[Closed] The 2018 IOM TT thread

Can't see past Dunlop now he's signed up for Tyco.

Seriously considering whether to go as foot pax just for a day or two, as my 11 year old is bike mad.  Sadly the other half won’t let me take him on back of R1 yet ☹️

Not followed that closely in recent years but feels like McGuinness may be past his prime, and let’s face it has nowt left to prove.  Dunlops, Michael especially, are proper nuts!!

I'll be there again on my pushbike for a few days.

Main protagonists on the Superbikes? Michael Dunlop,Hickman, Harrison & Brookes.

It would be fantastic to see McGuiness take the Norton to victory but he only hung up his crutches the other week,so there's a big doubt over his fitness. Hutchy's still on crutches...

In the 600's McGuiness is riding a bike built for him by Michael Dunlop.

The Suter V4 two stroke is back again, with Ian Lougher on board.

I'll be returning for the Manx GP/Classic TT week in August.Like lots of people I prefer this to the TT, I'll be on my Street Triple for that week.Last year Brookes got within 5 seconds of Hislops fastest lap on the Norton rotary before it expired.He's on it again this year against a host of RC30's,ZX7's & other early nineties superbikes..

Sadly Dan Kneen lost his life last night in Superbike qualifying. He'd been going very well in practice too.

i saw the death of Dan Kneen mentioned on instagram this morning, but nothing on the BBC pages which i found surprising. I'm just a casual Moto fan but Its a hell of a blow to read non the less. The guys who do this are incredible.

It's on the BBC website. Another rider was in a collision with a course car that was attending to Dan Kneen, airlifted to hospital but no further updates.

Awful news last night

Usual nonsense from the BBC this morning on R5, reported Dan's death, but nothing else about him. Same every year, no interest in the place at all until someone dies. Completely disrespectful.

Rest in peace Dan.

I've just been reading that Steve Mercer has sustained serious injuries after a crash with the course car that had attended Dan Kneels crash.

Mercer's wife Caroline wrote on social media: "I'm sorry to say Steve has sustained serious injuries this evening following an accident on his way back to the Grandstand.

"He has been flown to Liverpool where he will be assessed further to ascertain the full extent of his injuries."

Seems like a very lively start for the wrong reasons. Utmost respect to everyone that does this amazing event.

And RIP Dan. That was a hell of a qualifying lap he had put in. Over 132mph.

Ah man, didn't teareal it was Steve Mercer that was down. Hopefully he pulls through.

Looks like Dean Harrison is topping all the superbike qualifying. 133.462mph on Tuesday.

That's impressive.

Dan Kneen & Connor Cummins are the two high profile Manx riders so regarding the event, losing one of them will put a shadow over things.It's devastating for Kneen's family & friends,but with the TT being what it is the other teams & Kneen's team mate (Michael Dunlop) will all line up giving it 100% every time they're out there.

If you don't know there was another incident last night in the same practice session,involving one of the Superbike riders colliding with a Course car on track near Balacrye,the rider was airlifted from the scene.

McGuiness obviously isn't riding as his leg cracked again, & William Dunlop withdrew for personal reasons & is taking time out aiming for the Ulster GP

We get the overnight ferry tonight,mates on pushbikes,me I'm walking this time.We don't take the motorcycles as the place is over run with Go Pro wearing Power Ranger's,(there'll be more incidents involving the Power Ranger's than the actual racer's)

Mad as the event is,if you're a fan of bike racing it should be on your 'Bucket List'.I just hope the sun's out,last year was a wet affair...

I’m flying over on Tuesday with my youngest to watch on the Wednesday then back home Thursday.

Not been since the early nineties and will feel odd not being on a bike!

Have booked into the grandstand as we’re only there for the day - a far cry from my Mad Sunday days - used to be up early for a couple of 7am laps then park up and watch the crashes!!!

Quite interested to see what the TT zero is like.

Those Mugen Zero's are quick!

Last year the commentator said the fastest Zero was faster through the speed trap than any Supertwin!

I've also read that they're very heavy compared to a petrol engined bike.

I'm going over on the Saturday 10pm ferry with the MTB's and returning on thursday.  My fifth year in a row.

Gutted about Dan Kneen, he was one of the riders i followed and really believed he had a good shot a podium, and even possibly a win this year. Its been a while since one of the top riders lost their lives. I believe that Steve Mercer is on the verge of retiring, so really hope this isn't one TT too far.

