Tag Archives: Isle of Man TT

Recapping TT 2023 thus far and previewing what is still to come

2023 Isle of Man TT

Monday Recap

With Ben McCook


Now that the Superbike TT is over, we finally have a chance to catch our breath. The past seven days have been intense and Monday’s rest day provides some much-needed respite for all involved.

Parc ferme at the IoM TT

Fans have sizzled trackside while riders have toiled in the summer heat. Records have been smashed and history has been made. TT ‘23 has come to the boil and a day off gives everyone a welcome chance to simmer down and gather their thoughts.

Right from the start of practice it was clear that lap records never stood a chance this year, especially with the island basked in Mediterranean conditions. Resurfacing on the run to Sulby and at Tower bends has allowed smoother, faster riding.

The Department of Infrastructure or ‘Bun Troggalys’ (as they are known in Manx Gaelic) have been busy during the winter months and that has been reflected in the lap times.

Dunlop with the Supersport TT trophy

Of course, the riders are also pushing bloody hard, which helps. The holy-trinity of Dunlop, Hickman and Harrison have been visibly fast wherever you have seen them on the course. All three have looked so aggressive and determined, yet smooth with it. Quite rightly, they are making all the headlines and receiving the plaudits.

Such is their dominance, you could quite easily forget that there is a whole field of riders plugging away behind them, each on a personal mission, fulfilling life-time ambitions and creating their own history.

Three of that supporting cast are Aussies and they’ve each been having a tough time trying to tame their machines so far.

Davo Johnson is away at No. 1 which for some can be a great honour but for others, a poisoned chalice. Unless the first man away is on race winning pace from the outset, he is the rabbit for the dogs to chase and can quite often be mercilessly hunted down.

David Johnson – Image Jim Gibson

Unfortunately for the Adelaide man, set up issues have hampered his progress on his favoured Fireblade Superbike and he struggles with his size on the smaller 600.

Johnson dubbed the Supersport contest the ‘mini-bike race’, stating that he would be happy with a top-eight which is exactly what he got. So, it’s not all bad… the 40-year-old is still collecting silver replicas and has time to turn things around.

Davo Johnson

Hopefully the Jackson Racing boys (who are receiving help from the injured Lee Johnston’s crew) can crack the code and put something more stable under him for the later big bike races with Davo searching for shock settings that will get him comfortable enough to really press on.

There’s no doubting that he can recapture his 2019 form if they can. Pre-Covid, Davo stuck a Fireblade on the podium in the Stock TT before going on to win the Superbike race at the Classic TT.

Josh Brookes has been plugging away on the FHO BMW, quietly going under the radar and getting back up to speed. The double British Superbike champion hadn’t taken part in the TT since 2018 (and that was on the much-maligned Norton).

Josh Brookes – Image by Jim Gibson

Much has been made of Hickman’s stability woes with his Superbike and Brookes is riding for the same team, but he’s been tight-lipped on any issues he may be having… However, Josh is in a different situation in that he won’t be expected to push the envelope far enough to smash lap records and win races, and he is riding a Superstock bike across all the big bore contests and not the full fat fire-breathing monster that Hickman has underneath him.

A solid seventh today equates to a good start to the week and Brookesy will enjoy another go during the Stock TT tomorrow before getting onto the little Dafabet Kawasaki later in the afternoon. After so many years away, he would have to be happy if he took home a fresh bundle of silver replicas for the collection.

Peter Hickman – Image by Jim Gibson

Poor Rennie Scaysbrook has had a torrid time. He eventually split with Wilson Craig after a disastrous practice week. Thankfully, the Kibosh BMW team stepped in at the last minute to save the Pike’s Peak winner’s TT.

Unfortunately, an electrical fault put Scaysbrook out on the fifth lap of yesterday’s Superbike TT, “It was like someone had pulled the plug out of the wall…

Rennie Scaysbrook

Rennie did the warm-up lap and so was actually on his seventh lap of the day when it all came to an end. But it will all be welcome track time for the the Aussie who only raced in the shorter Supersport races last year, and he at least now has something to build on.

Other stories of the day include Dominic Herberston’s first 130 mph lap. The Northumberland arborist was absolutely speechless when told his lap time after the big six-lapper. “Say that again,” was all he could muster when Beth Espey relayed the news post-race.

Those who are familiar with Herberston’s “Chasing the racing” podcast will know just how much joining that 130 club means to him… they will also be aware of the significance of him being described as speechless.

