all the classes. I got my best results and set personal best lap speeds in every class, and you can’t ask for much more than that so the aim for 2024 will be to improve again.”
“As you get quicker, the gains obviously become that bit smaller but if I can improve a bit here and there, I’m confident we can make another step forward on all three bikes. Being a seeded rider in every class will be a big help and I’m looking forward to getting out on track with the quick lads in each qualifying session. That should bring me on further so we’re all excited for TT2024.”
Robin Croft, SMT Racing Team Owner: “We were very pleased with our first year at the TT with Rob, and are very much looking forward to returning together.”
“The spill set him back a bit, but he regrouped and rebuilt during the rest of race week and ended with a fine set of results. He made a big jump in all classes and to go from 126mph to 130mph on the big bike was particularly impressive.”
“We’ve made small improvements to both the 1000cc and 600cc machines and got a good deal with the Paton, so we’ll be giving it a good go in all classes once more. Rob fits the SMT Racing bill and we fit his so if we can sneak a podium in the Supertwin class and finish top eight in the others we’ll be more than happy.”
After a successful first outing as a tworider team in 2023, Bathams Racing will return to the Isle of Man TT Races this year with an unchanged line up in Michael Rutter and Craig Neve.
30 years after his TT debut in 1994, Rutter will contest the RST Superbike and Milwaukee Senior TT Races on board a BMW M 1000 RR, and line up for the first Metzeler Supertwin and second Entire Cover insurance Supertwin Races with his Yamaha R7.
Neve, meanwhile, has deservedly earned a second year with the team after securing career-best results in 2023. The Lincolnshire rider took 11th in last year’s Senior TT on his Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade, setting a new personal best lap of 130.863mph in the process and he continues with the same machine at this year’s event.
Neve also remains with the same machinery for the Monster Energy Supersport Races, riding the Triumph Speed Triple 765 RS which gave him 8th and 11th- place finishes last year; the former his first top-10 finish and his best result to date at the TT. Just like the other classes, Neve set a new personal best lap in the middleweight division at an average speed of 125.307mph.
Craig Neve: “Joining Bathams Racing last year was fantastic for me. Having Michael as my team-mate was priceless when it came to getting a good set-up with
bikes which, at the time, were brand new to me, and it ultimately helped me crack the 130mph barrier. I’ve already had him on the bike in winter testing to try some more ideas out and both his input and feedback have been brilliant.
“Last year was difficult at times with the new bike, but it ended on a real high with a couple of 130mph laps, and my first top ten finish at the TT, so sticking with Bathams Racing is a no brainer for me. I’m absolutely buzzing and can’t wait to get going, so hopefully we can pick up from where we left off last year.
Michael Rutter: “When we expanded the team last year with Craig, we wanted to bring in an up-and-coming rider and help develop them, and that’s exactly what happened. Last year we achieved everything we hoped we would with Craig, so it was an easy decision to carry on that commitment with him as we feel there’s more to come from both him and the bikes.
“He's had me out testing some ideas that he’s had for his bikes, and I think we’ve found something that’ll help him a lot this year. I must say a huge thanks to our sponsors who share our desire to compete at a high level and develop young riders, so thanks to Bathams Ales, Keltruck, EBC Group, Level, NicWood Logistics, AJN Steelstock and Worcester Presses for continuing with this project.”
The Founds family are set to continue their strong sidecar tradition at the Isle of Man TT Races with the coming of a third generation, as two-time podium finisher Alan Founds will be joined by nephew Rhys Gibbons at TT 2024.
The 20-year old will make his TT debut in the two 3.wheeling.media Sidecar Races with Founds, who previously stood on the podium in 2016 and 2019 and is looking to return to the top ten on the Team Founds Racing LCR Yamaha after a difficult year.
On the verge of withdrawing when his original passenger was excluded from the event, Founds was able to find a late replacement in Colin Smyth, with the stand-in passenger helping him take 10th and 11th-place finishes in the two races. And whilst no goals have been set for the year ahead, he’ll no doubt be hopeful of similar results.
Alongside brother Pete, Alan follows in the footsteps of his father Des who competed in 29 TT races from 1981 to 1997. Now his grandson Rhys will be the latest family member to tackle the famous 37.73mile course, with Alan delighted to be back at the TT and proud to be continuing the family tradition.
Alan Founds: “Rhys has been chomping at the bit to do the TT, and with five years as a passenger under his belt the time’s right for that to now happen.
“I was devastated with what happened last year, although pleased to get two finishes. But I’ve had a good think about where I wanted to go in 2024 and getting the opportunity to do the TT with Rhys fits perfectly.
“He’s a newcomer so there’s no pressure at all and the aim will be to settle into everything during qualifying and build things up as the fortnight progresses. Getting a couple of solid finishes is the main aim in our first TT together.”
Davey Todd will take to the two Monster Energy Supersport Races on board a Ducati Panigale V2, riding the exotic Italian machine under the banner of Powertoolmate at the 2024 Isle of Man TT Races.
Having dominated in the 2023 British and World Supersport Championships, the Panigale V2 is seemingly the current machine of choice in the category, but it remains an unknown quantity around the TT Course.
In fact, despite decades of short-circuit success, the famous marque has taken only 8 TT wins in their history, with the most recent victory for their iconic range of V-twin machinery coming in 1985 courtesy of Tony Rutter.
Nevertheless, Todd, who will enjoy support from TAS Racing and have the highly-experienced and respected Stewart Johnstone as Crew Chief and Team Principal, will undoubtedly come to the TT as one of the favourites for honours in the two Supersport Races.
Indeed, Todd’s form in the class is considerable having taken a brace of fourths and a fifth in the most recent Supersport Races, recording a best lap of 128.699mph in 2023 that places him as the fourth quickest rider ever in the category, bettered only by Michael Dunlop, Peter Hickman and Dean Harrison.
Davey Todd: “It’s a pretty trick piece of kit, and there’s certainly no better looking Supersport machine on the grid!
“Looks are one thing, but the pedigree of the V2 is unquestionable, winning pretty much everything in 2023. The TT throws up a different challenge for sure, but with support from TAS [Racing] and Stewart [Johnstone] leading the team, I’m really excited about going down Bray Hill on the bike.”
Stewart Johnstone, Powertoolmate Ducati Team Principal: “I must admit, from an engineering perspective and also leading this effort, I’m looking forward to the challenge of taking an iconic brand
Team ILR by Frog Vehicle Developments will field five riders from five nations at the 2024 Isle of Man TT Races, with Ian Lougher’s team contesting the Supertwin and Supersport Races.
The first Metzeler Supertwin and second Entire Cover insurance Supertwin Races will be the centre of the team’s focus, with the Isle of Man’s Joe Yeardsley, Germany’s David Datzer and Italy’s Francesco Curinga all campaigning Paton S1-R machinery, with Japan’s Masayuki Yamanaka on board a Kawasaki ER-6.
Completing the line-up will be Ireland’s James Chawke, who will contest the two Monster Energy Supersport Races on the all-new Honda CBR600RR.
Yeardsley, Curinga and Datzer will each be hopeful of top-10 finishes in the Supertwin Races, with the Manxman making his TT debut on the back of
IAN LOUGHER
impressive performances at the Manx Grand Prix, lapping just shy of 117mph average in the Supertwin class whilst riding for Lougher.
Curinga returns with Team ILR for a second time, having secured a best result of eighth during an excellent TT debut in 2023, whilst Datzer will make his debut in the category having previously focused mainly in the 1000cc classes.
and partner back to the TT, in what I think can be regarded as the most competitive category at the event. And on a personal level, I hope to rekindle the previous successes I’ve enjoyed with Ducati.
Wayne Cox, Powertoolmate Managing Director: “We’re delighted to be the headline partner of this very exciting collaboration. The TT is undoubtedly the jewel in the road racing crown – so to have such an exciting combination of bike and rider is something we are all looking forward to being involved in. The TT was my first experience of pure road racing and to go back as a headline sponsor is a dream come true.”
Completing the Supertwin line-up will be Yamanaka, who is set to make his sixth TT appearance.
Ian Lougher, Team ILR by Frog Vehicle Developments Team Principal: “We try our upmost to give plenty of riders an opportunity at the TT without stretching ourselves as a team, and that’s only possible with a great group of people and the right personalities within the team. This year feels like a healthy blend of youth and experience.”
“Lots of riders contacted us over the winter months, particularly with regards to riding one of our Patons, but Joe impressed everyone at the Manx Grand Prix last year and I’m sure he’ll have a strong maiden TT campaign. I think David will surprise a few people as, although it’s his first time in the class, his results on the big bikes speak for themselves.”
Reigning Croatian Supersport Champion Loris Majcan will make his debut at this year’s Isle of Man TT Races aboard his own Yamaha YZF-R6.
A three-time champion in the Supersport category, Majcan has been racing professionally in his native Croatia and wider European nations for nine years. While he has competed in the Superbike category, it has been the smaller Supersport races where he has enjoyed the majority of his success.
After a hard-fought season in 2021 saw him take the Supersport title by just two points, Majcan has had much more dominant proceedings in both 2022 and 2023, winning five out of 11 and three out of seven races respectively. As well as the Croatian Supersport Championship, Majcan has also raced in the FIM European Alpe Adria Superstock 600 Championship, taking in major circuits such as Brno and the Slovakiaring.
The TT will not be his first foray into road racing, however, having built up his experience in Croatian road racing events, the Krizevci TT and Brod Open Races. Despite riding the 600cc Yamaha, he has not only won his category, but won the races outright and comfortably beaten those around him on 1,000cc Superbike machines.
Jamie Coward and the KTS Racing powered by Steadplan team have confirmed they will continue their highly-successful partnership for a third successive year, contesting every class at the Isle of Man TT Races once again. Coward will continue to campaign Honda machinery in the RST Superbike, RL360 Superstock, and Milwaukee Senior TT Races and the Kawasaki Z650 in the first Metzeler Supertwin and second Entire Cover insurance Supertwin Races, and will be looking to challenge for the podium positions in each race.
However, after several seasons on the Yamaha YZF-R6 in the Supersport class, Coward will switch to a Triumph Speed Triple 765 RS for the Monster Energy Supersport encounters. Having just missed out on a rostrum finish twelve months ago, he’ll be hoping a change in manufacturers will help bridge the gap to the rostrum.
Coward and the team – owned and run by Scottish businessman Kevin Watret –have been revelations over the last two years, chalking up a string of top-6 finishes and bettering many of the larger-scale teams in the TT paddock.
Last year saw the 33-year old Yorkshireman take his second podium finish with third in the opening Supertwins Race, which followed on from his second place in the 2019 race. In addition, he took excellent fourth and fifth in the two Supersport Races, setting a new personal best lap in the latter at 127.891mph.
Coward also finished fifth in the Superbike Race and took a brace of sixthplace finishes in the two Superstock Races, setting personal best laps in each class. His fastest lap of 132.096mph currently makes him the 12th fastest rider in TT history.
Jamie Coward: “The last two years have obviously been great for me and the team but we’re hoping to make another step forward on all bikes in 2024 and the reason for switching to the Triumph is to make sure we move with the times.”
“The Supersport class is seeing a new generation now and testing has gone well with the Triumph. It suits my style and with the grunt and torque it has, it’ll make the transition to the bigger bikes that little bit easier.”
“We’ll continue with the Honda Superstock machine and Kawasaki Supertwin and I’m hoping to improve my lap times and speeds in all classes. I’ll concentrate on myself which will enable me to go faster again and climb further up the leaderboard.”
“Last year was my first with the Honda and we’ve got a good base setting now, so the ambition must be finishing on the podium in the Superstock and Supersport Races. That’s probably out of reach in the Superbike class but, as a team, we’re improving all the time so if we can better last year’s performances, we’ll be happy.”
Kevin Watret, KTS Racing by Steadplan Team Owner: “After two successful and highly enjoyable years, we’re obviously really looking forward to getting back to the TT with Jamie, especially as we have the continuity of running the same Honda Fireblade again in the 1000cc races. The races last year went well with our first 132mph laps, so we’ll be looking to build on that and make further steps forward.”
“The switch to the Triumph for the Supersport class has so far been very positive as the bike suits Jamie’s style more and we’re hoping to improve in each class again as we have done these last two years. The results since 2022 have been extremely satisfying but we want to do better again and that’s the clear aim.”
The Isle of Man TT Races and PE have announced a new sponsorship deal that will see the tech-powered utilities provider become the TT’s Official Utility and EV Energy Partner.
As part of the deal, PE will also be the title sponsor of the PE Superstock TT Race 2 taking place on Friday 7th June.
As well as being an official sponsor of the TT Races, PE will help deliver a more sustainable TT event through a carbon footprint assessment. PE’s carbon footprint calculator covers the emissions created by the races, including off island visitor travel from the UK and Ireland, accommodation and local travel. It also includes an assessment of the number of racing laps undertaken during the event, and an
evaluation of the effect of the additional visitors to the Island during the fortnight.
Paul Phillips, Head of Motorsport, Isle of Man TT Races commented: “Environmental sustainability is an important part of our strategy for the TT. And with the Isle of Man being the world’s only UNESCO recognised ‘entire nation’ it’s important that the TT Races takes increasing steps to reduce its carbon footprint. Our partnership with PE ensures that we are able to evaluate the impact that the races have, and introduce effective working practices that will reduce the environmental impact of the event into the future.”
Neeraj Bhatia, Group CEO, PE commented: “We are a hugely proud supporter of the Isle of Man TT Races, and this
is reflected in our decision to significantly increase our investment into sponsorship this year. And as passionate advocates of sustainability, we are once again looking forward to helping elevate the races’ green credentials through a sustainability programme covering a wide range of aspects on the environmental impact of the event.”
As part of the signed deal throughout the entirety of the Isle of Man TT Races PE will also benefit from trackside branding along with broadcast integration and exposure through the TT’s rapidly growing digital channels. This includes exclusive live and on-demand coverage of all 11 days racing via the TT+ Live Pass, which has transformed the way fans enjoy the event since first introduced in 2022.
Jackson Racing will return to the Isle of Man TT Races this year having signed two of the event’s rising stars in Northern Ireland’s Paul Jordan and Austrian Julian Trummer.
Both riders will campaign Honda CBR1000RR machinery in the RST Superbike, RL360 Superstock and Milwaukee Senior races as well as the new Honda CBR600RR in the two Monster Energy Supersport races.
Jordan joins the Preston-based team, who have enjoyed success on the Island with a whole host of riders including John McGuinness, James Hillier, Dan Kneen and Josh Brookes, on the back of his two best years around the Mountain Course, which included a maiden podium finish in 2022 when he finished third in the Supertwins race.
Last year saw him set personal best laps in both the 1000cc and 600cc classes at 128.271mph and 125.544mph respectively with a brace of excellent seventh place finishes taken in the two Supersport races. With five top ten finishes now to his name, and ten inside the top 15, the 32-year old, who made his debut in 2017, is looking to climb even higher up the leaderboard in June.
“I’m really happy to be joining Jackson Racing and with all the experience they have both at the TT and with Honda machinery, I’m hoping that will transfer over to me and take me to the next level,” he said. “The bikes look pristine as usual, and both Alan and Andy (Jackson) are really motivated to have a great TT2024.”
“I’m especially looking forward to getting on the 600cc Honda, a bike with so much history and success, particularly at the TT and if I can crack the top five, I’ll be over the moon. At the same time, I’m aiming to make a jump forward on the big bike too. People still see me as a rider who does well on the smaller bikes so I’ve a few things still to prove on the 1000cc machines and having Julian as my teammate should spur us both on to better things.”
Like Jordan, Trummer’s TT career has been on an upward trajectory of late with 2023 seeing him claim three top twenty finishes in the Superbike, Superstock and Senior races. It was the latter which saw him really impress with a new personal best lap of 128.638mph which made him the fastest non-English speaking rider around the 37.73-mile circuit.
The former Manx Grand Prix Newcomers podium finisher has a best
finisher of ninth to his name, taken in the 2018 Lightweight race, and has now won 16 bronze replicas. Continually climbing up the results sheets, Trummer is looking to grasp the opportunity with both hands.