The way things are going there will a 134 mph lap as the course will be well rubbered from the forecast good weather. Difficult to look past Harrison and Dunlop at the moment, with hillier, hickman, johnson, cummins making up the podium places. Hutchinson seems off the pace, which is understandable, so i dont thing he'll figure as the TT has come too early for him.

Will be a strange TT with McGuiness, Anstey, W Dunlop, G Martin and now Dan Kneen missing

True, feels like a generation shift this year.

Been a fan of Bruce for years, not heard much recently, but what I have heard wasn't great.

Fingers crossed.

Didn't know about Bruce being ill, that really is a shit stick for him and his family to deal with.

RIP to any riders and visitors who leave or have left us 😞 this year.

Rusty Spanner
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Awful news last night

Usual nonsense from the BBC this morning on R5, reported Dan’s death, but nothing else about him. Same every year, no interest in the place at all until someone dies. Completely disrespectful.

Rest in peace Dan

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We stayed at his parent's holiday cottage last year and I asked his (step) dad how the hell they cope with him (and his brother) riding. He said it was difficult but they just immerse themselves with helping out.

Really sad news and my thoughts go out to his family.

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Now this is a controversial opinion I know - but maybe its time the TT made some significant changes to reduce the amount of deaths.

It's a really tricky one. I don't see how, other than stopping it or slowing it down. I don't think there will be much enthusiasm for either from the participants or the spectators (including myself).

and how do you do that on a 37.75 mile road circuit?

The riders know the risks yet they choose to compete.

Now this is a controversial opinion I know – but maybe its time the TT made some significant changes to reduce the amount of deaths.

I think this gets discussed most years when somebody dies, sadly it doesn't seem possible on a road circuit as it would mean removing every kerb, dry stone wall and creating a safe runoff on the fast corners. Essentially creating a race track and then it wouldn't be road racing, it would be short track racing.

I guess its time the collective had a sensible conversation about it and I'm not the man to make those decisions.

But to put it in perspective - if 3 GP riders were dying every other round we'd be up in arms about it.

To answer your point teenrat - yes they know the risks, however if you are a pretty average supersport racer in the UK and someone drops £50k down every year for you to head off round the island, perhaps that pays your mortgage for a few years you might put the risks to the back of your mind.  No one has a gun to their head granted, but neither are people lining up to sign 'X' rider to ride BSB or SBK every weekend and a 'safer' wage.

My point of view is controversial - I am a fan and (have been) a circuit racer, my father named me and my sister after places on the circuit so my enthusiam for bike racing is life long.  However - F1 and MotoGP changed and reduced the deaths to practicaly zero and the fans didn't leave - there is no reason the TT would finish, just because the race is changed.

Just checked - From the TT and MGP - 59 people have died competing since 2000.

How does that figure compare to other sports over the same time frame? Not looking for a straw man argument just interested. Deaths in rugby, football, boxing and even athletics.

It’s an argument which has been had many times over - rightly or wrongly the death of another racer this year won’t change the debate.  The reality is that it wouldn’t be allowed anywhere else (Irish road circuits aside) and the reason why it continues I am sure is largely down to the dependence of the islands economy on it.  I think there have been suggestions of building a short circuit in the past but I just don’t think people would put the effort in to visit for that.

Having said that I don’t think the inherent risks of road racing should blind us to the fact that where it can be made safer it should be...

The money on offer for most people who race there is negligible so I don’t think that has any bearing on the matter.

Well you would only compare deaths while competing at an actual event surely?

then you would have to adjust to deaths per 100 competitors?

im not an expert, clearly.

however, none of these guys are forced to do it, it’s up to them if they compete.

and the islanders (by all accounts) love the event, so let them carry on i say.

i am very much an armchair fan, but it seems to me that it is inherently dangerous, and if anyone doesn’t like it, well they don’t have to watch.

Gets done every time someone unfortunately dies. Road racing has, is, and always will be, very dangerous, and everybody involved knows this. Some people are drawn to this type of sport, and if the TT isn't there, I'm sure they'd find something else to do. My heart goes out to the friends and families of the people who die, but most of them admit that you'd never be able to drag the riders away.

I have stated my opinion on the T T for many years, hate it. To many deaths and serious injuries. I personally know 5 people who were killed or badly hurt on the Island.

I would ban the big bikes, just too fast now.