Michael Rutter – Image by Dave Gibson

Herberston had a race long battle on the road with Michael Rutter and his wailing RCV. It was quite the sight to behold, with Herberton coming home eighth and Rutter eventually finishing ninth.

Austria’s Julian Trummer became the fastest ever rider from continental Europe when he clocked a lap of 128.14 MPH during the SBK race. “What a day! … We’ve known this for a long time, now it is on paper,” he quipped.

Dominic Herberston – Image Jim Gibson

Trummer came home a respectable 18th in the big race. Germany’s David Datzer, Italy’s Stefano Bonetti and Spain’s Raul Torras Martinez will be gunning for that time for the rest of the week now that Trummer has laid down the marker.

The local Manx rider’s are having no luck and were down to the bare bones by Sunday morning. The injured Nathan Harrison was ruled out before the event began after a heavy crash at the NW200 and Conor Cummins ended up on a drip in hospital mid-practice week due to a mystery virus.

The Padgett’s rider will be hoping to be fit enough to take part when racing resumes on Tuesday, but it’s an unfortunate situation for him and the local fans. The only Manx man to finish the SBK TT was Michael Evans from Santon.

If there is one man who could possibly gate-crash the Dunlop-Hickman-Harrison party, it is Cummins’ team-mate; Davey Todd. Coming into the event, based on his performances at the North West 200, many would have believed that the Saltburn rider was a genuine challenger.

Davey Todd

Indeed, in the early stages of the Superbike TT he headed Hickman, circulating in third before retiring in the pits with bike problems. Todd scored a slightly lacklustre fifth in the opening Supersport contest and it will be interesting to see if he can make the leap and get in amongst the hustle and bustle of these high-speed podium battles.

As things stand, James Hillier and Jamie Coward are fighting it out for fourth position and hoping to pick up the pieces if the usual podium men should suffer misfortune.

Jamie Coward – Image by Jim Gibson

John McGuinness plugs away behind them. Although it’s unlikely McPint can get in amongst the lead men, he is showing that he can still do the business and is absolutely deserving of a factory Honda, despite being in his 50s.

For many it’s a great privilege to see a man who set the bench mark for so long still out there lapping as fast as he is.

John McGuinness

But for now, the island sleeps. Monday will see some teams frantically strip and rebuild motors while other enjoy some down time and relax; the roads will be open all day and some sort of normality will return to the Isle of Man for 24 hours.

We do it all again on Tuesday with the Stocks and the Twins… Surely Dunlop can’t win them both? Can he?

Source: MCNews.com.au

New Safety Management System for TT Mountain Course

Isle of Man TT


The Isle of Man TT’s new Safety Management System (SMS) has been unveiled, aiming to drive safety performance, and safeguard the future sustainability of the iconic event, a move likely aimed at proactively fending off pearl-clutchers who are increasingly closing down anything remotely dangerous.

IOMTT Superstock Peter Hickman
Peter Hickman on his way to Superstock TT victory at the 2019 Isle of Man TT

The SMS ushers in a new, systematic approach to managing risk, encompassing organisational structure and policies; hazard identification and mitigation; third party assurance; and the promotion and communication of standards.

All areas of the event have been subjected to careful review under this new process, which is designed to ensure unnecessary risks are mitigated. To fans watching worldwide the SMS won’t always be noticeable, but to teams, riders and those working on the event its introduction marks the beginning of a significant change in culture.

Supersport Qualifying - Isle of Man TT 2018
Supersport Qualifying – Isle of Man TT 2018

A range of new initiatives resulting from the SMS will be rolled out in time for TT 2022. Changes will be delivered across much of the organisational structure, bringing numerous benefits and further investment to a number of areas, including race management; regulations and standards; accident response and investigation; marshalling; medical provision; and paddock infrastructure.

TT Production Manager, Nige Crennell, has led the SMS project. Nige joined the TT organisation in 2018 after a career in the RAF, first as a Tornado pilot and more latterly in aviation risk management. Working with a range of stakeholders across Isle of Man Government and the wider TT organisational network, Nige took full advantage of the two-year hiatus to start the journey and ensure that when the TT resumes in 2022, it does so from a much stronger position.

Nige Crennell – TT Production Manager

“For the TT to be sustainable in the long term we have to be able to manage effectively the risks associated with the event and protect against reputational damage. This isn’t about making sure that everyone is wearing the right kind of hi-vis jacket. It’s about clearly defining roles and responsibilities. We want to be confident that everyone involved is doing their job to the best of their ability and has all of the tools and training required to do so.”

