Thousands of motorcycle fans descended on the NEC in Birmingham for ‘TT Day’, a celebration of 100 years of the world’s greatest road race.
For many, Saturday’s festivities were the highlight of the International Motorcycle and Scooter Show, as TT stars past and present gathered to entertain the crowds.
There was also a chance for fan to meet their heroes and get memorabilia signed at the Duke stand.
The show kicked off with a chat show on the Blackhorse Stage hosted by BBC commentator and former TT star Steve Parrish with questions to Michael Rutter, Guy Martin and 13-times TT winners John McGuinness and Dave Molyneux.
Steve grilled John about his 130mph lap at the Centenary TT, and talked to Michael about his 2008 TT plans with Ducati.
TT legends Phillip McCallen and Mick Grant were then welcomed onto the stage, followed by legendary motorsport commentator Murray Walker, who talked about his TT memories, including his father Graeme, a TT winner, and his own experience at the Centenary TT.
Finally came the ‘Young Guns’ Conor Cummins, Gary Johnson and Ollie Linsdell. Steve asked them about ambitions for TT2008.
Next came the ‘Question of TT Races’ quiz game, with John McGuinness captaining a team including Murray Walker and Dave Molyneux against Michael Rutter’s team of Phillip McCallen and Guy Martin.
Rounds included anagrams of famous TT spots, the picture board and guess the disguised rider.
John’s team scored an easy victory, 18 points to nine, with Moly displaying his wealth of local knowledge.
The ‘Jester Interactive’ challenge saw Michael Rutter gain revenge against John with a comfortable victory on the Sony PlayStation TT Superbikes game.
John will be hoping this form doesn’t carry into TT 2008, where he is expecting a close race from Michael on the Mountain Course.
The TT Marshals Association was also well represented at the show, and bike fans showed considerable interest in marshalling at TT2008.
Association members were also able to persuade some of the riders to don the famous orange bib when they hang up their leathers.
Isle of Man Tourism and Leisure Minister Adrian Earnshaw said:
‘This has been a great event for promoting the Isle of Man and the TT races and I’m sure it will help boost the number of visitors to the Island in 2008.’
Finlay McAllan, Managing Director of MCIE, organisers International Motorcycle and Scooter Show, added:
‘The Isle of Man TT races are one of the greatest motorsport events in the world and the celebration of its Centenary at this year’s show was a fantastic addition to the entertainment line-up.’
‘To have so many legends of the TT appearing all on one day added tremendous excitement for the thousands of bike fans who attended.’
As well as chatting to Steve Parrish on the Blackhorse Stage, Murray Walker was also signing copies of the new DVD TT: Centenary Celebration, which he made with Duke during the 2007 TT.
He said:
‘The Isle of Man TT is the greatest motorsport event of any kind in my opinion.’
‘Nowhere has the tradition of the TT.’