Yes I know people always say you can’t stop the racers from wanting to do it, fare enough but you have to save people from themselves sometimes.

I know there are deaths pretty much every year, but hadn't realised the extent of deaths over the years on the course!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Snaefell_Mountain_Course_fatalities

uselesshippy - Unfortunately a similar argurment was used in F1 and GP motorcycle racing in the 60s and 70s and it did change.  Both sports are far more sucessful since those changes.

5% of racers going out for the TT wont come home in 1 peice.

You're right, the racers love it and the families wouldn't want it any other way - These guys dont have a death wish, none of them are wanting to kill themselves round there - ALL of them believe its not going to be them.  They are not going to take up an equally high risk sport because the TT is no longer running in the same way.

I wonder how far the electric bikes have come in performance this year, last year they were pretty good so hoping they will be easier and faster this year.

TV coverage is ITV4 9pm as usual..

You can't make it safer, you either have to cancel it or let it run. Given there is virtually bugger-all prize money, it's hard to see how the riders are there through sponsor or financial pressure.

my father named me and my sister after places on the circuit so my enthusiam for bike racing is life long.

I'm hoping that means Michael and Helen rather than Bungalow and Gooseneck.

Thems that take part know the risks, so do their families. If you don't like it or agree with it, then ignore it. People throw themselves out of perfectly good airplanes every day in the name of hobbies/past times/sports, whatever you want to call it and nobody bats an eyelid. Make it a motorbike and it's all "won't somebody think of the children"

As I'm sure you can guess, I love it. I don't want to see anyone killed or injured, but at least they died loving what they did, not sat in an office doing something they hate for a person they despise. We should all be so lucky

Watched TT Blues last night. I don't ride but am a fan. Even so, to put the mortality rate into perspective, it's about the same rate as climbing Everest. That's high for a participation sport.

Only just realised the Palace Lido is gone!  Shows how long it’s been since I was last there!  Had some wild nights in there - Dr Feelgood and Steve Gibbons band in particular stand out (not that I remember much of them)...

For me it was always about the vibe as much as the racing.

How awful is Jodie Kidd at presenting. Talk about reading from a script

News today seems slightly more positive for Mercer so let’s hope he pulls through OK.

Seems he was riding (wrong way) back to grandstand when he collided with the course car.  The inherent danger of road racing is one thing, but I have to say this seems unacceptable.  A new red flag process has now been put in place with all riders staying where they are until collected.

Tomboy, that was my big concern when I heard. There is no way a rider should be able to come into contact with a course vehicle. I think race control and the marshals do a fantastic job but there was obviously a flaw in procedures there. RIP Dan and best wishes to Steve Mercer and both families.

Jesus H Christ. And I thought Mick Doohan was nails...

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/motorsport/44083363

I see the TTZeros are doing well again, but my oh my that Uni Of Notts Bike is minging.

Holy shit. That bbc link

Not impressed with the itv4 presenters this year, Jodie Kidd... Just goes to show it's not what you know...

Change of production company, MCN has it here:

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/sport/tt-road-races/2018/march/tt-jodie-kidd-and-matt-roberts-lead-new-tv-line-up/

Real shame, as Parrish and Witham had it nailed.

Yeah, I’m not keen on the presenting line up either. But, well I’ve met Jodie and she’s really lovely to chat to.. and she does know her motorsports.. She does seem and bit “wooden” in this stint though.

Pre-race programmes have been good, warming up for race week nicely.

I hadn't realised that Whitham has been battling cancer for the past year.

Without posting any race spoilers......blimey, Harrison's opening lap was mind bending!

James still did some of his BSB work with a woolly beenie on and no eyebrows, he looked proper grey but credit to him he kept on doing what he loves.

Jodie Kidd doing everything she can to be ruled out of getting the Top Gear job. She really is abysmal.

I saw Jodie last w/e in the paddock. She couldn't string a sentence together. Swearing like a Trooper was her highlight.

Road racing is ****ing amazing. The allure for road bike riders is almost addictive. Far closer than F1 fans or moto gp.

Yet top short circuit riders won't do it. It's too dangerous.

I used to want to do it, was going to, but a rule change at the time prevented me. Now 13 years later I'm glad.

There are other safer ways of finding that buzz.

This is controversial, but  how many road racers do well on short circuits? Those that do tend not to ride the roads much longer.

