Here’s Why The Isle Of Man TT Is Still The Most Bonkers Road Race On The Planet

Iom Tt Races
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This might be a surprising statement to some, but the best asphalt race on earth right now might not involve cars. While Le Mans is known as a feat of endurance and Formula 1 is generally considered the pinnacle of motorsport, nothing on asphalt currently comes close to the Isle of Man TT for insanity. We’re talking about motorcycle road racing along a twisting 37-mile mountain course where riders see average speeds well north of 100 mph. If you need any help picturing what that might look like, watch this.

So how did this madness all start? The way many races do: It was meant to break free from the long arm of the law. Back in the early 1900s, Britain had a low national 20 mph speed limit for automobiles that essentially forbade motor racing. Hang on, automobiles? Isn’t this a bike event? Well, yes, but stay with me. In 1904, the Automobile Club of Great Britain sent its secretary to the Isle of Man in hopes that the Manx people would have a more permissive view on motor racing, and it worked. In 1904, Tynwald (the Isle of Man’s parliament) approved motor racing on a 52.15-mile circuit of public roads via legislation. How cool is that? For the inaugural event, the Gordon Bennett Elimination Trial’s grid consisted exclusively of cars, but by 1905, the bikes started showing up for a race of their own — the International Motor-Cycle Cup Race.

Isle Of Man Tt 2 Scaled

According to the TT’s website, “The inability of the bikes to complete the steep climbs of the mountain section led to the race being redirected and it didn’t return to the Mountain Course until 1911.” Motorcycles of the time just didn’t have the juice to traverse the Manx terrain, so, a plan was hatched to move bike racing to a smaller, flatter course with a new event called the International Auto-Cycle Tourist Trophy. Of course, the smaller course and the original name could only last so long. For 1908, the event name was changed to the International Motorcycle Tourist Trophy, and the name was changed again in 1909 to the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy. In 1911, motorcycles returned to the mountains, kicking off the legacy of the Isle of Man TT we know today.

These days, the Isle of Man TT breaks down to five classes of machinery: Superbike, Supersport, Superstock, Supertwin, and Sidecar. Superbike bikes are pretty much king of the hill, pushing more than 200 horsepower from modified one-liter engines. The Supersport class includes extensively-modified 600 cc four-bangers and 675 cc triples, your Honda CBR600RRs and whatnot. Superstock bikes are relatively similar to literbikes you can buy straight off the showroom floor, with stock engines, frames, and electronics. The record in this class is held by Peter Hickman on a BMW S1000RR, which isn’t surprising as that’s an insane bike. As for the Supertwin bikes, these are lovable heavily-modified oddballs, with 700 cc two-cylinder engines pushing in the neighborhood of 90 horsepower. Still fast, but not outrageous.

Wait, what about Sidecar class? For starters, Sidecar doesn’t need the “super” prefix because anyone hanging out of a sidecar at Mach Jesus is already a superhero. These machines feature bespoke chassis and incredible teams of riders and passengers working together to set blistering pace. When you think about how the passenger drastically affects weight distribution, it boggles the mind how any of these teams complete the TT in one piece.

So how fast do riders actually go on the mountain course? Well, Peter Hickman broke the overall course record this year with an average speed of 136.358 mph on a BMW M1000RR. Average. Not peak, average. That’s around three miles per hour faster than the average speed F1 cars see around the Canadian Grand Prix circuit in Montreal.

In fact, records have been falling all over the place this year. Michael Dunlop set the Supersport lap record on Wednesday with an average speed of 130.403 mph. It’s the first time the Supersport record has hit the 130 mph mark, and it was a hard-fought record. Peter Hickman was less than two tenths of a mile-per-hour behind at 130.219 mph.

Equally-impressive is how the the sidecar team of Ben and Tom Birchall soared to a new class average speed record of 120.357 mph on June 3, an insane average for a team to hit. Look at how much movement goes on to keep these sidecars stable, it’s like a crossfit class turned up to eleven.

Although the Isle of Man TT is one hell of an event, it’s not without controversy. As you could probably expect, one of the downsides to riding really fast on closed-off public streets is that people die. The course has claimed the lives of 267 racers since 1911 including in Manx Grand Prix events, and deaths are still happening. Experienced TT competitor Raul Torras Martinez died in a crash on the last lap of the first Supertwin race this year.

While arguments persist about the moral implications of such a dangerous race, it’s really a matter of free will and personal responsibility. Professional motorcyclists want to race and are aware of the potential consequences. The money isn’t huge and most racers’ names will never be blue on Wikipedia, but the thrill of steel horse and steel-nerved rider blasting around the island at absurd speeds is likely incomparable to anything else. If riders want to assume the risk, I say let them. Why stop a higher calling?