Josh Brookes
Josh Brookes – 2018 Isle of Man TT

Fellow Manxman, Doctor Gareth Davies, has also played a significant role. Doctor Davies is one of the Chief Medical Officers for the TT and, until very recently, was head of London’s Air Ambulance, leading teams in the response to London’s major incidents: the Paddington, Southall and Potters Bar rail disasters, the 7/7 bombings, and the terrorist attacks at Westminster and London Bridge. Whilst Doctor Davies will continue with the TT’s own Air-Med provision, his decades working in Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine (PHEM) have helped to shape much of the project.

Gareth Davies – Chief Medical Officer

“It’s been an incredible process and one I’m proud to be part of. There may be some mourning for some of the more outdated and makeshift elements of the TT, but you can’t apply professional excellence without making changes ­– and that’s the business we’re in. There’ll be new generations of TT fan who will embrace what we’re doing and will support it wholeheartedly. I’ll be proud to hand over this new version of the TT to the next custodians, which is all we are.”

The SMS is a comprehensive process without an end point. Below is an overview of the most notable changes planned for TT 2022 and their benefits.

Phil Read winning at the 1967 Isle of Man TT
Phil Read winning at the 1967 Isle of Man TT, with technology coming a long way since
  • Organisational Structure
    • Greater clarity between Promoter, Race Organiser and Governing Body
    • Greater clarity around all roles and responsibilities
    • Greater oversight throughout the new structure
    • Greater consultation and collaboration across the entirety of ‘Team TT’
    • Establishing more effective communication channels between all parties and volunteers
    • Up-scaling the organisational team to mitigate key person risks
  • Course Oversight
    • Race Control redesigned and rebuilt for TT 2022
    • Installation of electronic red flag system, partnering with F1 and MotoGP supplier
    • Bespoke GPS tracking system (Tested at TT 2022, mandatory for TT 2023)
    • Installation of CCTV, giving race control more oversight of the TT Course
  • Marshalling the Mountain
    • Root-and-branch review conducted of role and scope of marshal organisation
    • Closer working relationship with the Race Organiser
    • Ensuring common standards with assets in the UK and Isle of Man
    • New-look marshal training designed and created with key personnel
    • Investment in marshal training, including two new online modules
    • Investment in IMC training tools, including two sidecar fabrications
    • Largest-ever marshal training programme to roll out ahead TT 2022
  • Equipment for Marshals and Medics
    • Investment in Air-Med provision, fitting out helicopters with latest equipment
    • Investment in Air-Med welfare, with provision of new welfare unit
    • Investment in medical response with acquisition of a fast-response vehicle
    • Investment in 60+ marshalling posts, upgrading and replacing equipment
    • Investment in marshal PPE, including essential fire safety gear
  • Accident Response
    • Race Control to gain complete oversight of TT Course
    • Digital red flag system and GPS tracking to aid accident response
    • Air-Med helicopters fitted out for improved medical fit
    • Availability of a fast-response vehicle
    • New common standards applied for marshals training
  • Accident investigation
    • Comprehensive change in culture to accident investigation
    • Improved response to any external enquiry
    • Introduction of a proactive accident reporting process
    • Introduction of an incident lessons timeline (6hrs / 12hrs / 24hrs)
    • Inclusion of pre-accident factors in investigations
    • Analysis of accident timeline and chain of events to drive decision-making
    • Analysis of accident and near-miss data to drive decision-making
    • Collected organisational intelligence to drive decision-making
    • Use of CCTV, in-car cameras and body cams to supplement evidence
  • Rider PPE (Personal Protection Equipment)
    • Increased PPE standards for leathers, boots, gloves and body armour
    • Introduction of FIM helmet homologation standard for TT racing
    • Creation of a technical team, trained for oversight of standards
  • Race Regulations
    • Reduction of starters in each race (50 in 1000cc classes, 60 elsewhere)
    • More exclusive field to drive higher standards and professionalism
    • Change to single start (no longer pairs) for Qualifying
    • Longer afternoon session to open Qualifying, easing pressure on teams
    • Final qualifying moved to the afternoon, ensuring longer preparation and recovery time
    • Single-lap warm-up on race days to give riders feel for course conditions
  • On-Site Care
    • Acquisition of a new, state-of-the-art, medical centre to be located on-site
    • Beginning the journey to establish an event-specific medical code
    • New drug and alcohol protocols (zero tolerance) and testing programme
    • Sports-science research project initiated with University College Isle of Man
  • Rider Welfare
    • New protocols to care for the mental health of riders
    • Introduction of ‘chill-out’ zone, gifting riders time and space
    • Access to trained occupational therapists
  • Pit-lane Operation
    • Larger pit boxes, accommodating four-person crew
    • Fire safety cover for all teams
    • Alterations to pit entry and exit with wireless timing system
    • New railings to assist with the filling of fuel dispensers
  • Paddock Infrastructure
    • Extensive maintenance programme
    • Parc Ferme doubles in size
    • Digital information screens
    • New time-keepers’ units
    • Redesigned winners’ enclosure

