Isle of Man TT Races

The Isle of Man is a self-governing British Crown Dependency, located in the Irish Sea between the islands of Great Britain and Ireland  For over a hundred years the island has been home to two weeks of motorcycle racing referred to as The Isle of Man TT Races.  It is a series of motorcycle races run on ordinary roads, a real "road racing" venue.  


 
 





This type of racing is still very popular with several other events held in Ireland and the United Kingdom.  These races were for many years part of the International Grand Prix Circuit but were deemed too dangerous by the riders and were dropped from the championship series.  What is too dangerous?  In 107 years, over 240 people have lost their lives while participating in the race or in practice for the race.  In one year alone six people were killed, this year there was one fatality. 







The course is 37.7 miles of twists, turns and changes in elevation as it winds across the island.  Races are usually 3 or 6 laps depending on the race.  A typical 6 lap Superbike race on the island covers about 226 miles and the average speed for those miles is 130 MPH which includes two pit stops.  Top speed is around 190 MPH, imagine hanging on to a bike for over a hour and a half at those speeds.





 


I got to watch the race from Nobles Park and from Craig na Baa as well as walk the paddock. I had seats at the start/finish line grandstand and could watch the bikes taking their pit stops too.



Of course no motorsports event would be complete with the Paddock Girls.

 

  
A few other interesting things about the island, people from here consider themselves to be Manx and have their own language.  This is also the place where Manx cats originated.  It is a beautiful island full of friendly people and home to one of the greatest motorsports event in the world.








Here are a couple of great links to some TT video...

TT Video 1

TT Video 2





TJ at the IOM TT