“I feel like everything has finally come together for myself with signing for such an experienced team as Jackson Racing,” he said. “I’ve put in a lot of effort in the last eight years to get a chance to ride for a prestigious team and finally it seems someone has noticed. I’m getting the chance of my life and I’m super happy and excited to start working with the new team.”
“I think my motivation and determination mixed with their technical know-how and experience will enable me to make the next step towards the front. I obviously want to do well on the big bike, but I think I can also only profit on the 600 and having Paul as a team-mate can only be beneficial. I want to thank Alan and Andy for this opportunity and hope I can deliver the results the team deserves!"
Team principal and former Manx Grand Prix outright lap record holder Alan Jackson jnr added; “We’re excited to be back at the Isle of Man TT as Jackson Racing and we’ve two young and enthusiastic riders who we hope we can make big improvements with. They’re both hungry and keen to succeed so that, together with our knowledge and experience at both the TT and with Hondas, makes for a good combination and we’ve very much looking forward to a strong TT2024.”
Sure is revving up for its 18th year as Official Telecommunications Partner for the Isle of Man TT 2024, which is on track to be the best year yet.
Riders will benefit from advanced, cutting-edge technology provided by Sure to improve awareness and safety around the track. Red digital warning flags will be in place to alert riders and marshals when a race has been stopped, and GPS trackers fitted to each bike will provide marshals with constant tracking information.
Last year, the amount of data used by more than 43,000 fans across the TT event was over 100TB - the equivalent of streaming more than 50,000 films on Netflix. Sure is once again offering free WiFi throughout the grandstand and paddock area to ensure spectators can share all their photos and videos in real time and keep up with all the results and event news.
For anyone who can't make it to the TT Mountain Course to witness the highspeed action unfold in person, live coverage of every qualifying session and race at the 2024 event is available exclusively via the TT’s official digital platform, TT+.
OUR LONGSTANDING PARTNERSHIP HAS MADE A MEANINGFUL DIFFERENCE TO THE RACES, AS WE’RE ABLE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE SAFETY OF RIDERS BY PROVIDING ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY SUCH AS GPS TRACKING AND DIGITAL FLAGS, AS WELL AS KEEPING ALL THE FANS CONNECTED WITH FAST WIFI SPEEDS
Sure Isle of Man Chief Executive Mike Phillips said: “Each year the action of the Isle of Man TT brings a swell of excitement and anticipation to the whole island, and we’re proud to be Official Telecommunications Partner for the 18th time.
“Our longstanding partnership has made a meaningful difference to the races,
as we’re able to contribute to the safety of riders by providing advanced technology such as GPS tracking and digital flags, as well as keeping all the fans connected with fast WiFi speeds so they can share their memories with people around the world.
“This is always a very exciting time of year for the Sure team and we’re looking forward to continuing this partnership for many more years.”
Sophie Lowney, TT & Motorsport Development Manager, said: “Sure’s support over the past 18 years has allowed the TT to thrive and grow to the incredible event that it is today. Not only does the technology provided by Sure enhance safety provision for our riders, but it also makes the TT accessible to people all around the world.”
Pre-tuned TT AM radios will be available to buy from Sure’s Grandstand Shop, which fans can use to hear all race commentary and media coverage of the event. Anyone visiting the Isle of Man for the TT can also purchase a £5 or £10 Pay As You Go SIM pack from the to stay connected during race week.
Proud to support the TT since 2007.
BEN BIRCHALL / KEVIN ROUSSEAU
STEADPLAN / HAGER
LCR HONDA 2
PETER FOUNDS / JEVAN WALMSLEY
FHO RACING
DDM HONDA 3
RYAN CROWE / CALLUM CROWE
KELPROPERTIES
RYDE HONDA 4
TIM REEVES / MARK WILKES
BONOVO ACTION RACING/CARL COX MOTORSPORT
LCR HONDA 5
DAVE MOLYNEUX / JAKE ROBERTS
KELPROPERTIES
DMR KAWASAKI
JOHN HOLDEN / FRANK CLAEYS
CARL COX MOTORSPORT
RYDE KTM
STEVE RAMSDEN / MATT RAMSDEN
RAMSDEN RACING/RS MOTORCYCLES
LCR HONDA 8
LEE CRAWFORD / SCOTT HARDIE
SWC GROUNDWORKS / TTS SUPPORT
BAKER HONDA
LEWIS BLACKSTOCK / PAT ROSNEY
DAVE HOLDEN RACING
LCR YAMAHA
ALAN FOUNDS / RHYS GIBBONS
TEAM FOUNDS RACING
LCR YAMAHA
After a five-year absence from the TT, Josh Brookes described being back around the Mountain Circuit last year as ‘like being shot out of a cannon’. And this year, he is gunning for the TT’s ‘big dogs’, with regular trips to the podium his target.
After his first TTs in 2013 and 2014, Josh missed a couple of years, and says he got a touch complacent, thinking he would be ready when he returned for TT2017, only to get a ‘real shock, it was like starting over again’.
On his return last year, after that five-year gap, the man from Down Under – the fastest Australian to ever lap the TT course – was anticipating a big challenge but was pleasantly surprised that his memory had captured a lot of the important stuff.
That recall helped him land five top 10 finishes – seventh in the Superbike, fifth in Supertwin 1 and third in Supertwin 2, and fifth in both the Superstock 2 and the Senior.
“It was awesome, as good as I could have expected,” said Josh. “I was able to get to it with ease and then it was about focusing on bike set up and improving corner by corner. I had a fantastic year, made it on the podium in the Supertwins, and I’m looking to try and obviously go a bit better in the major classes, but last year was a perfect step back in. Everything about the fortnight went perfect. The weather was probably the biggest factor, being able to get so many laps in – let’s hope we have the same situation this year.”
While the third place in in the Supertwin was a fantastic ride, it wasn’t without difficulties. “It didn’t actually go as smooth as it could have,’ said Josh. ‘We lost a lot of time in the pits, I made a mistake with the buttons, a real rookie error, didn’t get the bike started up in the pits and lost heaps of time.”
The 41-year-old has a new ride this year for the Russell Racing Yamaha team in the Supersport and will be teaming up once again with Peter Hickman for FHO Racing BMW on Superstock and Superbike bikes.
While Hickman is naturally one of the hot favourites for this year’s TT, Josh isn’t daunted by being his teammate, saying he can use it to his advantage.
He said: “I have the luxury of being able to analyse his data, look at his track position, his brake pressure, what gear he is in, what RPM he is in at any given point. I’ve got all that information that all his strong rivals would love to have. As much as he is someone I aspire to be like, at some point I have to aspire to be better than him and try and beat him. He has certainly set the target high.
“I’d love to win, but I’d like to set my target a little more realistic – I got on the podium last year in the Supertwin, but I’m actually more proud of getting fifth in the Senior. That’s the big bike, the main class. It’s in the big categories, the Superbike and the Senior, that I want to be there fighting at the front. If I could stand on the podium with the big dogs in a major race, that would be like a win to me.”
I GOT ON THE PODIUM LAST YEAR IN THE SUPERTWIN, BUT I’M ACTUALLY MORE PROUD OF GETTING FIFTH IN THE SENIOR. THAT’S THE BIG BIKE, THE MAIN CLASS
Manxman Conor Cummins has been carrying the weight of a nation’s expectations on his shoulders since making his TT debut in 2006, when he won the Newcomers Trophy.
A storming TT2022 saw him claim two podiums – third in the Senior, and second in the Superstock, the latter with a personal best lap record of 133.116mph, making him the fourth fastest rider in TT history, behind only Peter Hickman, Michael Dunlop, and Dean Harrison.
That created quite a buzz ahead of TT2023 for the man who now has 12 TT podium finishes to his name, but things didn’t go according to plan.
“I got to Wednesday of practice week and came down with a viral infection and ended up in hospital for a day on the drip,” said Conor, who turns 38 during practice week. “It was definitely the worst TT I’ve had – well, bar one other, I suppose [referring to his serious crash during TT2010].
“I was wanting to carry the speed and momentum from 2022 into 2023 and go faster. That’s what the other lads did. It was a difficult pill to swallow, being laid up in bed. But that’s what happens every now and again, and I managed to come out in the second Superstock race, get a fourth, and still managed to do a 132.7 in the Senior (coming home in fourth). Realistically I had one good lap in me in a six-lap race, but that’s what happens, you just get on with it.”
After seven years with the Milenco by Padgett’s Motorcycles team, there was no news for a good while about Conor’s plans for this year, until it was announced in February that he had re-signed for Padgett’s, joining up with 16-time TT winner Ian Hutchinson, who has returned to the team.
“I got to the end of last year and I just wanted to understand what I wanted to do,’ explained Conor. ‘There was nothing more to it than that. I put a hole in my left elbow at Thruxton last year and burnt my arm, so had to give that a bit of time, and the season fizzled out. It gave me a bit of time to have a think about what I wanted. And I can’t wait to go racing again.
“It’s a great family environment (with Padgett’s), the history that family has is amazing, and to be part of the team is quite an honour. To now be sharing the garage with Ian (Hutchinson), especially with what he has come back from, is brilliant. The team environment is good this year, and I’m grateful I have a bike to go at the TT and to try and win it.” And will this year see him finally land the big win his talent deserves?
“One thing is for sure, every time I get on the bike I give it my best,’ he said. ‘And after all is said and done, that’s all I can do. I’ve got to be happy with the results I get, I am pushing, there is no one trying harder than me when I get on a bike. I’ll just keep doing the same, if I achieve it, brilliant, if not, then I’ll take it on the chin.”
One thing Conor has done is inspire so many Manx riders to follow in his footsteps.
“It’s great to see a huge local interest. It’s one of the biggest things to happen on the Isle of Man. I’m a very proud Manxman, proud to be part of such an iconic event, and to see other Manx riders coming through is great for future TTs.”
I PUT A HOLE IN MY LEFT ELBOW AT THRUXTON LAST YEAR AND BURNT MY ARM, SO HAD TO GIVE THAT A BIT OF TIME, AND THE SEASON FIZZLED OUT. IT GAVE ME A BIT OF TIME TO HAVE A THINK ABOUT WHAT I WANTED. AND I CAN’T WAIT TO GO RACING AGAIN
With four race wins at each of the last two TTs, Peter Hickman sure is flying up the list of all-time winners. He now stands on 13 wins, from 27 podium finishes, which puts him ninth in the ranks of alltime winners across solo and sidecar.
He’s also the all-time lap record holder around the Mountain Course136.358mph - set last year during the Superstock 2 race. You would think, along with the four wins, that the man from Burton-on-Trent in Staffordshire would speak in glowing terms about his performance at TT2023. Not a bit of it.
“TT2023 wasn’t perfect,” he said. “We are entering eight races, the idea is to try and win eight races, but that is a mammoth task. Winning one race is a mammoth task, never mind eight. But the Superbike in particular was hard work, it was no secret, but we got there in the end.
“By the Senior race, the Monster BMW by FHO Racing team did an unbelievable job. For the two weeks they were scratching their heads, as was I, to try and figure out how to make the bike work. We were really struggling, the biggest problem was that we didn’t know why – we knew what the problem was, we didn’t know how to fix it. But the boys and girls in the FHO Racing team did a fantastic job and we ended up coming out on top in the big race.
“We did manage to fix the problems, and the bike was super strong, not only for the warm up lap in the morning, in the race the bike worked absolutely faultlessly. To come from where we did, with a bike that wouldn’t handle and caused a lot of other problems, to then win the Senior TT, the blue riband event, was a big turnaround. It means if we ever come up against that problem again, we should know how to solve it.”
Peter, 37, debuted at the TT in 2014 and feels privileged to be competing in such a strong era.
He told the Road to 2024 TT launch audience: “The competition at the TT at the minute is some of the strongest it has ever been, not only from a competitor point of view, but also from a team point of view, and bikes as well. To be able to attend and enter a TT is one thing, to finish one is a big achievement in itself. A podium is the next level, to actually win one is pretty unbelievable, and to stand here right now as a 13-time TT winner, is something I never imagined.”
Not content with all his riding success, with PHR Performance, Peter has another string to his bow.
“I get bored too easily,” he said. “I have my own performance centre, and we’ll be running our own Supersport bike and our own Supertwin as well. There are a few Triumphs on the grid this year and I am fortunate enough that all of those engines come out of my workshop.
“`We’ve also done some other competitors’ engines, so there is probably around eight competitors on the grid now that we build engines for. I’m really happy that the trust has been bestowed on us to be producing a good engine, not only for myself, but also my competitors, which is testament to what we have done as a brand, as PHR, and my engine builder, Dave (Booth), has done a fantastic job for everyone.”
THE COMPETITION AT THE TT AT THE MINUTE IS SOME OF THE STRONGEST IT HAS EVER BEEN, NOT ONLY FROM A COMPETITOR POINT OF VIEW, BUT ALSO FROM A TEAM POINT OF VIEW, AND BIKES AS WELL
Place of Birth: Bingley, West Yorkshire
Date of Birth: August 12th, 1979 (44) X: @tweethutchy Book: Hutchy: Miracle Man First TT competed: 2004 16 TT wins and 27 podiums
TTs in a week (2010)
Few riders in the long history of the TT have seen such highs and lows as Ian Hutchinson.
At TT2010, he won FIVE races in a week - the only time that has ever been achieved - only to suffer severe injuries in a crash at Silverstone a few weeks later, suffering compound fractures to his tibia and fibula in his left leg, resulting in numerous operations and skin grafts.
By 2015 he was a TT winner again, winning three races that year and the same amount 12 months later, before another double in 2017 brought his tally to 16 victories - only four riders have won more.
On his last outing at the TT in 2022, he secured four top 10 finishes. But in the winter of 2022, he suffered another devastating setback when he suffered a stroke. He spent the run up to last year’s TT learning how to talk again and the fact that he now back on the grid for TT2024 is testament to this man’s fighting spirit.
“I had been out in Spain for most of the winter, instructing on track days, to keep the mileage up, and cycling to keep fit,” said Hutchy, speaking at the Road to 2024 TT launch. “I was out cycling and had a stroke. I didn’t know what a stroke was when I had one, and hence I didn’t understand why I couldn’t come to the TT straight after it.
“It was hard to come back from. I came over and did some (TV) stuff for the TT (last year), but I was still struggling to talk. The problem was that the weather was so good. If it had been raining every day and they had cancelled most of the races, I’d have been quite happy. But regardless of results, I love riding around this place and when you get two weeks of sun like that, it would have been amazing. So, it wasn’t the best place to be.”
This year sees Ian return ‘home’ to the Padgett’s Honda team, with whom he celebrated his incredible success at TT2010.
“I always stayed in touch with Clive (Padgett) and two years ago I went over to speak to him about riding, but obviously his two riders were staying with him,” said Ian. “But when I went back to speak to him for this year, it was a little bit different because I was a stroke victim, and I don’t think anyone really wanted to run a stroke victim - but he went through his own thoughts about it, and spoke with his family and sponsors, and he wanted to see me on a bike and what I was like at the end of a day of riding. We did that out in Spain, just before Christmas and he said, ‘Let’s go racing’.”
As for what to expect this year, Ian says he can’t really think about positions and isn’t putting too much expectation on himself.
“I’ve just got to know that I’m in a position pace-wise that it’s worth me coming back next year to try and win again,’ he explained. ‘I can’t really put a speed to it either, because if it rains for a week, I’m not going to be doing the speeds that I think I should do. So, by the end of the fortnight, I need to be in a position where I can sit down and go, we’ve done enough this year, to be able to work at it and come back and try and win again next year.”
Given Hutchy’s TT pedigree, no one will rule that out.
CLIVE [PADGETT] WANTED TO SEE ME ON A BIKE AND WHAT I WAS LIKE AT THE END OF A DAY OF RIDING. WE DID THAT OUT IN SPAIN AND HE SAID, “LET’S GO RACING”
TO BE THE FIRST PERSON TO BREAK A SUB-17-MINUTE AND TO BE THE FIRST PERSON TO DO A 130MPH ON A 600, TWO OF THE BIG HIGHLIGHTS OF
.
