THE TT IS BACK: ARE YOU READY?
Speed, danger, and skill levels beyond comparison.
Speed, danger, and skill levels beyond comparison. In the heart of the Irish sea lies one of the most revered motorcycle racing courses on the planet. We say ‘course’ because it’s not a circuit in the normal sense. 37.73 miles and 200 corners of regular roads are what create the legendary Isle of Man TT Mountain Course.
The riders that sign on to compete at the TT, throttle their machines to over 200mp/h while dodging stone walls, kerbs, trees and lamp-posts; which on any other day of the week are just background vistas for the school run, work commute, or grocery trip.
Make no mistake about it; this is no ordinary race, and these are no ordinary riders.
When Nine-time motorcycle World Champion Valentino Rossi visited the Isle of Man during race week of the 2009 TT, and witnessed 23 time Isle of Man winner, John McGuinness, break the then outright lap record, to win the event’s opening Superbike race, Rossi said: “now I understand why people love this so much. Because it’s f**king awesome; it’s unbelievable. To take a superbike flat out to the limit here you need to understand how to ride, but you need two great big balls! It’s like nothing else I have seen before!”
At the time McGuinness completed the six lap race in a staggering 1:46.07 seconds to take the win, and cover 226 miles (363km). Take a moment to think about that. That’s the equivalent to racing from London to Liverpool, or Paris to Brussels, or even New York to Washington, on twisty back roads in just under two hours - including two pit stops.
It goes without saying that every time the TT goes live it is a special occasion. However this year - in 2022 - there's an extra buzz in the air. After two years of cancellations - due to the global pandemic - the TT is back in full force. If you aren't already planning to, here are six reasons you need to check it out…
UNBELIEVABLE RACING
Over a six lap race of the TT Mountain course, riders cover 226 miles, at absolutely mind blowing speeds. What’s even more remarkable is that given the race distance involved, the TT has seen some of the closest finishes in motorsports history; amounting to literally only a split second between the final podium positions. The racing is so close during each TT, it is almost impossible to choose a standout moment. However one moment regularly picked out was during the 2012 Monster Energy Supersport race Kiwi TT legend Bruce Anstey beat Cameron Donald by 0.77 seconds after a edge of the seat for lap race (150 miles!). Anstey was on the receiving end later in the week when Ryan Farquhar pipped him for third in the second Supersport race by 0.01s!
LIVE COVERAGE
The Isle of Man TT races will make history in 2022 as it streams full and uninterrupted live coverage for the first time ever exclusively through its new digital channel TT+.
With a 115 year history of making and breaking records, the ushering in of a new digital offering at the TT is a huge moment. Full live coverage of the TT will be available to fans around the world with coverage beginning from the first newcomers’ wheel turning along Glencrutchery Road on Sunday 29th May until Friday 10th June when the Milwaukee Senior TT trophy is lifted aloft at the end of a breath-taking fortnight of motorcycle racing.
MCGUINNESS THE RECORD BREAKER
The man, the legend, the Morecambe Missile. John McGuinness, MBE, lines up for his 100th Isle Of Man TT start this year. Not only is McGuinness the most decorated living rider in TT history - with a current win tally of 23 victories across nine different classes - he is also a multiple record holder. He has no less than 12 outright lap records, and is the first man to lap the TT Mountain Course at an average speed of over 128mp/h, 129mp/h, 130mp/h, and 131mp/h. His TT debut was in 1996, and his first win came just three years later in 1999. What’s more, with 47 podiums from 99 race starts, you can be sure McPint - as he is affectionately known to his fans - will feature at the sharp end again this year. A chance to see a living legend doing what he does best!
MCGUINNESS THE RECORD BREAKER
The man, the legend, the Morecambe Missile. John McGuinness, MBE, lines up for his 100th Isle Of Man TT start this year. Not only is McGuinness the most decorated living rider in TT history - with a current win tally of 23 victories across nine different classes - he is also a multiple record holder. He has no less than 12 outright lap records, and is the first man to lap the TT Mountain Course at an average speed of over 128mp/h, 129mp/h, 130mp/h, and 131mp/h. His TT debut was in 1996, and his first win came just three years later in 1999. What’s more, with 47 podiums from 99 race starts, you can be sure McPint - as he is affectionately known to his fans - will feature at the sharp end again this year. A chance to see a living legend doing what he does best!
THE DUNLOP DYNASTY
Few riders embody road racing more than Michael Dunlop. The 33 year old from Ballymoney in Ireland is the leading light of the Dunlop racing dynasty, which started with late and great Joey Dunlop - the most successful rider of all time - who had 26 TT to his name. Michael is utterly fearless and razor sharp around the Mountain Course, and few can even come close to the speed and style emanating from this Northern Irish racer. An fearsome competitor on the road; if you are looking for a badass with a incredible back story to cheer for - you’ve found him.
MONSTER ENERGY EVENING OF SPEED
Get set for an evening of speed like no other, on Wednesday June 8, hosted by four-time Speedway world champion Greg Hancock. Chatting everything from mindset and travel, to life on the limit; the Californian Speedway legend will be joined by an incredible lineup from a huge mix of racing disciplines, including 3x FIA World Rally and Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg, 23x TT winner John McGuinness, MotoGP Legends Hall of Fame member Randy Mamola, 2021 British Superbike Champion Tarran ‘Taz’ Mackenzie, 3x World and 7x British Speedway champion Tai Woffinden, British and European Drift champion Steve ‘Baggsy’ Biagioni and drift and Gymkhana sensation Luke Woodham. Further guests will be announced closer to the show time.