So, what if you want to attend the TT next year? Well, I have good news for you — viewing the action from most points on the course is totally and completely free. Camping is also dirt-cheap, meaning that if you’re on a budget, you can structure the bulk of your racing holiday’s costs around airfare and sustenance. However, if you want to splash the cash, all sorts of accommodations and experiences are available. You can glamp or book a hotel, buy grandstand tickets, or splurge on all-access hospitality packages. Still, in a world where the best racing events seem to be getting less and less accessible, it’s refreshing to be able to watch the TT on a budget.

Isle Of Man Tt Scaled

With another epic year race week over, the 2023 Isle of Man TT feels like one for the ages. Faster than ever, still captivatingly mad, still a point of identity for a small island in the North Atlantic. Plus, it set the stage for another potential record-breaker next year. Racer Michael Dunlop is only one race win from matching the all-time win record set by his uncle Joey. Will 2024 be the year he matches it?

(Photo credits: Honda)

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38 thoughts on “Here’s Why The Isle Of Man TT Is Still The Most Bonkers Road Race On The Planet”

  1. I’ve been to the TT several times, including this year. It’s an amazing event at an amazing place. I’m not going to debate the morality, I’ll just say that these men and women (yes there are a couple of women) are not doing this for the money or fame – they are doing it for the love of the sport and the competition – as much with themselves as others. Most of the racers who show up to the TT are living in a tent in the paddock for three weeks and know they have zero chance of ever coming close to the podium, yet they make huge sacrifices financially and personally for the opportunity to participate every year. Consider the morality of constraining an individual’s personal freedom because you dont agree with their risk/reward calculus. That said, here are a couple of hints for travel if you decide to go. First, dont take the ferry unless you need to transport a car or bike. It’s about 4.5 hours, and crowded during TT week – a flight from LHR or DUB is less than $100. You -can- camp. It’s also an experience – kind of like the ferry. Although the bus system in the IOM is amazing, it’s still tough logistically without a vehicle. Hotels in Douglas are not that expensive, and Ramsey is even cheaper. On the transportation topic – don’t expect to be able to rent a car or bike. Rentals on the IOM are almost non existant, and no bike rental companies will let you take their bikes from from the mainland into the IOM – and I fully understand why – its a bit of a madhouse – especially the day they close the course for the public to ride. Unless you feel really comfortable riding on the left, while still having enough brain cells left to manage your bike around 100 other bikers with no speed limits, give it a miss. Finally, planning your day is super important. Do the grandstand once, but spend the rest of your time out on course. A great qualifying day plan is to get up, take the train or bus to Ramsey, get a nice breakfast and watch the riders from multiple places in town, then hop on the electric railway and take the train to Mount Snayfell and have a pint at cafe near the bungalow while you watch the riders go by @ 200mph. Make sure you visit the top of the mountain too :). Finally, leave some time to enjoy the island – it’s an amazing and beautiful place – go visit the castle at Peel and climb the hill overlooking the harbour, rent a mountain bike or a dirt bike and explore the 100s of miles of green roads, or jump on the bus and go to the Manx Motorcycle and Car museum – its world class. Regardless, I highly recommend the trip, just be prepared to be sucked in and save all year for that next trip.

    1. Useful info, because if I get I bike in the next few months I am definitely taking it. I probably will go for a glamming package otherwise it’s a lot of gear to pack.

  2. So the old Rocker gets out his bike

    to make a ton before he takes his leave.

    Up on the A1 by Scotch Corner

    just like it used to be.

    And as he flies — tears in his eyes —

    his wind-whipped words echo the final take

    and he hits the trunk road doing around 120

    with no room left to brake.

    And he was too old to Rock’n’Roll but he was too young to die.

    No, you’re never too old to Rock’n’Roll if you’re too young to die.

  3. While I could put together a twins bike and I’ve been riding for the better half of a century, I’ve never had sufficient skills for such an endeavour nor the ability to convince myself I did. I don’t think anybody goes into the TT thinking they could die, but most will acknowledge people do get killed.

  4. It may not be my jam, but I know this challenge speaks to those that do it. I am sure they are aware of the risks. At the same time, PPIHC dropped the motorcycle classifications for far fewer deaths.

  5. As far as “bloodsports” like Isle of Man TT, there are many. Think free-solo climbing, massive wave surfing, BASE jumping, etc. Even many “combat sports” are included.