Source: MCNews.com.au

Giacomo Agostini: The Man, The Myth, The Legend

Today we celebrate the belated birthday of seven-time 350cc and 500cc world title champion Giacomo Agostini, or “Ago”  – an Italian rider with an unmatched gift for racing. 

According to an article posted on TopGear, young Agostini was born June 16, 1942, in Brescia, Lombardy, where he started his passion for riding in secret. 

His first title was won in 1963 when he snatched the Italian Hillclimb Championship riding a 175cc Moto Morini. 

The successes continued into 1965, where Agostini became a member of the MV Agusta works team. The season saw Giacomo’s first ride for MV, finishing second only to his teammate and mentor, Mike Hailwood. 

With Hailwood scooped up by Honda the following year, Ago became lead rider of MV Agusta – setting the young prodigy up beautifully for what was to be a whirlwind of wins.

Giacomo Agostini riding for MV Agusta

By 1968, Giacomo was hitting uncontested streaks in both the 350cc and 500cc class titles. 

Hit Ctrl + Paste for 1969.

And again for 1970.

It soon became obvious that the man breaking statistical averages across the world was honed in on his game – and perhaps a little crazy, as all riders should be.

Giacomo Agostini, profile picture, 1970.

MoreBikes has a snippet of Agostini recalling the state of the tracks back in his day: 

“We ran because we had a lot of passion, a lot of desire to run. You could not choose, the tracks were what they had, the straw balls were something palliative.”

Agostini’s winning streak was broken only by the crumpling of his bike in the first lap of 1971’s Isle of Man TT. At this point, he had completely cleared the table, winning 26 titles in the 350cc class and 32 in the 500cc class – a mind-boggling 58 titles acquired, in a row, nonstop. 

Ago had two short retirement periods in 1971 and 1972, with his official retirement from the motorcycle scene in 1977, leaving behind a burning hot legacy that still inspires riders today – and Top Gear was right when they said that Agostini’s statistics are insane. 

a close-up photo of the new GSX-s950, in Triton Blue.

Ago took the title of every race he finished, stamping five years’ worth of wins in the record books. 

1966-1972 was when he won seven world titles in a row in the 500cc class, and that’s not counting the seven world titles for the 350cc class garnered 1968-1974.

If we were counting Ago’s win for Yamaha in 1975, that brings the number of world title wins to FIFTEEN.

All told, Giacomo Agostini’s 14-year career saw 223 races; he took the gold home 122 of the 159 times that he made the podium, with 117 inofficial ‘fastest lap’ records tucked under one capable arm, 6 of which are considered official pole positions.

Perhaps Agostini’s quote, translated in 1967 from the Vault, would best describe the Italian’s career and his drive to ride:
“I want to do everything I can – while I can.”

Giacomo Agostini, standing next to the bike that saw many of his successes in the mid to late '90s

For more information on Italians and motorcycles, head over to MotorBikeWriter.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Live TV coverage amidst host of changes for IOM TT 2022

2022 Isle of Man TT to run full video coverage


When I left the Isle of Man after TT 2019 little was I, or anyone else to know just how long it might be before the likes of Peter Hickman, Dean Harrison, Michael Dunlop, Ian Hutchinson and our own David Johnson would lap the Mountain Course again. COVID brought on the cancellation of TT 2020 then TT 2021, and many were starting to question if TT 2019 might actually be the last ever TT held on the Isle of Man.

John McGuinness might not have raced on the roads last year due to COVID but he did contest the Ducati TriOptions Series run at BSB events – Image Dave Yeomans

Isle of Man TT promoters though are determined to adapt, improvise and overcome the recent challenges and have revealed extensive plans to kick-start the TT back into life at TT 2022.