Each year the TT throws up a myriad of fascinating plots and side plots that hungry race fans devour in the build up to the festival. But when it comes to big stories ahead of TT2024, to quote a famous Sean Connery film about sword-wielding immortals, there can be only one…
Fifteen years on from his first TT victory in the Supersport, Michael Dunlop stands on 25 TT race wins, just one behind his uncle, the great Joey Dunlop. After coming away with four wins last year, matching the tally of Peter Hickman, it would seem inevitable that this year will see Michael at least match Joey’s record of race wins.
Michael is already a TT legend, but one or two more wins this year and he will have confirmed his position at the pinnacle of TT racing. His tally of 39 podium finishes is the third best in history, again just one behind Joey, with big John McGuiness leading the way on 47.
But the man from Ballymoney in Northern Ireland doesn’t seem to be thinking about records. Asked at the Road to 2024, the TT launch event, about what a good TT2024 would look like to him, he said: “Just winning races. That’s what I come to do every year. I want to win races, that’s the job.”
Last year saw wins in the two Supersport races, the Superbike and the first Supertwin race, with the second Supersport the highlight, with Michael becoming the first person to record a sub-17- minute lap and a 130mph plus lap. That came seven years after he became the first rider ever in TT history to break 17 minutes, on his way to winning the Superbike race.
He said: “I think the lap itself is something that has been sitting in the wings for a couple of years. I always thought it was possible, and to be the first person to break a sub-17-minute and to be the first person to do a 130mph on a 600, two of the big highlights of my career, especially around the Isle of Man.”
Despite those four wins, which helped him win the MCN Rider of the Year 2023 Award, Michael wasn’t totally happy with how things unfolded during the TT.
“I was in eight races, I won four, I didn’t win the other four, so obviously you’re disappointed,” he said. “I was disappointed with the twin race, to be honest, we were fast at that point, leading the race, just a pity the wee bike laid down, but that’s life. These things happen, the TT course throws curveballs at you every day of the week and you just have to take them on the chin.”
There was another win to be celebrated at TT2023 – MD Racing won the overall team prize.
“To come out with a brand-new bike out of the create and win a Superbike, was credit to the team,” said Michael, who will as usual start each of this year’s races from #6. “I think people maybe thought I was finished on the big bike side, but I always knew it was still there. We just had to get the right package. The lads that work for me deserve the credit, it’s more for them boys. I know what it takes, what I put into it, but I don’t need gratitude, I’m doing it for myself. But for them lads to be working so hard, and just to get that recognition. I think we were the first privateer team to win it, it’s a great honour.”
Place of Birth: Northern Ireland
Date of Birth: April 10th, 1989 (35)
Place of Birth: Bradford, West Yorkshire
Date of Birth: January 24th, 1989 (35)
@deanharrisonTT
Given that he has three TT wins to his name, and the fact that he was the last man to win a race – the 2019 Senior – who wasn’t either Peter Hickman or Michael Dunlop, it’s no surprise that most pundits and fans look to Dean Harrison as the man to break the monopoly.
Of the 14 races since the two-year gap because of Covid, Hickman has won eight, Dunlop six. Those are mighty impressive stats, but Dean’s record over the last two years has been pretty handy too – three second places, a third and a fourth in 2022, followed last year by five third place finishes and a second place in the Senior.
He first tasted victory in the 2014 Lightweight, followed by the Supersport 2 in 2018, and then came his crowning glory, the magnificent Senior win in 2019, beating Hickman into second, with Conor Cummins third, ahead of Dunlop.
In total, Dean has recorded 26 TT podium finishes, but it’s not just the TT he likes over here – he won the Southern 100 Solo Championship on three occasions, from 2017 to 2019.
In fact, he likes the Isle of Man so much, he is now a Manx resident, moving to Laxey and now enjoying the ‘relaxed way of life’, which he hopes will make him that little bit faster when TT rolls around.
The changes for 2024 aren’t confined to the domestic front – Dean has signed for Honda Racing UK, where he lines up alongside TT legend John McGuiness and rising young Manx star Nathan Harrison. It’s a big move to the factory team for Dean, having spent most of this TT career in a single rider team.
“I’ve been with the DAO Racing team for eight years, six racing seasons, so it was a big decision to make when the opportunity came along,’ said the Bradford-born 35-year-old. ‘It was something I didn’t take lightly; it was a big decision for me. Being by yourself is great in some ways, because the focus is all on you, but then you’ve nobody to ever bounce an idea off or ask a question. You’re the one and only, and in the paddock everyone is keeping to themselves, and when you’re running near the front, you don’t want to tell anyone anything and you’ve got to try and figure it out for yourself, whereas now I’ve got John and Nathan who I can bounce a few things around with.”
Dean feels that mixing circuit racing with road racing helps keep him sharp, something which he feels is necessary for the modern racer.
“Look how competitive the Isle of Man TT has become over recent years,” he said. “If you’re not racing British Championship, or doing Supersport or Superstock, keeping your hand in all the time, you are going to get left behind the times. It is something you’ve got to do to keep sharp before you get here, so you hit the ground running the moment you set off down Bray Hill.”
And so, is the time right to claim win number four following the move to Honda Racing UK?
“There is a lot more pieces of the jigsaw, everything has to come together as one,’ said Dean. “The bike has definitely got the speed and the power that is needed. I think the bike has got it, it’s down to me now.”
All eyes will be on the Island’s new resident to see if he can break the Dunlop/Hickman stranglehold.
THE BIKE HAS DEFINITELY GOT THE SPEED AND THE POWER THAT IS NEEDED. I THINK THE BIKE HAS GOT IT, IT’S DOWN TO ME NOW
I WANT TO BE UP THE FRONT. I WANT TO BE BATTLING WITH PETE AND MICHAEL AND THE GUYS. ANYTHING ELSE IS NOT QUITE CUTTING IT ANYMORE
When you’re looking at those riders who might be ready to make a big breakthrough at this year’s TT, the name of Davey Todd will be at the top of many people’s lists.
He has been marked as one to watch since his TT debut in 2018, when he finished ninth the Senior and rode off with the TT Newcomers Trophy, TT Privateers Championship, and RST Star of Tomorrow award for good measure. He has since backed up that promise with a third in the 2022 Superstock and six other top five finishes, and winning last year’s British National Superstock Championship.
This year he has swapped Honda for the Milwaukee BMW Motorrad team and will be riding the M 1000 RR in the Superbike, Superstock, and Senior races. He is also on a Ducati Panigale V2 for the two Supersport races.
After the podium two years ago, TT2023 proved to be a tough campaign for Davey.
“It was a difficult one,” said the 28-year-old from Saltburn in North Yorkshire. “I was coming into it with the Padgett’s team again, and thought we were in for a good year, but making that step up to BSB in the Superbike class just took up a lot of time that I guess we didn’t expect, and a lot of the focus, and I arrived at the TT a little unprepared. I had a few little issues with the bike, no fault of the team, got really unlucky, and ended up getting the same illness that Conor had for a lot of practice week, and was pretty ill the back end of race week. So, it didn’t end in a fantastic way either, but I went quicker in every class, and that shows something, but I didn’t feel like I was anywhere near what I feel I’m capable of doing.”
Despite the illness, Davey set a personal best lap speed of 132.982mph, which puts him sixth in the rankings of fastest ever riders around the TT course.
He seems to really enjoy his racing, happy to put a smile on people’s faces, but this year sees him arrive in the Isle of Man with a steely focus added to his character.
“Enjoying the TT is what it’s about, that’s why we come here,” said Davey. “I genuinely love every single lap that I’m racing around that place. At the same time, my focus has changed a little bit, not away from enjoying it, but I want results, I want to be up the front. I want to be battling with Pete and Michael and the guys. Anything else is not quite cutting it anymore.
“It has been a great start (with BMW), had a bit of time on a standard BM out in Spain and gelled with the bike straight away. First of all, getting on the BM, it’s a lap record-holding bike, it’s a fantastic bike with a great package, and with the team I’ve got around me now, I feel like I’m in a fantastic place going into the TT.
“The strengths of the bike definitely lean towards being good at the TT, which makes me super excited. We had our first test at Donnington, the BSB test, and went under lap record in pretty grim conditions. I’m over the moon with how it is going so far.”
Davey added: “Everybody is saying how fast the Ducati is in the Supersport class. I think it is going to be a fantastic package. The only thing is, it has never been round the TT course; we’re going to have go in and learn from the beginning. The thing looks incredible, it sounds awesome, the only thing left is for me to do the business on it.”
Place of Birth: Saltburn, Yorkshire
Date of Birth: September 14th, 1995 (29)
X: @DaveyTodd742
Facebook: Davey Todd
Started competitive racing in 2001
First TT competed: 2018 Fastest lap: 132.194mph Favourite course/track: TT course
Racing icon: Peter Hickman
Racing icon: Joey Dunlop
Jamie Coward’s TT career has so far been, in his own words, something of a slow burner.
After making his debut around the Mountain Course in the Newcomers A race at the 2010 Manx Grand Prix, claiming a fourth-place finish, he stepped up to the TT in 2013, taking two top twenty finishes in the Supersport races.
His career and reputation continued to build over the next decade, and last year culminated in him recording six top six TT finishes, including a podium place for third in the Supertwin Race 1, with that consistency seeing him awarded the Privateer Trophy, which he also won in 2019.
His best TT finish came in 2019, bringing his Kawasaki home in second place in the Lightweight, and Jamie feels he’s still learning the ropes and isn’t ready for a step up to a big factory bike. But if he carries on improving, it’s surely only a matter of time. Last year he set personal best laps in the Supersport, Superbike and Superstock, while his overall best of 132.096mph makes him the 12th fastest rider in TT history.
“It’s been a slow burner, my TT career,” said Jamie. “But last year we increased the pace again in every class, a podium on the little twin, and not far off a podium on the Supersport, and top five in the Superbike race, so a great year for me and the KTS Racing team.”
Jamie loves road racing - he has competed at the Southern 100 (the sixth fastest rider ever, lapping at 113.395mph), the North West 200, Oliver’s Mount in Scarborough, and in 2018 he placed sixth overall in the International Road Racing Championship.
TT2024 will be Jamie’s third successive year with KTS, and he is competing in every race, making a switch from Yamaha to Triumph in the Supersport, and continuing with Hondas in the 1000cc races and a Kawasaki Z650 for the Supertwins. While he feels a podium finish in the Superbike is unrealistic, he is targeting top three finishes in the Superstock, Supersport and Supertwin races.
“The bikes that the KTS team put out are fantastic machines, as good as anyone in the paddock,” said the 33-year-old Yorkshireman. “I still believe that I’m learning the circuit, and I think for the KTS team to spend forty or fifty thousand to build a Superbike, it would be wasted.
“I’d rather concentrate on the one bike and get it right, if I can go a little bit faster like we did last year, we’ll be closer to the front and fighting for more top fives, and maybe podiums. Last year we had the twin and the R6, but we had our first year with the Honda, and to do what we did, 131132mph laps were fairly impressive, so we can try and get a little bit better.”
Jamie says his biggest achievement was in the 2017 Classic TT on the 500 Norton, when he finished second behind Josh Brookes, becoming the only person who has ever lapped at 110mph around the Mountain Course on a single cylinder machine. While his career might be a slow-burner, there sure is nothing slow about Jamie Coward when he gets on a bike.
Jamie, whose father, Paul, raced at the TT and Manx Grand Prix, was planning to compete at the Manx Grand Prix last year, but came a cropper while out cycling around Lake Windermere. He broke his pelvis in the accident, but thankfully didn’t require surgery, and says he is back to full fitness and raring to go for TT2024.
I’D RATHER CONCENTRATE ON THE ONE BIKE AND GET IT RIGHT, IF I CAN GO A LITTLE BIT FASTER LIKE WE DID LAST YEAR, WE’LL BE CLOSER TO THE FRONT AND FIGHTING FOR MORE TOP FIVES, AND MAYBE PODIUMS
Ringwood, Hampshire
TT riders don’t come much more consistent than James Hillier. He has finished 56 of the 60 races he has started, with 50 of those inside the top 10 and 14 on the podium. Rewind to TT2023, and he had six top seven finishes, the best a fourth in the Superbike.
He’s also one of the fastest - he’s currently seventh in the list of fastest riders ever, with a lap clocked at 132.414mph, and he won the Lightweight TT back in 2015. But having tasted that kind of success, being consistent just isn’t enough - he wants to back on the podium on a regular basis.
“It has been a while,” said James, who made his TT debut in 2008, winning the Newcomers Trophy. “2019 was the last time I was in there, and it sucks. Once you have been in there, riding past (the winning enclosure) sucks. It really hurts, and that’s where I want to be, and what I’ll be aiming for. Fingers crossed we can get a good practice week in. I don’t doubt in myself or my team that we can certainly fight to be in there, somewhere in that top three for sure.”
It’s all change for James this year. He is reuniting with long-time partner Bournemouth Kawasaki Racing to compete in the Supersport class aboard a 40th anniversary-liveried Ninja ZX-6R. And he has switched from Yamaha, for whom he has ridden for the last two years, and will ride a Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade for WTF (We’re The Future) Racing in the Superbike, Superstock, and Senior TT.
James says the Honda bikes had the edge over him last year and feels it is a challenge he is ready to take on. And he likened his return to Bournemouth Kawasaki as being back ‘in an old pair of slippers’.
“I’ll be back with Bournemouth Kawasaki for the Supersport Isle of Man TT Races in 2024,” said the 39-year-old. “We have a good history together and hopefully we can build on that. I’m looking forward to being back in green on the 600.
“I’m pretty comfortable with where I’m at and who I’m with, and I’m hungry and excited to get going and chase the lap times. I get that little bit of magic every time I set foot on the Island, start getting a little giddy, and butterflies.”
Last year James became the first ever Isle of Man TT winner to take part in the gruelling Dakar Rally, and it seems he has the taste for more, with WTF Racing supporting another adventure later this year to Saudi Arabia, which will host the race for the second year running.
“There are plans to go back,” said James. “It has planted a seed, a little how this place (the Isle of Man) does to you. It gives you a feeling that you can’t get anywhere else. After TT, it is full force fundraising to try and raise the money and get back for another go. Not to try and win or get a position, but I think the next time I’ll perhaps enjoy it a little bit more and maybe relax a bit; it was a big shock to the system last time, but a hell of an achievement that I am very proud of.”
First up, of course, is TT2024 and James’ bid to upset the status quo in the winning enclosure. He’s sure to be in the mix when the chequered flag appears.
I’M PRETTY COMFORTABLE WITH WHERE I’M AT AND WHO I’M WITH, AND I’M HUNGRY AND EXCITED TO GET GOING AND CHASE THE LAP TIMES. I GET THAT LITTLE BIT OF MAGIC EVERY TIME I SET FOOT ON THE ISLAND
Place of Birth: Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Date of Birth: January 21st 1977 (47) X: @birchall16 Website: birchallracing.com
TT competed: 2009
TT wins and 16 podiums
race records every year since 2016
1998 as passenger, 2003 as driver
It was a decision that shocked his own brother as much as it did their fans when Tom Birchall, one half of the 14-time TT winning Birchall brothers, called time on his racing career.
Their first sidecar win came at TT2013, and since 2015, they have won 13 of the 14 races staged, the only blemish being in the first race in 2016, when engine trouble forced them to retire from a 34-second lead. Last year, they became the first sidecar team to achieve the magic 120mph lap speed.
It has been a remarkable period of domination, which has left the Birchalls three wins behind Manxman Dave Molyneux at the top of the table of sidecar wins. They also won three World Sidecar Championships between 2009 and 2018, along with the F2 World Trophy in 2016.
With Tom bowing out, Ben says it left him with a decision to make - once he had recovered from the shock of Tom’s news - and, in new partner Kevin Rousseau, he believes he has the right man to bring more wins.
“It was a hundred percent a shock,” said Ben. “Tom kept his powder dry and kept our performance at a peak. We had a really good year at TT and at the World Championship, so I can only thank him for that. He came to see me and said he wanted to talk to me, and I knew it was quite serious because he took me straight to the pub, and he was shaking, and I’d never seen that lad shake about anything. I said, ‘Come on, what’s wrong?’