    In my opinion, these participants as a rule do NOT have a death wish or are feeble-minded but obviously they don’t have formed brain inhibitions in place like a common human. They understand the rush and are compelled to compete regardless of “entertainment value” or financial gain.They will intensely train for their event and go to extremes to limit as many risks as able.

    There’s a reason that there is only one of these races in the world. Any others wouldn’t be socially tolerated and besides would dilute it.

    If some find the race appalling, then they will not watch it and will not advertise it to others. Meaning if you leave it alone, it won’t get attention and just get bigger. It’s once a year.

    For the feverish fans of Isle of Man, they will go home to their “boring” lives having lived vicariously through the thrills of the racers. They felt the intense rush of death chances without any risk to themselves at all and they will soon forget all about it until next yearanyway.

    The banning of the race will not stop people from searching to participate or to watch the ultimate “vicarious” experience of near death.

    1. I wouldn’t put free-solo climbing on the blood list. The number of deaths from free soloing are pretty low compared to mountaineering (where the biggest risks are probably things like avalanches and weather related) and climbing in general. I used to free solo climb, and I would put at it at less risky than even road bike racing and training, more aggressive types of mountain biking, and backcountry skiing. I’ve never and won’t ride motorcycles due to the risk, keep my speed in check on mountain bikes, and haven’t done much road biking since texting became a thing, but I free soloed a lot of rock climbs that were within my limit back in the day.

    2. “obviously they don’t have formed brain inhibitions in place like a common human”

      The “common human” also happily smokes and uses his phone while going 100 kph in traffic, nvm the health risks that come with too many calories and too little exercise which are demonstrably and significantly worse than riding a motorcycle fast once a year.
      Humans in general are very good at pretending bad things only happen to others and I’m not sure any of us have a right to judge other people for that kinda thinking.

  7. I have a motorcycle licence and feel I’m letting the tribe down by never having been. I’ve not ridden for a few years but being fifty this year has made me realise if I don’t get a bike again soon, I never will. Nothing insane (I’ve done the Japanese sports bike thing and couldn’t work out why my back was killing me all the time) and I don’t really know when I would ride. Apart from to the TT of course (next year – this years road trips are Ferrari based and European, if the fucking thing doesn’t bankrupt me in the next couple days).

    if this doesn’t make you want to go, nothing will:
    https://youtu.be/TU7-sdJARLo

    1. Jesus, the wobble as the back wheel lands before the front is terrifying. I’ve always wanted to learn to ride a motorcycle, but I’m old enough to be self-aware enough to know the temptation to pull shit like this is too strong to resist, so I’ll never buy one!

      PS Good luck getting through the next couple of days; it’s like opening a restaurant, right? If you can make it through the first year of Ferrari ownership, you’ll be all right (…so my mechanic tells me)! Looking forward to the next installment of your woe documentation.

      1. Like sports greatest injuries, it always looks worse in slo-mo, and generally bikes are VERY good at sorting themselves out. I had a nineties Yamaha YZF750R (way before it was Sadwood cool) and you REALLY had to wind it up (like literally shift your grip on the throttle and grab another handful). Modern bikes have traction control, wheel spin control, ABS so you’re no way going to get into trouble unless you want to.

        I would imagine most places do like a taster session. It really is the most fun you can have with your clothes on, provided it’s not raining.

        1. I have a 90’s ZX7R, had it 20 years, and compared to modern bikes it’s both slow and very easy to fall off of. Through a combination of observation and extreme cowardice I’ve managed to avoid falling off it, but I’d love a bit of ABS and traction control.

          Of all the 90’s race reps it’s the only one that’s not become cool, which I suspect is because I have one.

          1. I remember those very well, as it’s about the time I started getting into bikes, and yeah their rep wasn’t great at the time. Not as sharp as a Fireblade and not as loony as a GSXR. My YZF didn’t quite have the motor being a 750 and the Suzuki RF900, was, well what the fuck even was that.

            1. I’m sure I read somewhere that the RF900 (and 600) were styled to appeal to car drivers.

              Specifically car drivers who wanted Ferrari Testarossa fins everywhere.

              1. I had a spell in hospital about five years ago, and in the evening when I would sneak outside for a smoke (the nurses turned a blind eye because, well you know exercise) there was an RF900 parked outside, so someone on the staff was using one regularly. Luckily I had my phone so I was able to snag pictures, I hadn’t seen one for YEARS up to that point, and I don’t think I have since.

