This week, the Isle of Man TT celebrates its 111th birthday! Situated in the evident place that is the Isle of Man, the beautifully situated race holds a home to many twists and turns. It is also commonly known to be one of the most dangerous routes in the world.
The motorbike event itself dates back to 1907, but the event itself dates back even further than that. Rumour has it that the famous race started as a car event!
If you happen to travel to the Isle of Man, out of season, and you happen to have your wheels with you. Head on over to the Snaefell Mountain Course, and have a ride around it for yourself! With this being the home of the famous race, you’re bound to encounter some other bikers along the way.
Last Year
2017 was a special year for the popular Time Trialled event, with it being 110 years old. However, this was the year in which superbike champion John McGuinness was involved in an accident at the NW200. Many of us wondered whether he would be able to make it to the island this year. McPint was originally rumoured to be racing. He even teamed up with 2015 Australian Champion, Josh Brookes. The pair were set to ride Norton Motorcycles. It has only recently been confirmed on Twitter that McGuinness has not been featured in the contestant’s section of the TT programme.
Let’s talk about Norton! Known for being the company that made the first winning bike of the twin-cylinder category of the Isle of Man Time Trial back in 1907. The rider of the Peugeot-engine Norton was Rem Fowler, who continued to participate in a further 4 races but only won the one.
2017 Winners:
RST Superbike | Ian Hutchinson |
Sure Sidecar Race #1 | Ben Birchall / Tom Birchall |
Monster Energy Supersport Race #1 | Michael Dunlop |
| RL360 Superstock | Ian Hutchinson |
| Bennetts Lightweight | Michael Rutter |
| SES TT Zero | Bruce Anstey |
Sure Sidecar Race #2 | Ben Birchall / Tom Birchall |
| Pokerstars Senior | Michael Dunlop |
The Favourites
There are many thoughts and opinions on who are the IOMTT favourites. Below we’ve listed some of the current champions, and favourites of WeBuyAnyBike’s, who are here to race once again!
Michael Dunlop – Son of the famous record holder, Joey, who holds the title of 26 wins; Michael is a record holder himself! The 29-year-old Northern Irishman has won 19 wins at the race, and he is famous for holding the record in finishing the 2016 Senior IOMTT race at 16 minutes and 53.929 seconds.
Ian Hutchinson – Dunlop’s rival, the Bingley Bullet has confirmed that he will be teaming up with Padgett’s Motorcycles. Though he is still continuing his 4-year recovery from his accident, he will proudly be racing on the Honda CBR 600 RR. Hutchinson will also be teaming up with Lee Johnston during the event.
Dean Harrison – Since his first race in 2011, this Bradfordian has always proved to do quite well in the TT. This year, Harrison will again be racing with the team Silicone Engineering Kawasaki. There is no doubt in our minds that he will continue to impress us this year, too!
Back in 2016, we posted a blog featuring some of the greatest riders of all time; you can view that post here!
Travelling to the TT this week?
Whether you’re attending the TT, or you’re just watching on TV, here is a schedule of the when and where the wheels will be in motion in the racing at the Isle of Man.
| Saturday 2nd June | 12:00 | RST Superbike T-T Race (6 Laps) |
| Saturday 2nd June | 15:00 | Locate.im Sidecar T-T Race 1 (3 Laps) |
| Saturday 2nd June | 16:35 | Superstock Supersport Lightweight Qualifying |
| Saturday 2nd June | 17:10 | T-T Zero Qualifying (1 Lap) |
| Monday 4th June | 10:45 | Monster Energy Supersport TT Race 1 (4 Laps) |
| Monday 4th June | 12:25 – 13:05 | Sidecar Qualifying (2 Laps) |
| Monday 4th June | 14:15 | RL360 Quantum Superstock Race (4 Laps) |
| Monday 4th June | 15:55 | TT Lightweight Qualifying (1 Lap) |
| Monday 4th June | 16:15 | TT Zero Qualifying (1 Lap) |
| Wednesday 6th June | 10:45 | Monster Energy Supersport T-T Race 2 (4 Laps) |
| Wednesday 6th June | 12:45 | SES T-T Zero Race (1 Lap) |
| Wednesday 6th June | 14:10 | Bennetts Lightweight T-T Race (4 Laps) |
| Wednesday 6th June | 15:55 | Sidecar T-T Qualifying (1 Lap) |
| Wednesday 6th June | 16:10 | Senior T-T Qualifying (1 Lap) |
| Friday 8th June | 10:15 | Locate.im Sidecar TT Race 2 (3 Laps) |
| Friday 8th June | 12:45 | PokerStars Senior TT Race (6 Laps) |
We understand that attending the TT might be too short notice for you; if this is the case, you’ll be delighted to know that you can now purchase tickets for 2019!
Don’t forget to let the UK’s leading bike trader know in the comments who you’re rooting for at the TT this year!