“We had a few moments together, and I could only really thank him for everything that we have done, and everything we have been through together. To have a partnership with someone for that long is incredible and especially when it’s your brother. He was under the age of 10 when we star ted going racing together and look at what we’ve done.”
Kevin Rousseau is an experienced sidecar racer, with victories and podiums at World Championship level. He has only competed at the TT once, in 2022 alongside Tim Reeves.
Ben said: “I had to make a decision quickly, whether I’d had enough, and whether it was time for me hang my leathers up. My wife is a great support, and my boys, and I decided that it isn’t (time). I’m still full of fire, and fit. So, I had to find another lad who was capable of doing it and move quickly to make sure I could secure it. There was only one option for me, and that was Kevin. I was really happy, and I’m privileged that he accepted.”
For Kevin, it wasn’t a difficult decision to make. He said: “It was a big surprise, but it did not take long before I said yes, and I cannot wait to be back on the TT course. Tom has been with me when we did the tyre test (at the MGP) and he gave me a lot of advice around the course. He will be there in May, so it is just perfect for me.”
As for Ben, he’s not setting targets for this year. He said: “I expect to do my best and see what it brings, if doing my best is faster, then good. That’s what it’s about, we go racing to try and win, if that brings lap records, great, if it just brings race wins, fantastic.”
Place of Birth: Le Mans, France
Date of Birth: December 26th 1992 (31)
X: @rousseau__kevin
Instagram: thekevrousseau
First TT competed: 2022
2022 Partner, Tim Reeves
Other sport: Kevin loves to ski
Holiday: the mountains of Les Menuires
Food: Pasta
OUTRIGHT
PETER HICKMAN, 2023
TIME: 16:36.115
AV. SPEED: 136.358MPH TT SUPERBIKE
PETER HICKMAN, 2023
TIME: 16:42.442
AV. SPEED: 135.445MPH
LIGHTWEIGHT TT
MICHAEL DUNLOP, 2018
TIME: 18:26.543
AV. SPEED: 122.750MPH
SIDECAR TT
BEN & TOM BIRCHALL, 2023
TIME: 18:45.850
SUPERSPORT
MICHAEL DUNLOP, 2023
TIME: 17:21.605
SUPERSTOCK TT
PETER HICKMAN, 2023
TIME: 16:36.115
AV. SPEED: 136.358MPH
AV. SPEED: 130.403MPH TT ZERO
AV. SPEED: 120.645MPH FASTEST NEWCOMER
MICHAEL RUTTER, 2018 TIME: 18:34.956 AV. SPEED: 121.824MPH
GLENN IRWIN, 2022 TIME: 17:26.029 AV. SPEED: 129.849MPH
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WITH AN EXPANDED RIDER LINEUP AND ALL-NEW MACHINERY FOR 2024, HONDA RACING UK HAS HIGH HOPES FOR THE 2024 ISLE OF MAN TT RACES. AHEAD OF THIS YEAR’S EVENT WE CAUGHT UP WITH RIDERS DEAN HARRISON AND JOHN MCGUINNESS MBE TO GET THEIR THOUGHTS ON THE YEAR AHEAD.
Dean, it’s great to see you, lots has changed for you heading into 2024, you are with a new team, a new manufacturer and new teammates. Just how excited are you for this new adventure?
I’m massively excited to be honest. I was with my previous team for eight years over six racing seasons, so it was a big decision to make. It was something that I didn't take lightly, and it was a big decision for me, but when the opportunity came along to get under the wing I couldn’t say no. And now I just can’t wait to get going.
It will be quite a change this year for you, riding with teammates, and teammates who are at very different stages of their careers, how will that influence your TT?
I'm actually really looking forward to it, being by yourself is great in some ways because obviously the focus is all on you, but then you have nobody to bounce ideas off of so you've sort of got to try and figure it out for yourself. Whereas now I've got John and I can bounce a few things around and work together wherever we can. I’ve also got some fast teammates at BSB which will help too.
It’s interesting you mention that. You’ve got two very fast teammates in BSB, is there anything you can learn there that translates to the TT? Look, everywhere I want to go, we as a team need to be competitive. And I jumped on the Honda BSB bike for the first time at the Donington test and compared to what I've been riding before, let's just say it's massively different, the way the whole team works, the way the bike feels, the way the throttle works, everything is just a totally different bike. I'm on the 2024 Fireblade which is a brand new motorbike for this year, so to have fast teammates in BSB helps us all to develop the bike. At the first test I felt really comfortable straight away but there's so much more to come from it and myself as well. I'm just looking forward to the challenge really, it’ll be good to get to Oulton Park and the North West, circuits where we can really see what the bike feels like when you're going over crests and things like that. Donington is great, but it's like a billiard table!
Is the short circuit season a big part of your career now?
Yeah, massively. I think you only have to look at how competitive the Isle of Man TT has become over recent years to realise if you're not racing in British Championship or doing Superstock, SuperSport or keeping your hand in all the time, you're going to get left behind. It's something you've got to do just to keep sharp before you get here. But it is more than that, I want to be successful wherever I am racing.
Well, it’s certainly working for you. Last year you were consistently on the podium. Now you've done some testing on the Honda. Do you truly believe that this is the bike? This is the team that will see you get on the top step more often?"
That's a big question! Is it the missing link? I think there are a lot more pieces of the jigsaw than just obviously me. Everything has to come together as one thing, but the bike has definitely got the speed and the power that is needed. We have to put it all together and it’s down to me to go out there and ride it.
I’M MASSIVELY EXCITED TO BE HONEST. I WAS WITH MY PREVIOUS TEAM FOR EIGHT YEARS OVER SIX RACING SEASONS, SO IT WAS A BIG DECISION TO MAKE. AND NOW I JUST CAN’T WAIT TO GET GOING.
John McGuinness MBE, back for another year. Just tell us how you feel about your journey so far and how proud you are of what you have accomplished heading into TT 2024?
It's been an amazing journey and it's still giving as well. I’m still enjoying it and loving every minute to tell the truth. I'm in a great place. I'm in such a happy, happy place. I never thought I'd be here at 52, still talking about it and getting ready to set off down Bray Hill with the number one plate on the big Honda. So, I am super proud, super proud to carry the number one plate for another year. I’ve been busy out at various tracks then at the launch of the new 2024 Fireblade, I was at Donington recently for some testing too and did my personal best lap time there. I’m still motivated, I’m still passionate, there’s a new bike, new teammate and lots to get excited about.
IT WOULD BE THE ICING ON THE CAKE FOR ME TO STAND ON THAT PODIUM. I'VE DONE IT 47 TIMES AND, WHEN YOU DON’T MAKE IT AND YOU RIDE PAST THAT ENCLOSURE, YOU’RE SULKING A BIT AS A RIDER.
2024, it’s a big Honda team. Two Harrison's and yourself on the roads and then even more on the short circuits. How does that make you feel? Where do you feel you sit now within the team?
You know, my job role is slightly changing, I’m a bit more of an ambassador now amongst other things. Deep down I’m still a racer and you know even at Donington test you know that everyone is having a go, wanting to be quickest.
But honestly. I haven't got the pace of Dean. Dean's just gone that one step ahead and I'm actually nipping at his heels trying to learn and to try and get some information off him, see if he can teach me a little bit! I've got all that experience, I mean, I've done 109 starts, the next one's going to be 110, which I never thought I'd ever achieve! And I've had some fantastic team-mates over the years, and Dean is a great lad and I’ve got a lot of time for him. He’s an interesting guy and he's served his time and now he's the one who’s got to win. I can't win and I don't have to win, so the pressure's off me a little bit. And then there’s Nathan, who’s a young lad who's starting his journey, we didn’t manage to get him to the start line last year with the crash so it was only me. Now
we've got a guy who's right at the sharp end, we've got myself in the middle. And you know, if I can give a little bit back to the sport and get these guys going then I will be happy.
And what are you hoping to achieve from TT 2024?
I'm feeling in good shape, whether I can run at the front end is another question. With a bit of luck we might scrape a podium. That would be epic. Obviously it goes on the weather and various things that are happening, but it would be the icing on the cake for me to stand on that podium. I've done it 47 times and you know, when you don’t make it and you ride past that enclosure, you’re sulking a bit as a rider. But if I match what I did in 2015 and push a little bit more there's definitely a possibility, but there's got to be a few big guns out of the equation now. But look, if I give my best, enjoy riding my bike, the sun will be shining, wherever I cross that line I’ll get on the ferry on the way home and I’ll be a happy John McGuinness.
You mention 2015, is that your best achievement?
You know, I'm in such a fortunate position where I've been leading races and 2015 was probably my finest hour really. They wrote me off a bit, I wasn't on the pace at the beginning of the week and they all said I was too old, I was too fat, mumbles under people's breaths and a bit of sniggering. I get motivated in different ways and you know, I knew that I could do better than I did. And it was special in 2015 because I rolled my sleeves up and came out boxing. But things like 2007 were also special for me. That centenary year, the first 130. And you know, the special bits, when you come in the winner's enclosure and your family's there and everybody's dead proud, and Murray Walker was there. God rest him, he was in tears. I thought he'd fallen over somewhere, but he just said ‘I never thought I'd ever see the first 130.’ Things like that really stick in my mind.
TOTAL TT MAGAZINE TALKS TO THE FASTEST MAN TO LAP THE MOUNTAIN COURSE AS HE PREPARES TO MAKE ANOTHER POSITIVE IMPACT ON THIS YEAR’S TT ACTION.
Peter, thanks for talking to Total TT and, with this year’s event almost upon us, what are your thoughts?
Same as every year, can't wait to get on the bike and get down Glencrutchery Road! It should be good. We had a tough TT last year with some of the issues but still ended up good, we won four races out of eight, so not so bad, but we want to try and better that!
What machine improvements have been made and how do you think that will help your performance?
Quite a lot to be honest, on the Superbike we learnt a lot at the last TT after all the problems, but the bike has changed quite significantly this year to last year, with different engine spec, different gearbox spec and lots of little parts that have changed on the bike for the Superbike and Senior race.
Stocker is the same as last year's bike, it will be a new bike but the same spec as 2023.
The Supersport bike, the Street Triple 765 RS is the latest model, so the 2024 model with the Moto2 edition forks and stuff so that's going to be a big improvement. Also, the Supersport rules have changed, which means we are now allowed adjustable triple clamps and a load of other bits and pieces so it should be a lot better than what it was and, after doing '130' lap on it last year, it will be interesting to see where we end up.
Finally, the Supertwin has changed, a different engine spec, a bit lighter, a bigger better fairing and seat unit and loads of little changes again, so a lot that’s new on the Supertwin to be honest.
Tell us about your crew. How long before each TT do they begin preparing your bikes? What specific adjustments do they make to each machine, especially for the mountain circuit?
The guys are always on the case with building the bikes, but no time scale as such. Things are always happening and, once one TT is over we are onto the next one. We are always planning what we want to improve, and what we want to change from what we learnt from the previous TT. Bikes don't change that much from short circuits to the TT, it is more about gearing and lock wiring, 'belts and braces' on a lot of stuff because the bikes can break a lot easier around the mountain course.
How do you relax between races and on non-race days?
I don't struggle with that really. My biggest problem at the TT is I get asked for a lot of interviews, photos and videos but I can chill out whenever I want to.
Who are your sporting heroes and why?
I don't have many sporting heroes but from a motorcycling point of view, Valentino Rossi was and still is the GOAT in my opinion and was a big influence on me as a kid growing up. Also, I was massively into football as a kid and Ryan Giggs was my favourite player, I had his shirt and I ran Number 11 - because of Ryan Giggs - when I first started.
Do your social media numbers go up significantly after each TT meeting?
My social numbers go up massively over TT on the build-up and for about a month or two afterwards, the reach is always huge from TT, it shows just how much of a Global event it now is.
WE HAVE MORE RACES NOW, SAFETY HAS IMPROVED, AND THE EVENT AS A WHOLE IS JUST GETTING BIGGER AND BIGGER AND IT'S PRETTY AWESOME TO BE HONEST.
What ambitions do you have left in the sport?
To keep enjoying myself at the Isle of Man TT for a start, obviously, I want to win but a lot of why I go is because I love being a part of the TT.
I still want to be British superbike Champion before I am too old. It would be nice to do a full season in WSBK, but I am probably now too old to do that, even a few more races would be good in WSBK. I would also love to ride a MotoGP bike, but not necessarily race one, just a proper test on one, that would be pretty awesome.
You won your first TT in 2018. Was that the best feeling or have you surpassed that with wins you’ve enjoyed since?
Winning my first TT was unbelievable, especially the way it happened as well, running on at Bradden Bridge, lost a load of time but still managed to win but probably my first Senior race, was the best. Winning a Senior TT race is a massive deal, especially in the way it all happened that year as well.
What is the best bike you’ve ever ridden, and is there a bike you’d like to ride?
Good question, the Tyco bike I rode in 2011 was one of the best bikes I have ever ridden. In 2012 I rode the Crescent Suzuki in WSBK, which was also one of the best bikes I have ever ridden. To be honest, there are too many to choose just one, my current bike FHO Racing M 1000 RR - and I'm not being corporate when I say this - it's one of the best bikes I have ever ridden 100%. A bike I would like to ride is any of the current MotoGP bikes, I don't care which one, I would just love to ride.
What would be your desert island ‘luxury item’?
Erm, it would have to be a bike! An offroader obviously.
What (or who!) irritates you the most?
Other drivers! I can't stand other drivers, particularly on the motorway when they are sitting in the middle lane or the outside lane and they are not overtaking someone!
Do you have any hidden talents?
A few, but none you can publish!
It’s ten years since you started competing at the Isle of Man TT. Have you noticed many changes over that time?
Yes, and generally all for the better. We have more races now, safety has improved, and the event as a whole is just getting bigger and bigger and it's pretty awesome now, to be honest. It always is one of the biggest, if not the biggest Motorsports events in the world anyway and it's just on the rise, it just keeps getting better, which is absolutely awesome.
Have you seen a great deal of the Isle of Man OUTSIDE the course and, if so, do you like the place?
Yes, I have seen lots of the Isle of Man outside of the course, here there and everywhere, it's beautiful, it's an amazing place and I always love and enjoy coming to the Isle of Man whether for TT racing or not.
Thanks Peter and best wishes for this year’s TT!
An exceptional taste for those who appreciate complexity.
Award-winning British made craft rum.
Rich in heritage. R ich in flavour.
preparations gone for making it three years in a row?
Preparation has been well underway since 2023. We decided to cut our 2023 season early to concentrate on TT 2024. We’ve been working very hard with Billet World, Lumley Engineering and SevenT7 Fabrications.
Last year was a tough one, with Callum's spill during qualifying, but you bounced back with a third place in the second race. How do you mentally recover so quickly from an accident?
We always find it better to get straight back on the bike, it was tough at the start. But after the spill, our main goal was to get back up to speed, which we achieved.
As Manx riders, do you feel the spotlight is on you even more? Does it come with added pressure to achieve?
We wouldn’t say it comes with pressure, it’s a nice feeling in a way. To know you have all the Manx people out there cheering you on, it’s great.
Do you feel you have an advantage as local riders, having firsthand - and more regular - knowledge of the TT circuit?
We don’t think it’s any advantage. If you don’t know all the corners, don’t come to the TT. This place deserves all the respect you can give it. If you really want it, the only thing that should be on your TV is onboards and plenty of laps in the van.
sidecar champion) for advice?
Yeah, of course we take his advice, his knowledge on any machine is incredible. At the end of the day, that man has won five TT races held the lap record for eight years. It would be silly not to listen.
It is now five years since your debut, and even with there being no TT for two years because of Covid, do you feel you've shed the newcomer tag, and are now one of the established teams?
Yeah, we believe we are stripped of the new corner bit, but we still believe that we have many years of learning to do; we’re racing against people that have been coming to the TT for 15-30 years.
Callum, last summer you became the first Manx-born competitor to podium in a World Sidecar Grand Prix event, when you partnered Ben Birchall at the Dutch GP. What can you tell us about that experience?
