The achievements of two of the Isle of Man TT’s most successful racers have been recognised ahead of the 2013 Isle of Man TT fuelled by Monster Energy.
Sections of the iconic Mountain course have been named in honour of John McGuinness and Dave Molyneux, who lie second and third behind Joey Dunlop in the list of racers with most wins.
The newly named course points come as the Isle of Man Government redesigns and replaces the existing directional boards and mile markers around the 37¾-mile course.
McGuinness first competed on the Isle of Man in 1996 and has 19 race victories to his name, including two last year. He is also the outright lap record holder with a lap of 131.578mph, he set in 2009.
Manxman Moly has won 16 sidecar races including winning both events in 2012 with his current passenger Patrick Farrance. He first competed in 1985, winning his first race in 1989.
The pair join other great names from motorcycling history in having sections of the course named after them, including Giacomo Agostini, Geoff Duke, Jimmy Guthrie, Mike Hailwood and Joey Dunlop. The new-look signs featuring names of famous TT riders also include some individual artwork reflecting the rider's iconography.
The point of the course which will now be known as McGuinness's is at Shoughlaigue, the fast run down from Handley's Corner before the top of Barregarrow.
It is his favourite part of the course and one where he believes he can gain time on his rivals.
The sign at McGuinness’s features the infamous voodoo artwork that has adorned his helmets for many years.
Moly’s corner is the fast right-hander at the end of Cronk-y-Voddy straight and will now be called Molyneux's. As the most successful local competitor by some distance, Molyneux’s will be represented by the Island’s Three Legs.
The new directional signs retain the now iconic orange background, but, importantly, include some new features. Fans will immediately spot the large TT logo that tops all the signs, and the new versions also incorporate the famous Mountain course name along with a retro-inspired chequered board pattern that reflects the event’s long heritage.
In addition, each section of the course featured is now a more accurate depiction of the road ahead, thanks to assistance of the Isle of Man Government’s Department of Infrastructure.
The original directional signs that have now been replaced are being sold to fans through an online auction site, alongside other memorabilia like the iconic mile markers and the instantly recognisable yellow Shell fuel fillers used up until the mid 1980s.
All funds raised from the sale of the items are invested back into the costs associated with running the event.