Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) Race The History of the TTFrom iomtt.com:
The History of the TT
As the Isle of Man TT Races enter a second centenary, the future looks bright for one of the greatest tests of motorcycles and riders in the world.
The current strength of the festival is testament to the efforts of all those involved in the 100 years of excitement, glory, exhilaration, triumph and tragedy which have made the TT what it is today.
For two weeks of every year the eyes of the world focus on the Isle of Man – the jewel of the Irish Sea – as the finest road racers on the planet pit their skills against the 37¾ miles of public roads that form the legendary TT circuit.
The way was paved for the TT by the Isle of Man’s 1904 law allowing roads to close for the Gordon Bennett car trials. With road closure and speed limit laws preventing a much-wanted British motorcycle race on UK roads, the organiser, the Auto Cycle Club, turned to the Isle of Man and, in 1907, the TT was born.
The first races ran on the St John’s course, a 15.8-mile circuit in the west, and four years later motorcycles moved to the legendary Mountain Course.
Little did the pioneers of those early years know of the legacy they were creating, an unbelievable test of strength and courage which would become as legendary as the illustrious names it would feature.
In the halcyon days when motorcycle racers were household names and the TT was the pinnacle of the international two-wheel calendar, the entry list read like a who’s who of motorcycling legends: Woods, Guthrie, Simpson, Duke, McIntyre, Surtees, Hailwood, Ubbiali, Agostini, Redman, Read.
When the TT lost its world championship status in 1977 many feared it was the end, but, instead, the event emerged as a haven for real road race specialists eager to make their mark on the Mountain Course, the most challenging and demanding circuit in the world.
The TT continued to attract, and forge, motorcycling heroes. Grant, Rutter, Hislop, Fogarty, McCallen, Jefferies and McGuinness came to the forefront, but one name stood out - Joey Dunlop.
Undoubtedly the greatest, Joey conquered all as he scored a record-breaking 26 victories. The Ballymoney man arguably did more for the TT races than any other rider, becoming synonymous with the event and an ambassador for the TT.
Throughout its history, the TT has seen rules and regulations change. From the Twins and Singles classes of 1907, through the advent of classes for 125cc and 250cc machines to the 2005 changes that saw Superbike, Supersport and Superstock classes adopted.
Over the years records have fallen, legends have been made and tens of thousands of loyal fans have made the annual pilgrimage to the Road Racing Capital of the World – and long may it continue!
Saturday May 291820-1830hrs – Solo Newcomers’ controlled lap
1830-1955hrs – Solo untimed practice
2000-2015hrs - Sidecar Newcomers’ controlled lap
2015-2050hrs – Sidecar untimed practice
Monday May 31st1820-1955hrs – Solo practice
2000-2050hrs – Sidecar practice
Tuesday June 11820-1955hrs – Solo practice
2000-2050hrs – Sidecar practice
Wednesday June 21820-1955hrs – Solo practice
2000-2050hrs – Sidecar practice
Thursday June 31820-1955hrs – Solo practice
2000-2050hrs – Sidecar practice
Friday June 41820-1955hrs – Solo practice
2000-2050hrs – Sidecar practice
Saturday June 5th1200hrs - Superbike TT Race 6 laps
1500hrs - Sidecar TT Race 1 3 laps
Monday June 7th1045hrs - Supersport TT Race 1 4 laps
1415hrs - Superstock TT Race 4 laps
Wednesday June 9th1045hrs - Supersport TT Race 2 4 laps
1315hrs - Sidecar TT Race 2 3 laps
1630hrs - TT Zero Race 1 lap
Friday June 11th1230hrs - Senior TT Race 6 laps
Isle of Man Promotional VideoA Lap Around the Isle of Man
Topic: Isle of Man TT 2009 June 2010 *SPOILERS* (Read 258 times)
