The Isle of Man TT Races are the last of the great motorcycle tests in the world today and, at 100 years old they show no sign of slowing down. Instead of creaking and rocking, the event is right back to the top of the motorcycle tree, continuing to maintain its status throughout the world and attracting the finest road racers on the planet. Excitement, triumph, glory, exhilaration, and tragedy – the TT has it all and for two weeks in June the little Island in the Irish Sea is the place where all eyes are focused.
Sport today is a major business and whilst some things come and go the fact that the TT remains the pinnacle of two wheel racing is testament to the Islanders who have not only maintained the heritage and tradition of the event but moved with the times to ensure it stays firmly at the top.
It was back in 1907 when it all started and little did those TT pioneers know what they were creating – a legacy, the stuff of legend. If someone had the idea to do it in this day and age it would never even get to turn a wheel. In the 100 years since, the TT has seen it all and played host to some of the most illustrious names in motorcycle sport. Woods, Guthrie, Simpson, Duke, McIntyre, Surtees, Hailwood, Ubbiali, Agostini, Redman and Read are riders from the halcyon days when motorbike riders were household names.
When the TT lost its World Championship status, many thought it was the beginning of the end but, instead, it became a haven for real road race specialists who were keen to pit their wits against the Mountain Course, the most challenging and demanding course in the world. Names like Grant, Williams, Rutter, Hislop, Fogarty, McCallen, Jefferies and McGuinness came to the forefront, but throughout it all one name stood out – Joey Dunlop. The greatest of them all, Joey saw it all, did it all, and conquered all. No challenge or rival was too great and he did more for the races than any other rider.
As we move in to the second century of the Isle of Man TT Races, the event is as strong as its ever been, if not stronger. It will continue to have its ups and downs but one thing that can be guaranteed is that it will always haul itself back to the top.
Whilst this year’s event is certainly a celebration of the event’s history, it’s also a platform to take the races on to a new level. The racing is still the focal point of the event and the riders you will see this year are the best in the business and attracting these new heroes remains high on the agenda. 2007 is the beginning of the next era and the aim is to strive for even greater heights, whilst continuing the tradition and values of those pioneering individuals.
In recent years, the organisers have gone to tremendous lengths to ensure the quality of entry is the best it possibly can be and this year is no exception – indeed, it’s quite probably the best its ever been. Not only are all the stars of 2006 returning but we also have the return of a former winner and even more high calibre newcomers. From World Champions to British Champions and from European stars to American Superbike winners, this year’s TT has it all. With no less than 12 potential race winners in each class, there’s no doubt at all that we are all in for one hell of a ride.
Heading the entry is the current King of the Mountain, John McGuinness. The outright lap record holder, McGuinness took an awesome hat-trick 12 months ago elevating himself to the status of a TT Legend and few would bet against him serving up a repeat performance. Already an 11-time winner, McGuinness continues with Honda for 2007 with top Supersport team Padgett’s joining HM Plant Honda in the McGuinness stable.
There’s a whole host of riders looking to knock McGuinness of his lofty pedestal - none more so than his close friend and team mate Ian Hutchinson. Having racked up two podiums at last year’s TT, he is well placed to take his first TT win.
Meanwhile, two riders who return with their 2006 teams are Ian Lougher with Stobart Honda and Martin Finnegan with Klaffi Honda.
One rider who has switched teams is Ryan Farquhar. Having missed last year’s meeting due to injury, the Irishman will be determined to get back at the top of the results sheet on his Mark Johns Honda. Farquhar does, however, use Kawasaki machinery for the Supersport and Superstock classes - the former he has won twice in as many years.
The fifth Honda rider capable of taking the glory is, arguably, the most exciting of them all and all eyes will be on Cameron Donald to see what he can achieve in his third year at the TT. The Australian is back with the Uel Duncan Racing team who now have official Honda support, and another top class newcomer, Scotsman Keith Amor, joins him.
TAS Suzuki continues with Bruce Anstey and Adrian Archibald. The Kiwi rider already has 5 TT wins to his name and a 129mph lap in last year’s Senior race has set him up nicely for taking the fight to McGuinness. On the other hand, Archibald is looking to get his career back on track after a lacklustre 2006 but the Ballymoney ace has taken three Superbike wins in recent time and, if it all comes right on the day, he could well add another to his name.
Yamaha’s TT campaign is spear headed by top locals Jason Griffiths, Nigel Beattie and Conor Cummins on the all-new R1s, whilst arguably their biggest name rider for the event is exciting newcomer Steve Plater.
The last of the Japanese manufacturers, Kawasaki, have their strongest representation for many a year with no less than 4 top teams! Heading the way is the returning Michael Rutter who lines up with his British Championship MSS Discovery squad. Rutter’s comeback has been talked about for years, but now it’s a reality and he is sure challenge. Fellow BSB team Hawk Kawasaki, are back for more, again with Carl Rennie, whilst McAdoo Racing line up with their new signing Ray Porter. Also representing Kawasaki, are Swiss World Endurance team Bolliger, who make their TT debut with rapid Belgian Michael Weynand and Manxman Gary Carswell.
The ‘factory’ stars are backed up by a whole host of privateers who are more than capable of upsetting the formbook. Ian Armstrong has consistently featured in the top ten in recent years and with a best lap of 124mph, more of the same can be expected. Les Shand, the fastest newcomer in 2005, returns for his third year whilst other riders of note include Mark Parrett, Dean Silvester, James McBride, Dan Stewart, Ian Pattinson, David Bell, Mark Buckley, Tim Poole and double Manx Grand Prix winner Craig Atkinson.
Ireland is well represented by Davy Morgan, John Burrows, Keith Stewart, Victor Gilmore, Derek Brien and the young Dunlop’s - William and Michael. The home nation has plenty to cheer about too with Chris Palmer, Paul Hunt, Chris Heath and John Barton all in the hunt.
The international challenge is definitely the strongest it’s ever been with rapid Americans Jeremy Toye and Mark Miller leading the way. Mainland Europe have more extremely fast riders returning with Stefano Bonetti (Italy) and Christer Miinin (Sweden) back for more whilst other riders worth looking out for include Thomas Montano, Frank Spenner, Paul Dobbs, Daniel Jansen, Thomas Schonfelder, Dirk Kaletsch and Sandor Bitter.