That was an awesome experience, one I will never forget. To get to race with Ben Birchall and have Tom Birchall helping, it was ace – we didn’t just get podiums, we also got the lap record to top it off.
five-year absence - what drew you back?
I never left in the first place. Any year I’ve not been racing at the TT is because I was unable to due to BSB/WSBK contracts. My primary employment comes from short circuit racing so that has to be the priority, and then when I’ve been with a team who races the TT or who have allowed me to race there… then I’ve raced.
FHO SUPERSTOCK AND SUPERBIKE BIKE THIS YEAR. LAST YEAR I RODE THE STOCK BIKE FOR BOTH CATEGORIES SO THAT’S GOING TO BE DIFFERENT
Was it all that you expected it to be? What was the highlight?
I’d ridden for four years on and off prior, so I knew what I was coming back to. The TT is a unique event where you don’t get to practice on the actual track until the roads are closed and the event starts, so last year having two weeks of great weather, meant I was able to get plenty of laps in, and that’s so important when racing at the TT, just getting as many laps as possible. The highlight for me was a new PB and top five in the Senior.
Have you prepared any differently for this year?
Last year went really well so I don’t want to change anything or do anything different in my preparation. I just need more track time. The TT circuit evolves every year, for example you know the layout, every corner, but new bumps may appear, or a section gets resurfaced, so you are always looking for as many laps as possible to understand the track and try to improve.
What machine improvements can we expect to see for TT2024 and what are your targets?
I’ll be riding a FHO Superstock and Superbike bike this year. Last year I rode the stock bike for both categories so that’s going to be different. I’ll also ride a supersport bike (which I didn’t ride last year)
and a twin to try and get as many laps as possible. I’d like to aim for a podium this year.
You are a two-time British Superbike Champion (2015 & 2020). How do the demands on a rider - and the bikes - differ between circuit racing and the TT?
The race is longer at the TT, so the physical demands are a bit more intense on the rider. A single lap is over 37 miles long compared with to 2-3 miles, so the processing speed is different for the rider too. The short circuits are all about finding the limits of what the bike can do… maximum speed, lean angle, hard breaking etc, but at the TT it’s all about making it flow. As for the bikes they are pretty much the same components we use in BSB, just a different set up in terms of suspension for the roads and different tyres to what we would use at BSB.
Is there any advice you would give to newcomers to the TT, that perhaps you wish you had been told ahead of your first TT back in 2013?
Study the track. You don’t need to worry about the competition just focus on course knowledge.
For fans, the buzz around the TT is incredible - what is it like as a rider? Do you have time to soak in the atmosphere, or are you purely focused on the racing?
The atmosphere is everywhere from the moment you arrive on the Island. I think everyone feels that. I’m a fan of the TT myself, when I’ve not been racing, I’ve been there every year spectating. The Isle of Man is a great place to visit and there’s nothing like racing there. I feel privileged to be part of its history.
An exquisite taste for those who demand indulgence. your senses.
DUKE,
Ironically the name Tourist Trophy was created by the Isle of Man Government of 120 years ago because it was a race on closed roads for ‘touring’ cars. Nevertheless, increased tourism was the by-product and holding speed events on closed roads has always been justifiable to the Manx population because of tourism and the wider benefits to the economy.
Nowadays it costs around £7million to put the races on, including the cost of live TV coverage and the direct revenues from sponsorship, TV, advertising banners, grandstand ticket sales, hospitality and trading licences have not yet been reported as covering those costs. However, based on extensive surveys, the total cash spent by tourists is around £40million giving a significant boost to hundreds of local businesses. The ferry operation enjoys bumper revenues whilst many hospitality businesses are reliant on the TT to stay viable throughout the year.
IN UP
RUN BY HIS PARENTS IN SANTON IN THE 1960S, RETURNED TO THE ISLAND IN THE 1970’S AS MARKETING MANAGER OF MANXLINE THE ISLAND’S FIRST RO-RO FERRY OPERATION, WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN THE FIRST COMPREHENSIVE TV COVERAGE OF THE TT IN THE 1980’S AND, SINCE 2018, HAS BUILT UP DUKE TRAVEL AS THE TT’S OFFICIAL PARTNER. HERE, HE REFLECTS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THE TT TO THE ISLE OF MAN, THE CHALLENGES IT FACES AND THE BUSINESS OF DELIVERING GREAT TT TOURIST EXPERIENCES.
European TV coverage in the 1980s, which brought up to 6,000 German bikers to the TT, and the internet since 2000, have enabled a much wider audience to experience the spectacle of TT racing. By 2016, the iomtt.com website had over 2.3 million unique visitors and Youtube clips of the TT were getting hundreds of millions of views across every country that had internet access. A TT visit is now on thousands of ‘bucket-lists’ from America to Australia, Japan and Brazil to name a few nationalities now visiting.
When the topic of ferry and air travel to the TT comes up I have to explain that demand far exceeds capacity to supply and I often add “If we had a bridge to the UK, there would be 250,000 people here every day, but we haven’t!.”
The reality is that, in the last 30 years or so, only around 40,000 lucky people are successful in booking ferry or flight travel on acceptable dates and times during the fortnight of qualifying and races. There simply isn’t enough capacity to meet the demand. The recent combined statistics of sea and air travel indicate that there has only been capacity to move 6,000 passengers to or from the Island per day. So, when the 20,000 plus visitors who watch the last race want to head home, most will have to wait a few days or, if work and home commitments dictate, miss the race and head home early. As a result, the TT visitor travel graphs consistently show a pyramid shape over the 2 weeks.
The peak in the pyramid shaped graph of overnight stays is on the middle weekend of the TT when up to 28,000 guests boost the Island’s 85,000 population. With less than 2,000 ‘serviced accommodation’ rooms (hotels or B&B’s), and even less registered self-catering rooms, where does everyone stay?
Camping, glamping and Homestay, the Island’s answer to Airbnb, are the answers. Local residents also find an increased level of interest from far flung relatives to pay a visit during the legendary races with over 15% of fans in the ‘visiting family and friends’ category.
Sports clubs can cover a good proportion of their annual budgets from TT camping or glamping whilst the government introduced a tax break incentive to Homestay households which has worked well in recent years. Temporary facilities like the Duke TT Village also play a role, providing 200 serviced 'pop-up' accommodation rooms.
The majority of TT visitors have always come from Britain and Ireland but the percentage has fallen in the last 10 years from 85% of the total to around 75% as the TT has enjoyed steady growth in visits from the rest of the world. Europe now accounts for around 15% of visitors with German and French fans most prominent whilst visitors from 25 other countries
The average age of TT visitors has increased steadily over the years from the low 40’s to nearer 50 reflecting the pattern of British and European motorcyling and older leisure riders.
Whilst only 13-14% of British motorcyclists are female according to UK government data from 2002-2022, the proportion of female TT visitors in 2007 and 2018 surveys was higher at 18%, perhaps reflecting the holiday value of the TT with its many other attractions in addition to the appeal of the racing.
The average length of stay has remained remarkably static in the last 10 years at between 6.5 and 7 days. Some, including over a thousand volunteers and race crews, are here for the full fortnight, whilst at the other extreme some still visit for a single day’s racing. When the ferries could pack in more than twice the current passenger capacity of the Manxman and the Steam Packet had up to 6 ferries,, thousands of day trippers used to visit to see the day’s racing before heading home again, often on a train+ferry ticket. Nowadays the typical inclusive package is a 4 or 5-night stay.
The majority of TT visitors have always chosen ferry travel with the proportion of air travellers in the last 10 years rarely above 30%.
Around a third of visitors arrive on a motorcycle with total numbers in the last 5 years between 14,000 and 15,000 bikes per year, limited by ferry capacity. With an extra 3,000 bikes transported in vans, it’s a good job that the Island has 600 miles of roads to enjoy! Motorhomes and caravans have only recently been allowed on Island and, as overnight facilities improve, they are an increasingly popular choice.
AROUND A THIRD OF VISITORS ARRIVE ON A MOTORCYCLE WITH TOTAL NUMBERS IN THE LAST 5 YEARS BETWEEN 14,000 AND 15,000 BIKES PER YEAR
So what can visitors expect in future years when they witness the World’s most spectacular motorcycle races?
Ferry travel took a big step forward in 2024 with the introduction of the luxurious Manxman which, most importantly, has 10% extra vehicle capacity and 300 extra seats. It will certainly help a few more fans get the sailings they want and maybe get home sooner after the last race.
The prospects for new hotels are also improving after many years of shrinkage with developments approved for at least 200 new 3 and 4-star hotel beds whilst the variety and quality of most self-catering accommodation is now up there with the ‘best of British’. TT temporary campsites have often lagged behind in facilities but there are signs of improvement and glamping operators are paying a lot more attention to showers and toilets. Extra pop-up hotel facilities like the popular Duke Village are also being planned.
Airlines and airports had a very difficult time throughout the pandemic, but 2023 TT arrivals by air were up 19% on 2022 and airlines are feeling more confident in scheduling services to the Isle of Man. We should also see more charter fights for TT over the next few years.
Visitors, however they reach our beautiful island in the middle of the Irish Sea, and wherever they sleep, can be assured of a friendly welcome and will experience a spectacle that is totally unique in the modern world. When trying to describe how unique the TT is to first-timers, I have often said something on the lines of “ If a dictator in some foreign land with unlimited funds decided to close 37 miles of normally busy roads, restricting the movement of half of the population for several days, so that a bunch of bikers could race by a few feet away at up to 200 mph, there would be a revolution!” But it continues here on our democratic island where racing is ingrained in the culture and most of it is free to watch, so come and enjoy the spectacle and join the great Manx festival that is the TT.
All of the taste and none of the alcohol: a beer for anytime anywhere.
Available at the TT Grandstand, and island-wide at Spar Stores, Tesco and Okell’s Pubs & Bars.
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 www.rail.im MANX ELECTRIC RAILWAY
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.
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
FARES OFFERING
RELIABLE AND - IN THE CASE OF THE ISLAND’S STEAM RAILWAY AND MANX ELECTRIC RAILWAY - TOTALLY UNIQUE.
1 Day - Paper ticket purchased on board
3 Day £42.00 £21.00 £92.00
5 Day £49.00 £24.00 £105.00
7 Day £59.00 £29.00 £129.00
5 Day Go Explore Heritage £70.00 n/a n/a
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.
On Race days this service will operate from the South of the Island and travel to the bus station 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.
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!
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 the bus will come and collect you.
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 coastthen board the Mountain Railway winding its way to the Island's only mountain, Snaefell’s summit, where breathtaking views await. www.rail.im
From Wednesday 29th May to Saturday 8th June the ‘Hullad Oie’ Night Owl services operate. These are the late night buses which operate between Douglas, the North, West and South and depart at 00:15 (from 29th May) and 01:15 (from 31st May). 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.
There will be extra services between Ramsey and Jurby during TT week to serve the motor museums in Jurby. See www.bus.im 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.
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.
CAMPSITE SERVICE NO. NOTES
Ballacallin Court 4, 4n
Ballafletcher Sports Ground
(Vagabonds RUFC) 1h, 5, 5c, 6a, 22h, 25h
Ballamoar Campsite 5, 5a, 5c, 6, 6a, 6c, N6
Braddan Bridge TT Campsite 1h, 5, 5c, 6a, 22h, 25h
Castletown Campsite 1, 2, 2a, 11, 11a, 12, 12a, N1
Colby Football Club Campsite 1, 2, 11, 12, N1
Cronk Aashen - Campsite 5c, 6c
Cronkbourne Cricket Club 3, 3a, 12, 12a 22, 22h, 25, 25h, N3
Crossags Campsite 5, 5a, 5c, 6, 6a, 6c, N6
DHSOB Blackberry Lane 3, 3a, 25, 25h
Foxdale AFC Campsite 4, 4b, 4n, 6f, 14
Outside entrance
Short walk from Hosp main entrance
Short walk from Ballaugh village
Short walk from Hosp main entrance
800m walk from Castletown Railway Station
300m walk from Colby Bridge bus stop
Short walk from Barregarrow Crossroads
800m walk from Woodbourne Road
Short walk from RGS bus stops
350m walk from Governor's Bridge bus stop
940m walk from nearest lane on rural request stop
Glen Dhoo - Campsite 1, 1h, 11, 11a, 12, 12a, 22, 1.3km walk from Cat With No Tail 22h, 25, 25h
Glen Wyllin Campsite 5, 5a, 5c, 6, 6a, 6c, N6
Glendown Farm Camping Park 1, 1a, 2, 2a, 111, 1a, 12, 12a
Governor's Bridge Campsite 3, 3a, 25, 25h
Glenlough Campsite 5, 5a, 5c, 6, 6a, 6c, N5, N6
Ballakermeen TT campsite 3, 3a, 12, 22, 22h, 25, 25h, N3
Isle of Man Campsite Onchan 3, 3a, N3
Isle of Man TT Campsite 3a, 25h
Laxey AFC Campsite 3, 3a, N3
Laxey Campsite 3, 3a, N3
Public House bus stops
Bus stop at entrance of campsite
950m walk from SPLM school bus stops
350m walk from Governor's Bridge bus stop
Bus stop at entrance of campsite
Short walk from various bus stops
Bus stop at entrance of campsite
Short walk from last stop on Victoria Road
800m walk from Laxey MER Station
400m walk from Minorca Hill bus stops
Lower Ballacottier Campsite 1, 1h, 11, 11a, 12, 12a, 22, 2km walk from Cat With No Tail Public 22h, 25, 25h House bus stops
Michael Utd AFC Campsite 5, 5a, 5c, 6, 6a, 6c, N6
Hotel Bell Tent, Grandstand 3a, 12a, 22, 22h, 25, 25h
Peel Camping Park 5, 5c, 6, 6c, N5, N6
Peel Football Club Campsite 5, 5a, 5c, 6, 6a, 6c, N5, N6
Pennybridge Campsite 5, 5a, 5c, 6, 6a, 6c, N6
350m walk from Cannan Court bus stops
Short walk from Woodbourne Road
Bus stop at entrance of campsite
Bus stop at entrance of campsite
Bus stop at entrance of campsite
Douglas Rugby Club Campsite 5, 5a, 5c, 6, 6a, 6c, N5, N6, Short walk from Quarterbridge 22, 22h, 25, 25h bus stop
Ramsey AFC Campsite 3, 3a, 5, 5a, 5c, 6, 6a, 6c
St Georges AFC Campsite 3
St Johns United FC Campsite 6, 6a, 6c, N6
Union Mills FC Campsite 5, 5c, 6a, N5
Short walk from Ramsey Bus Station
Bus stop at entrance of campsite
Bus stop at entrance of campsite
750m from Strang bus stops
1907: CHARLIE COLLIER AND REM FOWLER CARVED THEIR OWN NICHE IN MOTORCYCLE HISTORY AS THEY POINTED THEIR SINGLE-CYLINDER MOTORCYCLES UP THE DUSTY TRACK TOWARDS BALLACRAINE AT 10 AM ON THE COLD, CLOUDY MORNING OF 28 MAY 1907 AND WON THEIR CLASSES. THE FIRST WINNERS OF AN ISLE OF MAN TT RACE. COLLIER ALSO RECORDED THE FIRST 50MPH LAP TWO YEARS LATER. THEN, IN 1910, CHARLIE WON AT A RECORD-BREAKING 50.63 MPH ON HIS TWIN-CYLINDER MATCHLESS, WITH HIS BROTHER, HARRY, FINISHING SECOND.
1920: AFTER FINISHING THIRTEENTH IN THE 1914 SENIOR RACE AT THE LAST TT BEFORE WORLD WAR ONE, TOMMY DE LA HAY WON THE FIRST POST-WAR SENIOR RACE IN 1920 ON A SUNBEAM. HE WAS A TEST RIDER FOR THE SUNBEAM FACTORY, KNOWN AS SUNBEAMLAND, IN WOLVERHAMPTON
1923: DESPITE STRONG OBJECTIONS FROM 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 (RIGHT), COMFORTABLY WINNING AN ACCIDENT-FREE RACE WITH THEIR SPECIAL 'BANKING' OUTFIT AT AN INCREDIBLE AVERAGE OF 53.15 MPH.