Among the plans for the iconic event is the planned introduction of live TV coverage. A tenative schedule has also been released along with confirmation that the Lightweight TT, a long running staple of TT week, will now have a new name to go with a rewriting of the eligibility criteria for the class to better reflect the current machinery on offer.  The Sidecar class also sees an evolution of its rules and eligibility.

IOMTT Lightweight Michael Dunlop
Michael Dunlop – Lightweight TT 2019

The TT is hoping to provide uninterrupted live coverage of every qualifying session and every race so fans the world over can look forward to two weeks of TT action, with all the stories and talking points – both on and off track – streamed directly to their homes and devices.

IOMTT Supersport TT Peter Hickman
Peter Hickman on the 2019 Supersport TT winning Trooper Triumph 675 Supersport machine – Image Pacemaker Press

Visitors to the Isle of Man will be able to enjoy the richest interactive experience they have ever had, combining the live sporting experience from their favourite vantage point with real time footage from around the course.

Launching in the spring of 2022, the TT’s very own digital channel will be the exclusive home of live race coverage, accessible via the live pass. However, the channel won’t be limited to the TT fortnight with year-round original content that includes an eight-part docuseries and a feature-length documentary film in the vein of fans’ favourite, Closer to the Edge.

IOMTT Supersport R James Hillier
James Hillier

Running from Sunday 29 May to Friday 10 June, the 2022 schedule boasts a number of small, yet noteworthy changes.

Qualifying for TT 2022 once again stretches over six days, with the first qualifying session – a newly expanded session – getting underway on Sunday afternoon. Qualifying then returns to its regular evening time slot for four consecutive nights starting on Monday 30th May.

The final session of the fortnight, however, now takes place on Friday afternoon, echoing the popular Thursday afternoon sessions of the past and giving competitors more time to prepare ahead of racing.

IOMTT David Johnson Superbike Pits HondaImage
David Johnson in the pits on the Superbike at TT 2019

The most significant change is a revamped race-day programme, which will see a single warm-up lap for competitors taking place each morning before racing gets underway. By replacing the midweek qualifying and practice sessions, the change allows for a more streamlined daily schedule with roads opening earlier than currently scheduled.

The biggest changes are to be introduced for the 2023 Isle of Man TT Races, with the launch of an expanded race programme that promises more race days, more races and more opportunities to see that racing.

IOMTT Race Superbike Hickman Johnson
Peter Hickman leads David Johnson

Designed following feedback from thousands of TT fans, the 2023 schedule would see the number of race days increase from four to six and the total number of races increase from eight to ten with the introduction of a second race for the Superstock and Supertwin classes.

Its introduction will coincide with the arrival of a brand-new, additional vessel for the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, increasing travel capacity to-and-from the Island and allowing for more fans to visit the fabled races.

The new Yamaha YZF-R7 will be eligible to race the Supertwin TT

The Lightweight TT will get a new name and a new rulebook for 2022, with the latest regulations allowing both Yamaha and Aprilia to compete in the category for the first time in the modern era. The regulations for the newly badged Bennetts Supertwin TT will permit twin-cylinder machines up to 700cc such as the Aprilia RS660 and the Yamaha MT-07 and YZF-R7.

For the first time, the sidecar class will also be permitted to use 900cc parallel twin-cylinder engines such as those found in the KTM 890 Duke and the BMW F900R. In what will be the biggest shake-up in the class for three decades, the newly eligible powerplants will run alongside the 600cc four-cylinder and 675cc three-cylinder outfits that have long been the mainstay of sidecar racing at the TT.

IOMTT Sidecar Race Holden Cain
New twin cylinder powerplants will join the three and four-cylinder mainstays

For those making the pilgrimage to the Island, the introduction of the TT Fan Park is set to transform rest days and time away from the track by gifting fans even greater access to their heroes. Boasting full and uninterrupted live coverage on the big screen, fans can anticipate two whole weeks of lively entertainment, including live music, signing sessions, games, competitions and more.

Source: MCNews.com.au

Ian Hutchinson hoping to extend Supersport record at TT 2022

New team formed for Supersport tilt at TT 2022

Sixteen times TT winner, Ian Hutchinson, has unveiled the YZF R6 Yamahas of the Boyce Precision Engineering by Russell Racing team he will ride in the Supersport class at the North West 200 and Isle of Man TT in 2022.

“I have been waiting two years to ride these bikes.” Hutchy smiled during a visit to Co. Armagh on Monday. “I managed to test and race one of them at Donington last season but it has been frustrating not to be able to use them for the purpose they were built.

