ICYMI: ISLE OF MAN TT 2023

Record. Breaking. The 2023 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy is in the can; and it is without a doubt a TT that will go down as one of the finest ever. Two weeks of uninterrupted sunshine, world class edge of the seat road-racing, and a Monster Energy athlete on the top step of the podium for every single solo-motorcycle race.

What’s more, TT 2023 will forever be remembered as a year that Peter Hickman and Michael Dunlop crushed the competition in formidable style. Between them Hickman and Dunlop shared eight wins - including the event ending Senior TT - as well as the duo re-writing the record books by raising the bar in terms of outright lap speeds and race times.

Michael Dunlop in particular now sits tantalizingly close to his uncle’s (Joey Dunlop) all-time record of 26 wins - following his incredible winning performances in the Superbike, Supersport and Supertwin classes to catapult himself to 25 career wins.

Dunlop arrived on the Isle of Man with a seemingly refreshed focus - immediately setting unofficial lap records in qualifying. Come race week Dunlop upped the pace once more; winning his first Superbike race since 2018, and setting his fastest ever TT lap of an average speed of 135.046mph. In the Supersport class Dunlop also broke new ground, with a stunning first-ever 130mph lap - something previously thought impossible.
 

Not to be outdone, Peter Hickman reminded fans why he is a force to be reckoned with around the legendary 37.73 mile mountain course - achieving a double victory in the Superstock class. 
Hickman had initially struggled with technical issues with his Monster Energy FHO Racing BMW M1000RR - however in a stunning turn of skill and determination Hickman simply rode through the issues to take a podium in the opening Superbike race. For those that missed the specifics - Hickman raced the opening six lap race - with intermittent front brakes, a broken quickshifter, and heat issues which were slowly burning his right foot. No mean feat in a race spanning 226 miles on ordinary roads.

In addition to winning the second Supertwin race, and joining the newly established 130 mph club in the Supersport category, Hickman went on to take his third Senior TT win - bringing his career tally to 13 victories overall - putting him 9th on the all time winners list, one victory behind the legendary Mike Hailwood.
 

Just behind, road racing legend, and second on the all time winners list - John McGuinness, enjoyed a solid 2023 TT fortnight, placing fourth in Superbike opening qualifying, and eventually finishing 7th in the Senior TT. Australian double British Superbike champion Josh Brookes also marked his return after a five-year absence by standing on the rostrum for the first time by taking third in the Supertwins and improving his fastest lap to a creditable 132.529.

If all that wasn't enough, Unknown Industries and Luke Woodham tore up the pre-race grid, while Paul Hewitt of Black L’Amour Barbers, tattooists Mica Dori and Izzy Inks, as well as the Monster Energy Evening of Speed kept the paddock lit. Keep scrolling to see the top-three class-by-class medal count from TT 2023, and don't forget to read the reaction from Hickman, Dunlop and McGuinness recorded straight after the Senior TT by clicking here.
 

Supertwin Race 1: 1. Michael Dunlop, 2. Mike Brown, 3. Jamie Coward
Supertwin Race 2: 1. Peter Hickman, 2. Pierre Yves Bian, 3. Josh Brookes

Monster Energy Supersport Race 1: 1. Michael Dunlop, 2. Peter Hickman, 3. Dean Harrison
Monster Energy Supersport Race 2: 1. Michael Dunlop, 2. Peter Hickman, 3. Dean Harrison

Superstock Race 1: 1. Peter Hickman, 2. Michael Dunlop, 3. Dean Harrison
Superstock Race 2: 1. Peter Hickman, 2. Michael Dunlop, 3. Dean Harrison (8. John McGuinness)

Superbike Race 1: 1. Michael Dunlop, 2. Peter Hickman, 3. Dean Harrison (6. John McGuinness)
Superbike Race 2 (Senior TT): 1. Peter Hickman, 2. Dean Harrison, 3. Michael Dunlop (7. John McGuinness)