No disrespect to road racers. I mean it. I love them all. But more years, brings more questions, and the value of human life just becomes that bit more prominent.

People make the comparison between IoM and F1 in the sixties and seventies, and I'll tell you what I see as the difference - for  F1, the danger and loss of life was seperate and unecessary to the sport, but the very nature of real road racing is that risk to life is very, very real. For a Jackie Stewart or a Niki Lauda (and the majority of drivers of the era) , that risk was unacceptable and both cars and tracks had to be changed - for anyone that races superbikes on the roads, the risk should be mitigated as much as possible but the sport is fundamentally limited by the roads it races on - accept the risk or not. It saddens me inordantely every time someone passes, but I applaud and fully support the right of racers to race where they choose.

@Rich_s.  thanks for that link.    My view on the TT is, make it as safe as is practical but let them ride.  So much of life is sanitised but this isn't and its worth the cost for those that ride.  Its tough when it all goes wrong mind.

Comparing road racing and road racers to short circuit racing doesn’t seem to me to be relevant.  The two are completely different disciplines, with different skill sets and mental attitudes required.  Road racers are used to keeping something in reserve, so it’s not surprising they often struggle on short circuits.

This doesn’t apply to Michael Dunlop of course who just strikes me as an out and out loon!

This is controversial, but  how many road racers do well on short circuits? Those that do tend not to ride the roads much longer.

Fogarty & Hislop were pretty handy but I suspect that you're largely correct.

pondo

People make the comparison between IoM and F1 in the sixties and seventies, and I’ll tell you what I see as the difference – for F1, the danger and loss of life was seperate and unecessary to the sport, but the very nature of real road racing is that risk to life is very, very real.

If I recall correctly (going by the BBC doc) weren't people indifferent or opposed to making F1 safer at the time because it was seen as a normal part of the culture? A lot of the tracks were on roads or partial road and circuit. Is it the road circuit aspect that you're describing as intrinsic and necessary or is it the danger?

for anyone that races superbikes on the roads, the risk should be mitigated as much as possible but the sport is fundamentally limited by the roads it races on – accept the risk or not. It saddens me inordantely every time someone passes, but I applaud and fully support the right of racers to race where they choose.

I support people's right to do dangerous sports if they wish, but the TT (and similar road racing events here in Ireland) make me uncomfortable for a couple of reasons. When people die (as they inevitably do) the outpouring is almost always the same, he knew the risks, died doing what he loved etc, ride on forever etc etc but I don't entirely buy that and the line has to be drawn somewhere.

Children, especially younger children can't possibly understand or condone what their fathers are doing and the extent to which wives/partners want their husbands to race vs tolerate it will vary.

Not all deaths are glorious, and not all sacrifices are meaningful. If a rider died at every World Cup Downhill race would it be acceptable to the wider fan base? If not why not.

What's the upper acceptable limit for deaths at a road race like the TT? One to five seems tolerable. What would happen if 15 or 16 riders die? Right it off as a bad year and try again next year?I wouldn't seek to ban it, or tell people not to do it but I think the bikes are now far to fast for the courses and road racing culture has to be honest with it's self about the importance of what they are doing vs the risks.

Couple of good interviews with Dunlop and Hutchy on the guardian website this week

I like the new footage. Cameras and helicopter shots are from different places, and the shots from the helicopters really show the angles and shape of the roads.

Much better.

Commentary is a bit bleak, but they’ve got to warm up into it.

Peter Hickman is the fastest short track rider of the current top 5 TT riders. He’s had a few BSB wins and is as fast as anyone on his day. Michael Ritter used to be one of the top BSB riders and Hutchy was pretty useful on a supersport or superstock bike in BSB. It must be difficult to switch between the two disciplines as pushing a 100% and falling off several times a year is the norm on short circuits, but you don’t want to come off once in the roads.

Partially in response to Jim  jam as a motorcycle rider who once tried to fling himself around the isle of man I absolutely understand the addiction. If I had not got married had kids etc I am sure I would have given it a serious go.

The IOM TT is the last great test of a human beings abilıty to step in to the arena (in the first  world any way) and risk your life in pursuit of glory.

I have had the piss taken out of me in previous years for stating this  on here but hey ho no one rides the IOM for money .....

The IOM layes bare the "softness" in all of us, for me Ian Bells death last year really hurt as i had known him for many years, but I doubt he would have swapped one minute of the island for a life less ordinary.

