Isle of Man TT2011 30th May-10th June *SPOILERS*

[Mothers Worry]

Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) Race

The History of the TT

From 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!

Isle of Man Promotional Video

A Lap Around the Isle of Man

On the internet:

Official Site

[Mothers Worry]

2011TT Schedule

Monday May 30th to Friday June 3rd - Practice

Solo sessions are schedule from 18.20 to 19.55 and Sidecar sessions from 20.00 to 20.50 each day.

Practice Solo sessions are schedule from 18.20 to 19.55 and Sidecar sessions from 20.00 to 20.50 each day.

Saturday June 4th

12.00 - Dainese Superbike Six Laps
15.00 - Sure Sidecar TT Race 1 Three Laps

Monday June 6th

10.45 - Monster Energy Supersport Race 1 Four Laps
13.40 - Subaru Demonstration Lap
15.15 - Royal London 360 Superstock Four Laps

Wednesday June 8th

10.45 - Monster Energy Supersport Race 2 Four Laps
12.45 - Sure Sidecar TT Race 2 Three Laps
15.00 - SES TT Zero Race One Lap
16.00 - Subaru Demonstration Lap
16.45 - Arai Parade lap

Friday June 10th

10.45 - Yamaha 50th Anniversary Parade Lap
12.15 - PokerStars Senior Six Laps
14.50 - Subaru Demonstration Lap
16.15 - Milestones of the Mountain Course Parade Lap


May 27-28th

Pre-TT Classic, Billown Circuit

June 11th

Post-TT, Billown Circuit

[bpratt]

Great posting MW.

It's certainly a big thing this Tourist Trophy every year there, and it seems sort of funny to see races of only 3 and 4 laps... at least until you realise the length of the track.