TT Racing in The Isle of Man
It's that time of year already! This year's annual carnival event is TT Racing in the Isle of Man, where the island opens its doors once more, to welcome riders and spectators from around the world, to what is frequently called the most dangerouse race in the world.
The supermen and superwomen race their powerful machines around our island on closed public roads. With the motorbikes just inches away from the spectators, and the bikes toping in excess of 200 mph on the straights, it is a spectacle not to be missed!
Isle of Man TT Races 2019
This year's event starts on Saturday the 25th May 2019, with races most days, and supporting events on other days. Weather permitting, it has a warm carnival atmosphere!
Super Bikes 2010 - May Hill, Ramsey
The first week consists of practice runs on the course. All going well, the racing starts the following Saturday 1st June, with the Blue Riband event the Senior TT run on the last day of the event - Friday 7th June. Two weeks of fettling, loud engines, and the biggest gathering of piston-heads seen in one place!
Isle of Man TT Course
The races are run on the TT Course which is 37.73 miles. The Senior race is over 6 laps with a pit stop on every second lap, giving the riders and spectators the thrill of three "flying laps". Will he, or she, break the record? Last year, 2018, saw the previous lap record broken by Peter Hickman, who lapped the course in a time of 16 minutes, 42.778 seconds, with an average speed of 135.352 mph (217.989 km/h).
The Future is Electric!
Recent years has seen the introduction of a new class - TT Zero; the zero standing for zero emissions. These are all electric bikes. With the steady advancement of technology and experience these Zero bikes have got faster with each passing year. Again, in 2018, a new record was broken. This time for the TT Zeros, when Michael Rutter averaged a speed of 121.824, and becoming the first person to exceed 120 mph on a non-combustion powered bike.
The Most Dangerous Race in the World?
Regretably, every year during the two-week TT Festival, there are fatalities. These guys and gals, ride on the edge, for 75.5 miles before they have a pit-stop. Losing concentration is unforgiving. The rider's race the clock, but as they start at 10 second intervals, it is not long before the racers are jockeying for position.
If you're ever over in my part of the world during the end of May and the beginning or June, pop over. There is always a very warm welcome. Homestays are encouranged on the island by the government during this period, along with the usual hotels and many camp-sites.
Where is the Isle of Man?
Our fair isle lies midway in the Irish Sea roughly equidistant from Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales. The island is approximately, 30 miles long and 13 miles wide. With a flat plain in the north and the south, with a range of hills running from north-east to south-west. In the center is our only mountain - Snaefell - an old Norse word meaning "Snow Mountain".
Our national flag - Three Legs of Man
Come and enjoy your stay! You're always welcome. We love our island!
Recent Comments
19
Great post Paul thanks for that
My dad has raced in both the TT and Manx before a couple of bad accidents (one on the road and one on the track) stopped him competing. He got placed in the Manx and he even has recordings of bikes racing there. Apparently some of the old DKW's and others could be heard on the mainland.
He also has a collection of 100's of autographs of great motorcyle racers from the 40's up to the 90's which coincidently he is putting in to auction next month.
He is now late seventies and living on a state pension so hopefully it will at least buy him and mum a flight over to come and see me!
Not sure Paul, think its via a specialist auction in London later his month. I call him every Sunday so I'll ask and let you know
If it’s an auction house in London, then I expect it will be well advertised in the best places.
Spoke to dad on Sunday. He got in touch with a speciliast motor auction that will be held at sothebys in June. His collection is listed as:
GB4692
266 racing motorcycle rider autographs from the 1920s to the 1990s, a remarkable collection held in 6 volumes in A-Z order from Duilio Agostini to Walter Zeller (full listing online), embracing 125, 250, 350, 500cc & sidecar champions, Brooklands, Grand Prix, T.T. and other race winners, talented privateers, forgotten heroes, engineers, record breakers, American, British,
Commonwealth, European and Japanese competitors, every page with a mounted signature, many featuring signed photographs, competition notes and brief biographies; together with a large quantity of surplus signed correspondence
and photos, plus unsigned relevant postcards and race photos, also some personal colour photos taken during 1990s reunion and revival events (qty.)
Starting with Derek Minter in 1964, further signatures were obtained over the years by face to face request, before tracking riders addresses and writing to them enclosing an SAE. These riders were also asked if they knew of any
other relevant addresses and some, like Alberto Pagani, were particularly helpful. Others were obtained from older friends and enthusiasts, while some were swapped for duplicates with other collectors.
Hope your week isnt going to bad, better than mine at least!
I’ve sent you a pm. I meant to say island not land. At 63, I have an ongoing battle with predictive texting!
I was born on the fair isle, Paul. I've lived in Australia since 1958 but I'll never forget my roots and the bikes going past our window.
I live on the northern plain, in Sandygate. We are surrounded by farms. When the sun shines, the beauty of the isle shines too.
The photo is a recent one taken by my wife, Jip, in our garden, late one evening.
I now know where the Isle of Man is, thank you. Strangely we had a discussion in my local Post Office the other day as I was posting to there. My geography skills are sadly lacking.
I'd love to visit the Isle of Man, but think I'll have to pass in this lifetime. I do like islands...have lived on a couple. So do you ever participate in the race?
Lol! Me, ride a motorbike? I did as a teenager and nearly killed myself a couple of times. I switched to cars. It is a grand event though, and the island comes alive for the two weeks of TT!
The island has a similar event later in the year - Manx Grand Prix - but that is a quieter affair.
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Hi Paul.
"The supermen and superwomen race"
Oh. Didn't know that (at last) motor racing is a unisex affair. After all, it's the vehicle that does the huffing and puffing up steep hills and round sharp corners, why shouldn't it be? Also, snooker and pool. Why the separation of the sexes in these sports?
Not going to make it out to the IoM for this—that's what TV is for mate. 😉
Don't mind popping round for a cool beer on a warm day, lazily watching the Yachting Club hoity-toities go swanning by.
Regards,