Apples and oranges innit?

Rea faster on a Superbike than the GP riders. What could he achieve on the roads?

Hizzy was faster than Vale at Brands in 2002.

Was lucky to be at the Gooseneck in '92 for the  Hizzy v Fogarty epic.  I really don't want to see anyone going harder on road or  track. Robert's crash that year.

I can't watch the North West, it's just too much. A big mess of a race,  too brutal and your just waiting for someone to die.  Robert Dunlop's death and Michael's win just finished that for me.

Dunno why the TT is different, but it is. Bruce talking about feeling weak after chemo five minutes before the start, DJ, Joey on the lightweights showing what class and experience can do,

Hailwood, Steve Wynne and that Ducati.

Meeting Dave Molyneaux buying a sandwich and him being amazed at being mobbed by a bussload of Japanese tourists.

Ian ****ing Hutchinson.

I admire GP racers, but the road guys are the best of us, a breed apart.

oldmanmtb

The IOM TT is the last great test of a human beings abilıty to step in to the arena (in the first world any way) and risk your life in pursuit of glory.

That's your perception, and of course you're entitled to your opinion but outside of the road racing scene it's just a motorbike race. People involved/fans of in a given sport will romanticise it.

The IOM layes bare the “softness” in all of us, for me Ian Bells death last year really hurt as i had known him for many years, but I doubt he would have swapped one minute of the island for a life less ordinary.

Again, I wouldn't petition to ban it, motorsports are fun, risk and danger are part of it but does death have to be a part of it? There will always be men who push everything to the limits to prove they are the best at something, it's not always wise to give them a platform.

Well the little 600’s are flying along 😳

New lap records... ☄️🥊

Having raced on the roads in Ireland and the Iom for a few years  I know the attraction. But having decided to give it up after a bad year at the southern 100 Im so glad I did.

As now when I look at my kids I realise what a selfish **** I was.

I love the sport but feel very sad when the next one dies. I really feel for the family.

Rusty - small world - I too was at the gooseneck in 92!!!  In fact that was the last time I was there - until tomorrow that is.

The IOM TT is the last great test of a human beings abilıty to step in to the arena (in the first  world any way) and risk your life in pursuit of glory.

It's a test of that perhaps but very far from being the last activity in which humans risk their lives in pursuit of a goal.

135.452mph lap for Hickman. The TT has gone up a level this year and produced record lap times in every discipline that will probably stand for a while as the course was in pristine condition. Not even Dunlop could live with that pace in the Senior!

I've been going over for a few years now and this one was the best- coupled with some excellent mtbing on the racing rest days.

As well as Hickmsn, Harrison and Dunlop, much praise should go to Davey todd and Sam west who had consistantly good results. Todd is one to watch in the future.

Bonkers racing, best of the weather for years and they’re loving it.

Why was the Zero racing hated so much? A few of the riders were not keen on riding them even though this year they were way faster and looked like they were smooth...

Those Mugens looked fabulous, I’d like to see them increase the laps to two at least next year.

I  like the TT ZERO racing,it's new technology & the Isle of Man is one hell of a proving ground.

From a spectators point of view,the spectacle is less because they're almost silent.You can hear the Norton popping & banging on the over run then howling on the throttle,the 675 Triumph's howl,the fours scream,especially the 600's.The 'Supertwin's' make that old school twin cylinder drone & then you get the Zero's.No one will be making a audio tape of the Zero's going through Kirk Michael on full throttle...

I think the riders aren't so keen because racing a motorcycle powered by a electric motor is very very different to riding something powered by a internal combustion engine & swapping bikes must take a lot adapting regarding acceleration & braking points.

Some of the riders appear to have been bitten by the Zero bug, McGuiness is very keen on them likewise Guy Martin

From what I've read & listened to,the Mugen's are the most expensive bikes over there,also after making a few enquiries the other year as to why the Mugen's were ridden by Honda riders it turns out that both companies are linked  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mugen_Motorsports .

As a middle aged bike fanatic my favourite bike over there was the two stroke Suter V4 580,hearing that thing on full gas out of Quarter Bridge & the aroma of quality two stroke oil after it went past was proper nostalgia.

That was one amazing Senior! So good I watched it twice.

Searched but can't find what was up with MD, anyone know?

Great racing, but terrible presenting/commentating.

Filming/editing seemed off as well.