1911: THE MOUNTAIN CIRCUIT IS INTRODUCED AND ITS FIRST WINNER IS OLIVER GODFREY PICTURED NEXT TO HIS FACTORY INDIAN. GODFREY’S WINNING FEAT ESTABLISHED A NUMBER OF ‘FIRSTS’, INCLUDING THE FIRST EVER ‘1-2-3’ CLEAN SWEEP BY A FACTORY TEAM, FIRST TT WIN BY A FOREIGN MANUFACTURER (INDIAN), FIRST SENIOR TT WIN ON THE NEW COURSE AND FIRST MOUNTAIN COURSE RACE RECORD. SADLY, OLIVER GODFREY WAS KILLED IN WORLD WAR 1 HAVING ENLISTED AS A PILOT BEFORE BEING SHOT DOWN OVER ENEMY LINES IN THE AUTUMN OF 1916.
1927: NORTON ARRIVED IN THE ISLAND FOR THE 1927 RACES WITH A POWERFUL LINE-UP: STANLEY WOODS (PICTURED ABOVE), ALEC BENNETT AND JOE CRAIG, ALL ARMED WITH THE BRAND NEW OVERHEADCAMSHAFT, SINGLE-CYLINDER ENGINE THAT WAS TO PROVE THE BACKBONE OF RACING FOR MANY YEARS TO COME.
1928: ALEC BENNETT BECAME THE MOST SUCCESSFUL TT RIDER OF THE TIME WHEN HE ACHIEVED HIS FIFTH VICTORY IN THE 1928 JUNIOR. HERE HE IS PICTURED AT THE TT GRANDSTAND ABOARD HIS OK-SUPREME.
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. IN THE SENIOR, WAL HANDLEY BECOME 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. HE SMASHED THE LAP RECORD BY 40 SECONDS IN PRACTICE AND CONTINUED IN SIMILAR FASHION IN THE RACE, DESPITE HEAVY RAIN DURING THE LAST COUPLE OF LAPS. THE LIGHTWEIGHT EVENT PROVIDED JIMMY GUTHRIE WITH HIS FIRST TT WIN, ABOARD AN AJS.
1929: DESPITE UNFAVOURABLE WEATHER, CHARLIE DODSON PROVED HE COULD WIN WHATEVER THE CONDITIONS WHEN, HAVING WON THE SENIOR IN 1928, HE DID IT AGAIN IN 1929, HIS SECOND AND FINAL WIN.
1931: NORTON DID NOT TAKE RUDGE’S SUCCESS LYING DOWN AND RETURNED TO THE ISLAND IN 1931 THIRSTING FOR REVENGE. STANLEY WOODS, TIM HUNT, JIMMY SIMPSON (PICTURED) 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. IN THE SEVEN-LAP SENIOR, THE UNFORTUNATE SIMPSON COMPLETED A MEMORABLE AFTERNOON FOR THE FACTORY BY LAPPING AT 80.82 MPH, BEFORE RETIRING ONCE AGAIN. IT WAS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT, DESPITE HAVING BEEN THE FIRST RIDER TO LAP THE MOUNTAIN CIRCUIT AT OVER 60, 70 AND 80 MPH, HE HAD STILL NOT WON A TT RACE.
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. TIM HUNT CHASED HARD AND WAS ONLY SEVEN SECONDS BEHIND AFTER 264 MILES, WITH GUTHRIE THIRD. WOODS IS PICTURED ABOVE, CENTRE, WITH GUTHRIE ON THE LEFT AND RUNNER-UP HUNT ON THE RIGHT.
1939: AS WAR CLOUDS GATHERED 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.
THE JUNIOR STARTED THE WEEK OFF WELL FOR THE BRITISH FANS, WITH STANLEY WOODS CLAIMING HIS TENTH AND, AS IT PROVED, LAST TT VICTORY, RIDING A VELOCETTE. FRITH LED UNTIL THE LAST LAP WHEN THE NORTON STOPPED WITH ENGINE PROBLEMS, WHICH LEFT WOODS TO TAKE A STRAIGHTFORWARD VICTORY FROM DANIELL AND DKW-MOUNTED FLEISCHMANN.
1937: THE TIDE WAS SLOWLY TURNING AGAINST THE BRITISH SINGLES, ALTHOUGH NORTON KEPT THE FLAG FLYING IN THE SENIOR AND JUNIOR RACES IN 1937.
THERE WAS A CONTINENTAL SUCCESS IN THE LIGHTWEIGHT CLASS, WITH OMOBONO TENNI, PICTURED ABOVE, BECOMING THE FIRST ITALIAN TO WIN A TT RACE. STANLEY WOODS RETURNED WITH A MOTO GUZZI AND BATTLED IN THE EARLY STAGES WITH THE DKW OF EWALD KLUGE. WOODS LOOKED A LIKELY WINNER WHEN KLUGE RETIRED, BUT HE BROKE DOWN ON THE LAST LAP AT SULBY, AND TENNI COMPLETED HIS HISTORIC VICTORY IN RECORD TIME.
1947: AFTER THE END OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR, IT WAS 1947 BEFORE THE ISLE OF MAN TT RACES RE-COMMENCED.
THE WAR OVER, THE ITALIANS RESUMED THEIR DOMINANCE OF THE LIGHTWEIGHT CLASS, THE MOTO GUZZI’S OF MANLIFF BARRINGTON AND MAURICE CANN TAKING FIRST AND SECOND.
FREDDIE FRITH (RIGHT)WAS SIDELINED AFTER DISLOCATING HIS RIGHT SHOULDER WHEN HE CRASHEDIN PRACTICE, ALLOWING HAROLD DANIEL AND NORTON TO REPEAT THEIR 1938 SUCCESS.
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, PICTURED ABOVE WATCHING THE DEPARTURE OF ARTIE BELL.
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.
THIS YEAR, 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.
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 MILES!
1957: THE GOLDEN JUBILEE OF THE TT IN 1957 COULD NOT HAVE BEEN CELEBRATED IN BETTER STYLE WHEN SCOTSMAN BOB MCINTYRE (LEFT) 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.
1961: THIS WAS THE YEAR THAT MIKE HAILWOOD BECAME THE FIRST RIDER IN THE HISTORY OF THE TT TO WIN THREE RACES IN ONE WEEK. HAILWOOD WON THE SENIOR FROM BOB MCINTYRE AND THE NORTON DOMIRACER TWIN OF TOM PHILLIS. MIKE'S RACE AVERAGE OF 100.60MPH WAS THE FIRST AT OVER THE HUNDRED MARK ACHIEVED ON A SINGLECYLINDER MACHINE.
MIKE'S OTHER TWO VICTORIES HAD COME WITHIN THE SPACE OF A FEW HOURS. HE KICKED OFF BY WINNING THE THREE-LAP ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT RACE AND MADE IT A DAILY DOUBLE WINNING A FIVE-LAP LIGHTWEIGHT.
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.
THE GERMAN BMW FACTORY GAINED THE FIRST OF THEIR MANY TT SIDECAR VICTORIES IN A RACE REDUCED TO NINE LAPS, WALTER SCHNEIDER (PICTURED ABOVE) TAKING THE CHEQUERED CLOTH.
1964: THE TT 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 SENIOR, 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, WON BY JIM REDMAN (LEFT).
1965: ITALIAN GIACOMO AGOSTINI ARRIVED IN 1965 TO PARTNER HAILWOOD IN THE MV TEAM, WOO THE ISLAND GIRLS 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.
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 SEAMEN'S 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 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.
1967: 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. NOBODY, NOT EVEN AGOSTINI, COULD STAY WITH HIM. AGO WAS A COMFORTABLE SECOND FROM DEREK WOODMAN ON THE TWO-STROKE MZ.
HAILWOOD HAD STARTED HIS RECORD-BREAKING WEEK BY WINNING THE LIGHTWEIGHT RACE, ALTHOUGH PHIL READ AND BILL IVY TRIED DESPERATELY TO SPOIL HIS PARTY. AT THE END OF THE FIRST LAP HAILWOOD LED THE YAMAHA DUO BY JUST TWO AND A HALF SECONDS. HE HAD INCREASED THE ADVANTAGE TO 13 SECONDS BY THE END OF THE SECOND AFTER RAISING THE LAP RECORD TO 104.50MPH. IVY IN THIRD PLACE, RETIRED ON THE FOURTH LAP LEAVING HAILWOOD TO COMPLETE HIS TENTH TT VICTORY, EQUALLING STANLEY WOODS'S RECORD. HIS TWO WINS LATER IN THE WEEK MADE HIM THE MOST SUCCESSFUL TT RIDER OF ALL TIME - A RECORD THAT STOOD UNTIL JOEY DUNLOP SURPASSED IT. HONDA QUIT GRAND PRIX RACING AT THE END OF THE SEASON AND WE ALL THOUGHT MIKE WAS LOST TO THE ISLAND FOREVER. THE MAN WAS TO PROVE US WRONG ELEVEN LONG YEARS LATER.
1971: AGOSTINI HAD NO PROBLEMS IN THE SENIOR, 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.
A CERTAIN BARRY SHEENE (PICTURED ABOVE) 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.
1975: MICK GRANT REWROTE THE RECORD BOOKS IN 1975 WHEN HE SMASHED MIKE HAILWOOD'S EIGHTYEAR-OLD RECORD. HE WAITED UNTIL THE SECOND LAP OF THE FINAL RACE OF THE WEEK, THE SIX-LAP CLASSIC, IN WHICH HE RODE A THREECYLINDER KAWASAKI, TO ESTABLISH NEW RECORD OF 109.82MPH. UNFORTUNATELY HIS CHAIN BROKE ON THE NEXT CIRCUIT AND YAMAHA MOUNTED JOHN WILLIAMS WENT ON TO WIN.
EARLIER IN THE WEEK GRANT HAD WON THE POSTPONED SENIOR ON A KAWASAKI WITH OVER HALF A MINUTE TO SPARE FROM WILLIAMS.
1976: WORKS SUZUKI RIDER JOHN WILLIAMS WAS HOT FAVOURITE FOR THE 500CC SENIOR TT AND AN OPENING LAP OF 110.71MPH DULY GAVE HIM A COMMANDING 44 SECOND LEAD OVER TOM HERON – AT THE SAME TIME ENTERING THE RECORD BOOKS AS THE FIRST RIDER TO LAP THE TT COURSE AT MORE THAN 110MPH.
A SCORCHING LAP OF 112.27MPH FOR HIS SECOND CIRCUIT ADDED TO HIS ADVANTAGE. HOWEVER, WITH LESS THAN TWO LAPS TO GO, THE STEERING DAMPER BROKE!
WITH A LEAD OF ALMOST THREE MINUTES, HE DECIDED TO KEEP GOING, BUT A SELECTOR FAULT MADE IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO CHANGE GEAR. HE WAS ABLE TO FIND BOTTOM GEAR FOR THE SLOWEST CORNERS AND WAS SOON TANTALISINGLY CLOSE TO A FAMOUS WIN. THEN, AS WILLIAMS NEGOTIATED GOVERNORS BRIDGE FOR THE FINAL TIME, THE ENGINE STALLED. HE PUSHED THE BIG SUZUKI FOR WHAT REMAINED OF THE RACE
- AN AGONISINGLY SHORT DISTANCE OF 600 YARDS. EXHAUSTED, HE COLLAPSED AT THE FINISH, CROSSING THE LINE IN SEVENTH.
1978: FEW PEOPLE WILL EVER FORGET MIKE HAILWOOD'S RETURN WHICH 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.
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. IT WAS ONE OF THOSE SPECIAL MOMENTS THAT ONLY WITNESSING A TRULY GREAT SPORTSMAN IN ACTION CAN PROVIDE.
1985: JOEY DUNLOP EMULATED MIKE HAILWOOD'S FEAT OF WINNING THREE TT RACES IN ONE WEEK WITH A HATTRICK OF VICTORIES IN 1985. A WEEK BEFORE THE RACES HE WAS SHIPWRECKED ON HIS WAY TO THE ISLAND IN HIS FRIEND'S FISHING BOAT. TYPICALLY, IT MADE NO DIFFERENCE TO HIS PERFORMANCE.
RIDING FOR THE NEW ROTHMANS HONDA BRITAIN TEAM, THE ULSTERMAN WAS IN 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.
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.
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.
1981: FORMULA ONE ARGUMENTS AND PROTESTS SPILLED OVER INTO 1981 IN A DRAMATIC SIX-LAP RACE.
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 ALLBLACK LEATHERS AND PAINTED THEIR MACHINES BLACK FOR THE CLASSIC AT THE END OF THE WEEK, AS THIS PHOTO OF ALEX GEORGE SHOWS.
1990: BLACKBURN’S WORLD FORMULA ONE CHAMPION CARL FOGARTY (PICTURED ABOVE), WAS A START TO FINISH WINNER OF THE OPENING RACE OF THE 1990 ISLE OF MAN TT SERIES. RIDING HIS HONDA BRITAIN RC30 MACHINE, FOGARTY AVERAGED 118.35MPH FOR THE SIX-LAP RACE ON THE WAY TO HIS SECOND TT VICTORY. HE COMPLETED A FAMOUS TT DOUBLE WHEN HE LED THE RAIN-HIT SENIOR FROM START TO FINISH. TREVOR NATION, NURSING CRACKED RIBS, VALIANTLY STEERED THE JPS NORTON INTO AN EXCELLENT SECOND PLACE.
1991: STEVE HISLOP, AFTER THE DISAPPOINTMENTS OF 1990, WAS IN A DETERMINED MOOD.
IN PRACTICE HE HAD SMASHED HIS OWN COURSE RECORD UNOFFICIALLY AT 124.36MPH ON HIS 750 HONDA. TEAMMATE CARL FOGARTY, JUST CONTESTING THE FORMULA ONE, WAS SECOND FASTEST AT 123.66MPH, WITH YAMAHA RIDER BRIAN MORRISON THIRD AT 120.37MPH. JOEY DUNLOP HAD CLOCKED HIS FIRST 120-PLUS LAP AT 120.16MPH.
IN THE 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. BY THE END OF LAP TWO HISLOP, WITH A NEW COURSE RECORD AT 123.48MPH, WAS IN FRONT OF HIS TEAMMATE. BY THE FOURTH LAP THE SCOTSMAN'S LEAD HAD INCREASED TO 31 SECONDS AND AT THE END OF THE SIX LAPS HE CROSSED THE LINE ONE MINUTE 16 SECONDS AHEAD OF FOGARTY, HAVING SET A NEW RACE RECORD AT EXACTLY 121MPH. TREVOR NATION FINISHED THIRD, BUT WAS LATER EXCLUDED FOR AN OVERSIZE FUEL TANK, BRINGING MORRISON INTO THE TOP THREE.
1993: JIM MOODIE HAD TOPPED THE PRACTICE LEADER BOARD IN THE SUPERSPORT 400 CLASS AND, BY THE END OF THE FIRST LAP, PRACTICE FORM WAS CONFIRMED AS MOODIE LED DUFFUS BY 15.2 SECONDS WITH REID A FURTHER 15 SECONDS DOWN. MOODIE, WITH A NEW LAP RECORD AT 112.40MPH ON THE SECOND LAP. THE GLASWEGIAN GRADUALLY INCREASED HIS LEAD OVER THE LAST TWO LAPS TO WIN HIS FIRST TT BY EXACTLY ONE MINUTE.
MOODIE MADE IT TWO WINS IN A WEEK WHEN HE TOOK THE WIN IN THE SUPERSPORT 600CC RACE FROM BOB JACKSON AND SIMON BECK IN WHAT WAS A START TO FINISH SECOND VICTORY.
1999: THERE WAS A DRAMATIC START TO THE WEEK IN THE FORMULA ONE RACE - HALF THE FIELD HAD BEEN SENT AWAY WHEN THE RED FLAG WAS SHOWN - PAUL ORRITT HAD CRASHED HEAVILY AT THE BOTTOM OF BRAY HILL. HE ESCAPED SERIOUS INJURY, BUT HIS MACHINE WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD.