    2. Since I flagged On Any Sunday recently, this is a great chance to flag the other classic moto documentary Take it to the Limit, just for the amazing segment where Brit TT god Mike Hailwood narrates the course while riding it at full speed. Simply incredible.

  8. I have a friend who’s from the Isle of Man who’s had me hip to this since we were teenagers. It truly is one of the most intimidating, bonkers events in motorsports and frankly I’m a little surprised it still exists today. People lose their lives pretty much every single year, but I’m certainly not going to decry anyone willing to take those risks themselves, as I certainly would not be and just completing it means you’re eternally enshrined in the big cajones hall of fame.

    Not much else comes to mind that can match this in regards to horrifying motorsports events for me personally…although I will say that the Nurburgring 24 Hours certainly seems like its own circle of hell, albeit several above the TT. But I mean…the danger and adrenaline are a huge part of what attracts us to motorsports in general. I’m not sure if there’s a greater adrenaline rush on the planet than this.

    1. “Cajones” are boxes (also the kind that is used as percussion instrument), or drawers (as in a cabinet). What you mean is “cojones”.

      1. Fair enough! I was too liquor soaked in college to remember too much of my Spanish courses…which makes the fact that I got As the entire way a bit concerning

  10. my understanding of why its held on Mann is because an act of parliament was needed to close a public road in england (and wales and scotland) but not so much in Mann (ref http://www.iomtt. com).
    also, the senior tt is not only twice the length of the other races, but is yet another class of bikes: essentially superstock (1000cc) with slick tires.
    Hickman (forza bmw!!), Dunlop and the Birchalls dominated both weeks, 10 wins between them.
    it’s been a bonkers few weeks in motorsports: monaco gp, indy 500, iom tt and 24hrs of lemans (the last two finishing up this weekend).

  11. It’s crazy and wonderful and dangerous and enthralling all at once. Easily the biggest balls in any sport, period. A wonderful heritage that goes back to the dawn of the automotive age.
    But yeah, death sucks. Falling off of your race bike and skidding across a well-designed runoff area is terrible, but most Moto GP riders walk away from that. Going head first into the brick wall of a chemist’s or haberdashery is 100% goner.
    Sometime in the future it will probably be banned, so enjoy it while it lasts.

  12. Just make it illegal. Don’t do a racing event with guaranteed yearly deaths. I don’t care if everyone’s voluntarily signing up, don’t care if they think they need death race to give meaning to their lives. It’s a bad event and shouldn’t be celebrated or publicized.

            1. i’m in general agreement with that ecological perspective, but frackle’s argument is about safety – free will be damned.
              here’s a different example: about 100 hunting deaths per year in usa, should that too be banned?
              brian ash has put forth an admirably succinct retort to frackle.

    3. I just watched the movie Cocaine Bear. And spoiler alert, there was quite a bit of death and impromptu amputation. I was entertained.

      I don’t know how I feel about attending an event where there is a good chance – if I pick the right spot – to see real death and/or impromptu amputation. I might even become a participant if I watch too close to the fire.

      I can’t speak for the riders who must get an adrenaline rush when cheating death – or a morphine rush while waiting for the meat wagon in a bloody lump by the side of the road.
      But I’m reasonably sure I don’t want to be a spectator. Look, I enjoy a good spinout or some rubbin’ is racin’ a the auto races. But I don’t want to see anyone killed. For that reason, I limit my bloodlust to Hollywood productions.

      On the other hand, if you want to cheat death or die trying on a fast motorbike, then by all means, give it a go. In a world where government wants to step on your neck to keep you from killing yourself or your mom says, “Don’t do that. You’ll put your eye out,” it’s good to have a place where the powers that be say, “take a risk. We won’t stop you!”

    4. You’d wear a bicycle helmet to ride around your driveway, except that you were too afraid to learn to ride on two wheels. Let them do what they want – why is it a bad event?

  13. Dakar & TT are the craziest races and hopefully they continue forever. Don’t know if there’s any other racer I have admiration more than those that compete in the TT. It’s a part of many racers contracts that compete in motorcycle series, whether they are allowed to compete or not. It used to be part of the FIM championship until many riders didn’t want the danger risk of running it in order to be able to be competitive in the championship. How the Isle of Man community supports it is impressive.

  14. Great piece on this anachronistic but mesmerizing event!

    For a another good Canadian’s take, Mark Gardiner’s book Riding Man is terrific – he decides at mid-life he’s going to do it, ride the event with the big goal of simply not coming in last. He wonderfully details his year spent preparing, including living on the Isle and biking the course every day in an attempt to learn it.

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