THE RIDERS WHO HAD GOT THROUGH CONTINUED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE LAP AND, AFTER A DELAY, THE RACE WAS RESTARTED, BUT REDUCED TO FOUR LAPS.
DAVID JEFFERIES (PICTURED) JOINED THE ELITE BAND OF RIDERS TO WIN THREE TT RACES IN A WEEK, AS HE CROSSED THE LINE WITH ARM RAISED IN VICTORY, A GESTURE THAT POSSIBLY COST HIM THE NEW RACE RECORD FOR THE SENIOR, HE WAS JUST 0.2 SECONDS OUTSIDE IT. IAIN DUFFUS AND IAN LOUGHER COMPLETED THE TOP THREE.
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 48-YEAR-OLD PUBLICAN FROM BALLYMONEY, CO. ANTRIM, WAS CHEERED TO THE ECHO ALL ROUND THE 37.73 MILE MOUNTAIN COURSE AND AT THE TT PRESENTATIONS. IN ADDITION TO WINNING HIS THREE RACES, JOEY WAS ALSO AWARDED A REPLICA OF THE MANX SWORD OF STATE.
2004: 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.
AS WELL AS THE FASTEST EVER LAP IN THE 97-YEAR HISTORY OF THE TT, MCGUINNESS ALSO ESTABLISHED A NEW FASTEST RACE AVERAGE OVER FOUR LAPS OF 125.38MPH.
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.
ADRIAN ARCHIBALD TOOK A SECOND SUCCESSIVE SENIOR TT TRIUMPH ON THE TAZ SUZUKI WHILE DAVE MOLYNEUX EQUALLED ROB FISHER’S RECORD OF TEN TT SIDECAR VICTORIES.
2009: 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.
THE MORECAMBE RIDER HAD SMASHED HIS FOUR-DAY OLD OUTRIGHT LAP RECORD WITH A SECOND LAP SPEED OF 131.578MPH; THE FASTEST EVER LAP SEEN ON THE MOUNTAIN CIRCUIT, AND APPEARED TO HAVE THE RACE IN THE BAG UNTIL HE STOPPED AT CRUICKSHANK’S. PLATER, SECOND THROUGHOUT HAVING ALSO BROKEN THE 130MPH BARRIER, TOOK OVER AND CAME HOME 19.54 SECONDS AHEAD OF MANXMAN CUMMINS, THE THIRD RIDER TO OFFICIALLY LAP AT MORE THAN 130MPH.
2013: WET CONDITIONS PLAGUED THE WEEK-LONG QUALIFYING EVENTS AT THE 37.73-MILE MOUNTAIN COURSE BUT, NEVERTHELESS, 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 (PICTURED ABOVE) LED FROM START TO FINISH TO TAKE THEIR FIRST VICTORY OF MANY THAT WERE TO FOLLOW.
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.
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 37.73-MILE 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 (PICTURED ABOVE). 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).
2016: IN THE SUPERBIKE AND SUPERSTOCK CLASSES THE RECORDS WERE DEMOLISHED - AND ALL BY TWO RIDERS - MICHAEL DUNLOP AND IAN HUTCHINSON
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 23-TIME 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 IAN HUTCHINSON (PICTURED); HE WON THE SUPERSTOCK TT ABOARD HIS BMW S1000RR, AND FOR THE SECONDSTRAIGHT 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.
2019: 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.
PETER HICKMAN (PICTURED) 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.
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 (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 BROTHERS (PICTURED) WON BOTH SIDECAR RACES.
2022: MICHAEL DUNLOP (ABOVE) 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.
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
THE MONSTER ENERGY FAN PARK RETURNS FOR TT 2023 WITH ANOTHER PACKED SCHEDULE OF TT-THEMED ACTIVITY.
Ideally 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 TT-themed 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.
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 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 2024 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 likeminded 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 10am between Saturday 25th May and Saturday 8th June and is free to visit. Grandstand tickets are also available to purchase from iomttraces.com for a ‘best of both worlds’ experience.
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 10:00AM TO 11:00PM
FREE-TO-ACCESS ENTERTAINMENT
LIVE COVERAGE OF THE TT RACES
OFFICIAL PRIZE PRESENTATIONS
INTERVIEWS, CHAT & SPECIAL GUESTS
SIGNINGS, GAMES & COMPETITIONS
HOURS OF TT ACTION ON THE BIG SCREEN
MONSTER ENERGY EXPERIENCES
STREET FOOD & TRACKSIDE BAR
DAILY MUSIC (Acoustic Stage) NIGHTLY MUSIC (DJs)
BRIT AND MERCURY MUSIC PRIZE NOMINEES, BLOSSOMS, MAKE THEIR ISLE OF MAN DEBUT THIS TT AT THE VILLA MARINA ON 03 JUNE
Their 2016 debut Blossoms topped the album charts for two consecutive weeks and went on to earn the band BRIT Award and Mercury Prize nominations, while 2018’s Cool Like You charted at Number 4 in the UK album chart, spawning the anthemic singles I Can’t Stand It, There’s A Reason Why (I Never Returned Your Calls) and How Long Will This Last?
Their third studio album, 2020’s Foolish Loving Spaces was the band’s second UK Number 1 album, while their recent, fourth studio LP ‘Ribbon Around The Bomb’ gave the band their third UK Number 1 album, with the album’s standout tracks Ode To NYC, The Sulking Poet and Care For already well established as firm fan favourites. Blossoms have now had five top 5 albums in the UK, including their In Isolation/Live From The Plaza Theatre, Stockport release.
Meanwhile, the band are currently working on their next album and, whilst not officially touring, they are making an
appearance at a handful of festivals this summer including their very own Big Bank Holiday Weekend in Manchester with Inhaler and Shed Seven among their aupport acts. So it’s a big plus to get Blossoms to break their recording schedule to fit in a first time appearance at the Villa Marina on Douglas Promenade during TT race week.
It was Blossoms who teamed up with Rick Astley at Glastonbury last summer, providing one of the biggest hits the festival, especially when they performed a couple of Smiths covers.
Blossoms is made up of Tom Ogden (lead vocals and guitar), Charlie Salt (bass and backing vocals), Josh Dewhurst (guitars and percussion), Joe Donovan (drums) and Myles Kellock (keyboards, synths and backing vocals).
Tickets are available by visiting villagaiety.com priced at £45.00.
THE RED ARROWS DISPLAY IS SYNONYMOUS WITH THE TT AND FANS CAN LOOK FORWARD TO WATCHING THE WORLD-RENOWNED AIR DISPLAY OVER DOUGLAS BAY ON FRIDAY, 7TH JUNE AT 7PM.
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.
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.
Our TT Centenary beer brewed to strict Isle of Man Purity laws - it never flags.
Available at the TT Grandstand, and island-wide at Spar Stores, Tesco and Okell’s Pubs & Bars.
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 . . .
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)
% 07624 819082 outdoorsramsey.co.uk
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.
% 07624 494252 www.apemann.info
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.
% 07624 492444 iomtriketours.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.
% 07624 812244
ramseygolfclub.im
Quad Bike Mania is BACK and our newly extended course is even more epic than before. Quad Bike Mania sessions are 2 hours long and are priced at £65.00 per person. It’s definitely not a boring sight seeing tour or a racetrack, it’s all instructor led through tight and narrow tracks around 50 acres of forest, there’s plenty of tight twists and turns, water features and we have a clay play area where there’s plenty of opportunity to make some big drifts especially in the wet. % 07624 234555
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!
TUESDAY-THURSDAY 30th MAY-1st JUNE: Open 10am - 4pm
MONDAY 5th & THURSDAY 8th JUNE: Open 10am - 5pm % 07624 305811
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’)
WHERE TO SEARCH FAR AND NEAR, FOR YOUR FAVOURITE BUSHY’S BEER!
ALL OVER THE ISLAND Shops
KIRK MICHAEL Quayle’s Store
UNION MILLS
The Railway Inn
Vagabonds Rugby Club
PEEL
Black Dog Pizzeria
Centenary Centre
The Creek Inn
The Marine Hotel
The White House Hotel ST JOHNS Greens Café
PORT ERIN
Athol Park -
- Chinese Restaurant
The Balmoral Hotel
The Bay Hotel
Bradda Glen Café
Byron's Pizzeria
Cosy Nook Café
Erin Arts Centre
The Falcon Hotel
Foraging Vintners
Rowany Golf Club
Rushen United FC
CREGNEASH
The Sound Café
PORT ST MARY
Kellas
The Albert Hotel
IOM Yacht Club
SULBY
The Ginger Hall
The Sulby Glen Hotel
BRADDAN
Agrimark
The Comis Hotel
The Forge SNAEFELL Victory Café
Tynwald Hill Inn
Tynwald Mills Deli
FOXDALE
The Baltic
GANSEY
The Shore Hotel
The Railway Station Hotel
IRISH SEA
HSC Manannan
MV Manxman
BUSHY'S TT VILLAGE
SANTON
Murray’s- Motorcycle Museum
BALLASALLA
Ballasalla Stores
CASTLETOWN
The Sidings
Station Garage
The Viking Hotel
S&S Motors
The Garrison
galore in 2024
RAMSEY
The Commercial Hotel
Fynoderee’s Fyn Bar
The Mitre
LAXEY
The Bridge Inn
The Queens Hotel
The Shore Hotel
The Creg-Ny-Baa
DOUGLAS
The Albert Hotel
The Claremont Hotel
Douglas Rugby Club
The Empress Hotel
Howard’s- Convenience Store
HQ Bar & Restaurant
The Hydro Hotel
Joseph Bucknall Ltd
Mad Jack’s
The Majestic- Chinese Restaurant
The Manx Legion
3 Newby’s- Convenience Stores
The Old Market Inn
The Palace Hotel
The Pinewood
Quids Inn
Roundhay
The Rovers Return
The Villa Marina
The Welbeck Hotel
The Wine Cellar
Woodbourne Deli
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 . . .
The 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
Located on North Quay in Douglas. The restaurant offers superb food with views over the marina.
14 North Quay, Douglas, IM1 4LE
T: 664414
1886 bar, Grill and Cocktail lounge is the home of great food, wine, family meals out.
6 Regent Street, Douglas, IM1 2EA
T: 611886
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
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 takeawaysperfect comfort food.
Let your taste buds fly when you experience Manx cuisine.
Fresh, seasonal ingredients in an extensive menu that is an ever evolving feast of local delicacies. Mill Road, Ballasalla, IM9 3DB
T: 822393
Super Cute, Super Fresh : Open for breakfast, lunch and everything tasty in between.
5 Regent Street, Douglas, IM1 2EB
T: 619249
Authentic family Italian restaurant and takeaway with extensive menu and attentive service.
Bay View Rd, Port St. Mary, IM9 5AE
T: 834040
A vibrant community pub with a great reputation for serving home-cooked, locally sourced food. Avondale Ct, Onchan, IM3 4EZ
T: 613203
Family restaurant serving fresh and wholesome trendy Indian inspired dishes.
Queens Prom, Douglas, IM2 4NH
T: 620999
Unique cafe with a working watemill. Delicious food, attentive and friendly staff. Mines Road, Laxey, IM4 7NJ
T: 860840
Bar George, the authentic food and wine bar in the heart of Douglas' financial district.
1 Hill St, Douglas, IM1 1EF
T: 617799
Excellent home-made food in a relaxing atmosphere in the heart of Ramsey.
80 Parliament Sq , Ramsey, IM8 1AQ
T: 817145
A great atmoshere and a memorable experience every time. Piri Piri chicken the signature dish. North Quay, Douglas, IM1 4LA
T: 679297
Restaurant based on the Langness Peninsula at Castletown Golf Links Open 7 days a week. Castletown Golf Links, IM9 1UA
T: 822211
Take a break from your museum visit to enjoy some wonderful Manx meals and light snacks. Manx Museum, Kingswood Grove, Douglas, IM1 3LY
T: 648000
Fresh seafood straight off the boat and local meat from the finest local butchers is prepared daily. Mariners Wharf, Peel, IM5 1AR
T: 845470
Coffee and delicious sandsiches and sweet treats in relaxing comfort. Perfect!
77 Strand St, Douglas, IM1 2EN
26 Victoria St, Douglas, IM1 2LE
T: 610856
High class menu offering traditional, vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options .
26 Main Rd, Onchan, IM3 1AP
T: 266491
Serving Pan Asian Food from Lao, Thai, Filipino, Japanese to Malaysian.
Sefton Hotel, Harris Promenade, Douglas, IM1 2RW
T: 645512
For breakfast lunch and tea, The Bowling Green Cafe offers a menu you’ll really enjoy. Marine Parade, Peel IM5 1PB
T: 844514
This lovely cafe and restaurant offersviews across the town and even down as far as the Calf of Man.
Bradda Glen, Port Erin, IM9 6PJ
T: 837713
Great, freshly cooked meals by experienced and passionate chefs. Dine-in and take away.
Breagle Glen, Port Erin, IM9 6JJ
T: 835767
Superb range of hot and cold meals and snacks in the beautiful village of Bride. Fully licensed.
A10, IM7 4AT
T: 882005
Wide range of award-winning cask ales with a food menu featuring much loved British classics. North Quay, Douglas, IM1 4LB
T: 616663
One of the longest establshed Douglas eateries always offering good quality at reasonable prices.
49 Duke St, Douglas, IM1 2AU
T: 621605
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.
Shore Road, Port Erin, IM9 6HL
T: 256984
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
Small, cosy cafe offering fabulous range of tasty snacks and quality service.
Station Rd, Port Erin, IM9 6LN
T: 455749
Sit, relax and enjoy a lovely view of Douglas Prom accompanied by some tasty food and drinks. Villa Arcade, Douglas, IM1 2HN
T: 665000
A small friendly café located opposite Douglas Bus station that serves all the home comforts .
1 Lord Street, Douglas, IM1 1LG
T: 614214
Family diner in the middle of town offering good quality food at reasonable prices.
84 Strand Street, Douglas, IM1 2EP
T: 616323
Serving a wide range of drinks, sandwiches, breakfast menu, cakes, and ice cream.
Tynwald Mills, St John's IM4 3AD
T: 802879
A stylish and modern venue. Delicious food where you can dine surrounded by Manx countryside. Hailwood Avenue, Douglas, IM2 7EA
T: 616364
The exciting taste of Chinese, Peking and Szechuan cuisine from their extensive Menu. 7 Strathallan Cres, Douglas, IM2 4NR
T: 673367
Enjoy delicious food and an impressive selection of drinks, served in luxurious art-deco surroundings. 18-22 Loch Prom, Douglas, IM1 2LX
T: 698888
Adjacent to the House of Manannan on Peel quayside is the recently opened Coffee Station. House of Mannanan, Peel, IM5 1JH
T: 339901
Small, cosy cafe in a fabulous forest location among a range of outdoor activities.
South Barrule, IM4 3FB
T: 234555
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
Serving amazing Coffee Mann products, as well as fresh locally produced food to eat in or take away.
74 Parliament St, Ramsey, IM8 1AG
T: 624640
A traditional Caféserving all your favourite treats and wholesome comfort food with daily specials.
12 Parliament St, Ramsey, IM5 1QB
Sink into a sofa and enjoy beautiful coffee and tasty food in the quirkly comfort of Cranky’s.
34 Michael St, Peel, IM5 1HD
The Creek Inn is a traditional friendly harbour side pub overlooking Peel Hill and the Marina. Seasonal seafood a speciality.
14 Lake Ln, Peel, IM5 1AT
T: 842216
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
Situated in a fabulous viewing spot on the World famous TT course, this is a family friendly pub serving delightful food.
Mountain Road, Onchan, IM4 5BP
T: 676948
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
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 is a small family run ice cream outlet overlooking the historic seafront . Shore Road, Peel, IM5 1AQ
T: 844761
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
Dining Car Pullman style fine dining can be experienced on the Isle of Man Steam Railway's beautifully restored Dining Car.
Douglas Station, Bank Circus, Douglas, IM1 5PT
T: 697457
Vintage style tearooms offering homemade breakfasts, snacks, lunches and lovely cakes! Main Road Kirk Michael, IM6 1AB
T: 878534
A popular eatery in Douglas, Downtown offers a wide and varied menu, including gluten-free.
40 Duke St, Douglas, IM1 2AX
T: 678669
A street food café that is all about the flavour! 20A Dukes Street, Douglas, IM1 2AY
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!
Station Road, Port Erin, IM9 6AF
T: 834077
A menu without geographical restrictions, marrying classic Mediterranean, Asian and international flavours for imaginative dishes. 13-15 Castle Street, Douglas, IM1 2EX
T: 292122
Flavours Indian cuisine is a new restaurant in Douglas Broadway offering finest Indian cuisine.
1 Sherwood Terr, Douglas, IM2 4EN
T: 665599
Excellent grill & fry style food with an emphasis on homemade, fresh and flavoursome dishes. Main Road, Santon, IM4 1JE
T: 610031
Homemade cake and food offering fresh salads, daily special foods and Mix and Match milkshakes.
62 Bucks Rd, Douglas, IM1 3AF
T: 612883
An authentic Thai dining experience that is sure to delight your taste buds and transport you to the streets of Thailand.
3 Market Hill, Douglas, IM1 2BF
T: 236697
Gandhi Restaurant
The finest freshly-prepared Indian cuisine in a great location with beautiful decor.
6-10 Peel Street, Ramsey, IM8 1JH
T: 610225
Traditional values by serving delicious homecooked locally sourced food and cask ales.
The Parade, Castletown, IM9 1LG
T: 822533
Large Chinese restaurant offering a substantial choice of quality oriental cuisine.
13-15 Parliament St, Ramsey, IIM8 1AS
T: 813288
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
A small friendly bistro style cafe and coffee shop overlooking Ramsey Harbour.
2 West Quay, Ramsey, IM8 1DW
T: 815562
Shake Lounge offers quality fresh local food made inhouse by dedicated chefs.
10 Castle Street, Douglas, IM1 2EU
T: 416792
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
Located in The Savoy Hotel, Haneffe’s offers a wide selection of traditional meals using local produce. 6 Castlemona Terrace, Central Promenade, Douglas
T: 621695
Specialising in the most amazing fresh sea food with tantalizing dishes right next to the harbour East Quay, Ramsey, IM8 1BA
T: 814182
Firmly established as a food destination offering fresh, home-made traditional dishes. Main Road, Greeba, IM4 3LF
T: 801268
Delicious home-cooked food every day, including hand-crafted stone baked Bella Pizzas.
1 Close Beg, Peel, IM5 1XF
T: 842386
Dine in comfortable surroundings in this popular pub and restaurant. Lovely food reasonably priced. IOM Business Park, Braddan, IM2 2QZ
T: 626060
Fresh local Manx food cooked to the highest standards for an unforgettable dining experience.
57-58 Loch Prom, Douglas, IM1 2NA
T: 844040
Delicious traditional food with a ‘bistro’ style menu, prepared using fresh, local ingredients.
1 Empire Terrace, Douglas, IM2 4LE
T: 676355
Isola is a cosy welcoming restaurant offering the best in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine.
7 John Street, Douglas, IM1 2AD
T: 623764
Asian cuisine at its finest. With 20 years of experience cooking in the finest restaurants, chef is excited to present their superb menu. Peel Rd, Peel, IM5 1AR
T: 845353
Roomy, modern sports bar and steakhouse specialising in their wide range of steaks.
43 Loch Prom, Douglas, IM1 2LZ
T: 663786
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
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
For people who want authentic Indian food inspired by the essence of their Indian traditions. Queens Prom, Douglas, IM2 4NP
T: 613811
A friendly, family run restaurant which has been serving quality Italian cuisine since 1994. Located in picturesque riverside setting near Laxey harbour. Glen Road, Laxey, IM4 7AB
T: 862488
Family-owned for 20 years, La Piazza has carved a great reputation for their superb Italian cuisine. Loch Promenade, Douglas IM1 2BT
T: 672136
Perfect Laxey Promenade location for tasty bites, drinks and ice-creams..
Laxey Promenade, Laxey.
T: 860215
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
Where Mediterranean cuisine is reflected in the delicious food and hospitality.
Castle Street, Castletown IM9 1LF
T: 827635
A mouth-watering menu, showcasing inspired seasonal dishes using the finest local ingredients
Mount Murray, Douglas, IM4 2HT
T: 661111
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 Restaurant & Lounge is situated on the ground floor of the Mannin Hotel offering a wide variety of dishes from bar snacks to juicy steaks. Mannin Hotel, 8-16 Broadway, Douglas, IM2 4EL
T: 602555
The restaurant showcases the Island’s delicious seafood in a spectacular quayside setting. 30/31A North Quay, Douglas, IM1 4LB
T: 622518
From full English to tasty waffles and, of course, cakes! A super little cafe.
Victoria Buildings, 54 Parliament Street, Ramsey, IM8 1AX
T: 323896
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. Curraghs Wildlife Park, IM7 5EA
T: 897323
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
The ManxSPCA Tearooms offers freshly prepared and home-cooked meals and snacks.
Ard Jerkyll, Foxdale, IM4 3HL
T: 853409
Delightful home-made meals. Something of an Island instituion famous for its generous portions.
Shore road, Peel IM5 1AH
T: 842337
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
Reopened in March 2022 following a refresh, and ready to welcome back our locals and visitors!
3 Captain's Hill Laxey, IM4 7AY
T: 861484
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
Chinese food cooked to perfection in this hugely popular restaurant overlooking Douglas horbour.
5 Bank Hill, N Quay, Douglas IM1 1QF
T: 886886
Serving a wide variety of hot food including, breakfast and a full lunch menu & daily specials
Tynwald Mills, Ballig, IM4 3AD
T: 802872
Quality hand-stretched pizza baked in a stone oven. Burgers, chips, salads, local produce.
Castle Mona shops, Douglas IM2 4LZ
T: 614001
Fabulous fish & chip diner and take away. Grab yourself a chippy treat. Delivery available Village Walk, Onchan, IM3 4EA
T: 602152
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
A vibrant cafe and coffee shop in the heart of Douglas.
Old Market Hall, Douglas, IM1 2BH
T: 309689
Serving delicious food and drinks for a wonderful new dining experience in Ramsey.
Ramsey Swimming Pool, Mooragh
Promenade, IM8 3AB
T: 612082
Delicious coffee and food at decent prices. Debbie and Christina look forward to welcoming you.
2b Onchan Village Walk, Onchan, IM3 4EA
T: 326378
Fabulous views and atmosphere combine with beautiful food for an excellent dining experience. Onchan Pleasure Park, Royal Dr, Onchan, IM3 1HU
T: 623348
Oscar’s is a restaurant and bar offering the very best food and drink in an elegant, refined setting.
28 Victoria Street, Douglas, IM1 2LE
T: 667917
A small, personal restaurant serving classic and international dishes at reasonable prices
4 Forrest View, Parliament Square, Ramsey IM8 2LH
T: 812971
Paparazzi restaurant has served and entertained generations of customers since June 1996
12 Loch Prom, Douglas, IM1 3DQ
T: 671735
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
A delightful, small, friendly coffee shop. All food and drinks freshly made to order. Windsor Rd, Douglas, IM1 3PH
T: 343190
Wood-fired oven pizzas, a great selection of pasta, burgers asnd homemade desserts.
6 Prospect Terrace, Douglas, IM1 3AL
T: 813100
A family run fish and chip business serving fish & chips on the Isle of Man since 1980
3 Station Rd, Port Erin, IM9 6AR
T: 832564
Superb food dining in opulence and refinement at one of the Island’s top restaurants.
1 Bridge Rd, Douglas, IM1 5AG
T: 617755
A great drink selection, plus a delicious lunch and dinner menu teamed with a ‘Specials’ board. Prospect Hill, Douglas, IM1 1ET
T: 616773
Indoor and outdoor dining on this hugely popular Douglas Promenade traditional pub.
Queens Prom, Douglas, IM2 4NL
T: 674438
Serving a full Bistro-style menu that features homemade dishes using fresh local Manx produce. Park Rd, Ramsey, IM8 3AR
T: 818123
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
Enjoy a good meal and a pint of Ravens Claw, a beer brewed exclusively for this pub. Ballaugh Bridge, Ballaugh, IM7 5EG
T: 896128
A small coffee shop with a big personality equipped with homemade tasty delights.
26 Shore Road, Peel, IM5 1NH
T: 234221
A great find located just off Ramsey’s harbour, offering a fabulous range of both food and drink.
10 Market Place, Ramsey, IM8 1JY
T: 812146
Long-established in Peel town centre, enjoy a variety of Indian food at its very best in this fully licensed restaurant.
6 Atholl Pl, Peel, IM5 1HE
T: 845678
Lovely cafe located just 50 yards from the Laxey Wheel. Excellent selection of meals and snacks in unique setting..
Wheel Hill, Laxey, IM4 7NL
T: 860840
Both tasty and tasteful, Sir Norman’s offers a delicious menu and is fully licensed.
Harris Promenade, Douglas, IM1 2RW
T: 645514
A good, honest, reasonably-priced little tea room for good food served by friendly staff.
47 Michael St, Peel, IM5 1HD
Quirky, cosy, artisan beachside eatery on the far end of Laxey Promenade. Open all year round.
The Promenade, Laxey, IM4 7DD
T: 863151
A warm welcome awaits, as does freshly-prepared home-cooked hot and cold food and craft beers.
Shore Rd, Gansey, IM9 5LZ
T: 863151
Silverdale cafe is open for light lunches, teas, coffees, cakes and most importantly ice cream. (hand made on the premises!).
The Cregg Mill, Silverdale Glen, Ballasalla, IM9 3DS
T: 823474
Perfect for breakfast, morning coffee and pastries, a midweek or Sunday lunch or afternoon tea.
Mount Murray, Douglas, IM4 2HT
T: 661111
The warm and cosy setting of this fine diner will cheer you whatever the weather.
Snaefell Summit, Laxey, IM4 7NY
T: 673631
large airy diner with plenty of seating and a great seafront view over Ramsey Bay and Queens Pier. Energy FM Bowl, Ramsey, IM8 3ET
T: 812444
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
Great coffee and delicious freshly cooked food at reasonable prices.
1 Market Hill, Douglas, IM1 2BF
T: 614167
From morning coffee to afternoon refreshment, scone, jam & cream to their famous Fish & Chips
Station Road, Port Erin, IM9 6AE
T: 838991
Such a beautiful setting for this fabulous cafe offering a great selection of hot food.
Ballagyr Ln, Peel IM5 2AD
T: 308449
The Swan is a family friendly pub with a reputation for serving good home-cooked food.
3 Parliament St, Ramsey, IM8 2LN
T: 814236
Stunning cafe and restaurant set within the beautiful Glen Helen.
Glen Helen, St.johns IM4 3NP
T: 808080
Newly open, Grain and Vine offers cool dining, drinks & cocktails in sumptuous comfort.
6 Victoria Street, Douglas, IM1 2LH
T: 649329
Talk of the Town is a scenic Family restaurant, with a licenced bar and free parking.
Nobles Park, Douglas, IM2 4BD
T: 670430
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
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
Beautifully home-cooked food including an excellent range of vegetarian options.
Main Road, St. John’s, IM4 3NA
T: 800129
Highest quality traditional pub food served in a cosy interior and warm, friendly atmosphere.
Strathallan Cres, Douglas, IM2 4NR
T: 624312
A proper chippy serving delicous fish and chips with prompt service and generous portions.
26 Prospect Terr, Douglas, IM1 3AL
T: 672474
Think tasty lunch and dinner Thai style, think Thai Taste! Fabulous food reasonably priced.
Seven Kingdom Bar, Lake Road, Douglas, IM1 5AF
T: 314285
Authentic Royal Thai Cuisine for lunch and evening dining, full of flavour, colour and history. Capital House, Circular Road, Douglas, IM1 1AG
T: 614000
Famous for its Fireman’s breakfast offering 10 different items, served on a shovel (plate optional). Douglas Railway Station, IM1 4LL
T: 627888
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
One of the leading restaurants on the Island since it's inception in Port Erin in 2013. Now in Douglas . Broadway, Douglas, IM2 4EW
T: 613647
Lovely food and drinks, great selection and a kids play area. Conveniently located in town centre. Castle Street, Douglas, IM1 2EZ
T: 629490
Wine and tapas, steak, mixed grill and specials all served in a cosy intimate atmosphere.
66 Parliament St, Ramsey, IM8 1AJ
T: 264917
Welcome to Vellika’s Kitchen, where you’re invited to embark on a delightful journey through the vibrant flavors of South Indian cuisine.
Uni3, Peel Road, Douglas, IM8 2LQ
T: 890685
Beautifully presented Indian cuisine from one of Ramsey’s most popular eateries.
6 Bowring Road, Ramsey, IM8 2LQ
T: 818241
Situated in Onchan Park and the famous home of the toastie! Plenty of choice, child friendly and a stunning sea view!
Onchan Pleasure Park, Royal Drive, Onchan, IM3 1HU
T: 628283
Brunch by day and tasting menus by night with only local, Manx ingredients.
Station Road, Port Erin, IM9 6AN
T: 205104
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
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
Whistlestop Coffee Shop is located at Port Erin Railway Station, Isle of Man. Fresh coffee and homemade cakes and food served daily.
Railway Station, Church Road, Port Erin, IM9 6AH
T: 261802
Home of delicious food which is homemade, locally sourced and freshly prepared. Station Road, Ballasalla, IM9 2DD
T: 822334
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
Lovely food, generous portions, delicious wine, attentive staff and a great atmosphere.
24 Duke St, Douglas, IM1 2AY
T: 624777
BUSHY'S TT VILLAGE IS BACK FOR TT 2024! THE ICONIC FESTIVAL WILL BE HELD IN THE VILLA MARINA GARDENS FROM THURSDAY 30TH MAY TO SATURDAY 8TH JUNE INCLUSIVE.
This year there will be a £3 all day entrance fee. Children are free and must be accompanied by an adult. They are welcome until 9pm. The same applies for dogs.
There will be a variety of retailers, local caterers and a premium bar serving a range of gins, rums, vodkas, wines and cocktails.
The Village also has exciting sponsors in the works, so check out the Bushy's 2024 social media or website for more information.
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!
The Village boasts a tasty line up of local cuisine to be enjoyed throughout this year’s TT festival to satisfy the most discerning of pallettes. Bushy’s TT Village is always a fabulous ‘one-stopshop’ for lovers of good food!
As always, the entertainment line up allows us to enjoy our favourite Village acts, but also helps us explore new Manx sounds. The Village can’t wait to showcase this year’s extraordinary array of talent, guaranteed to bring the festival vibe to this year’s TT.
The Village is brought to you by Key Bar Events who have been bringing you TT fun times for years! The Village is Key Bar Events main event of the year, but also bring the party to pop ups throughout the year.
Key Bar Events was set up in 2019, by directors Dave Wookey and Harry Barbour. Harry has organised and ran the outdoor events since 1998, with Dave joining in 2018. The duo created the business and have had a range of crowd-pullers since then, including The Feel Good Festival, The Royal Manx Agricultural Show and events at The Mountain View Innovation Centre.
With years of experience within The Village and events industry, there’s no one better to take on the mammoth task of creating a TT festival experience for all to enjoy, expanding The Village features, growing as a company and providing jobs for many locals in and out of TT. Ella Cowin joined the team in 2021, to undertake the task of Social Media and Marketing and took care of announcements and updates leading up to this year’s TT to their thousands of followers.
Bushy’s TT Village is also partnered with Monster Energy. Monster will be available to purchase in all of the bars.
THE VILLAGE CAN’T WAIT TO SHOWCASE THIS YEAR’S EXTRAORDINARY ARRAY OF TALENT, GUARANTEED TO BRING THE FESTIVAL VIBE TO THIS YEAR’S TT.
A BIG THANK YOU TO THIS YEAR’S HEADLINE SPONSOR
Yep, this is Bushy’s Village . . .
Continuity and cherishing relationships are at the heart of RL360’s business.
So, it makes us incredibly proud to be championing our community with our 22nd year of sponsoring the RL360 Superstock race, making us the TT’s longest running sponsor.