Ian Hutchinson hoping to extend Supersport record at TT 2022

Backed by George and Brian Boyce’s Portadown-based company, BPE, the new Northern Ireland race team is the brainchild of Alister Russell. The Glenavy man was crew chief to Keith Amor, Cameron Donald, Guy Martin and the late, William Dunlop with various teams.

Running my own team is something that I have always wanted to do and I had approached Ian at the end of 2019.” Russell explained.

We had a deal in place for the Supersport races at all of the international road races in 2020. We did the pre-season Spanish BSB tests at Monteblanco and Jerez at the start of the year but five days after we got back to the UK the first Coronavirus lockdown was imposed.”

Macau GP Ian Hutchinson
Ian Hutchinson at Macau 2019

With international road racing wiped out by the virus in 2020 and both the NW200 and TT already cancelled for 2021, Hutchy will ride a Raceways/Edwards Vodka Yamaha R1 in this year’s British Superstock championship but will have to wait until next May to race the R6s between the hedges.

I want to get back to winning at the North West and TT and these Yamahas have everything that I need to do that.” the Bingley Bullet said.

Ian Hutchinson
Ian Hutchinson – TT 2016

The only rider to win five TTs in a single year, Hutchinson is also the most successful Supersport rider around the Mountain course, with eight victories in the class. A three-time North West 200 winner, he claimed his first victory at Portrush in 2006 on a McAdoo Kawasaki ZX-6R.

Having battled his way back to winning ways on both the north coast Triangle circuit and at the TT following his serious leg injury in 2010, Hutchinson’s road racing career was derailed for a second time when he broke the same leg in a fall during the 2017 Senior TT. The Yorkshireman struggled to regain his previous form on his return to action with Honda in 2018-19 but the 41 year old says there is still more to come.

I still love racing at the TT and I know that I can still win there.” Hutchy said.

It breaks me that I’ve missed so many TTs but it is what it is and I’ve still got the hunger to win there again.”

Ian Hutchinson disappears in a cloud of tyre smoke as his celebrates win number three - Monster Energy Supersport Race 2. Credit Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press Intl.
Ian Hutchinson disappears in a cloud of tyre smoke as he celebrates Supersport Race 2 victory in 2015. Credit Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press Intl.

It is that desire to succeed, plus Hutchinson’s vast experience, that made him the number one choice to lead his new race squad, Alister Russell explained.

Ian is a proven winner and probably the most determined rider on the grid after all that he has been through.” he said.

His determination to win is second to none and he can help steer us as a team because he knows what it takes to win. It is up to us to supply him with what he needs and no corners have been cut with these bikes.”

Ian Hutchinson on his way to victory in the 2010 Senior TT on a Honda Fireblade
Ian Hutchinson on his way to victory in the 2010 Senior TT on a Honda Fireblade

The engines of both R6s have been prepared by Yamaha tuning specialist, Marcus Eschenbacher and will be shod with Metzeler rubber. Alongside backing from BPE, the new team will also have support from Caffrey International and Ivan

Source: MCNews.com.au

Own a Joey Dunlop tribute TT racer

A tribute motorcycle to Isle of Man TT racing legend Joey Dunlop who died in 2000 is the highlight of an online auction in his Northern Ireland homeland.

The limited-edition Honda SP-1 was commissioned by Honda dealer Tippetts Motors of Surbiton, Surrey, in the early 2000s to commemorate the Northern Irish racing legend’s record number of Isle of Man TT victories.

The bike which will be auctioned online by Mid Ulster Auctions from 27–31 July 2020.

It has only three miles (4.8km) on the clock, is number nine of only 26 produced.Joey Dunlop Honda SP-1

Joey Dunlop’s TT wins

At the Isle of Man TT meeting in 2000, Joey won the Formula 1 TT, the Ultra Lightweight TT (125cc) and the Lightweight TT (250cc), securing his third career hat-trick and setting a record 26 wins – an achievement that remains undefeated over two decades later.

The Joey Dunlop bike is part of an extensive collection being auctioned on behalf of the family of the late George Miller, a renowned Ardstraw-based motorcycle expert and enthusiast.

Accumulated over the past 40 years, the collection of more than 300 lots comes to market directly from the popular biker’s former business, George Miller Motorcycles, which was established in the late 1970s in the Tyrone village.

Royal wedding Bonnie

Triumph Bonneville Royal Wedding
Triumph Bonneville Royal Wedding edition

Another featured lot in the sale is a limited-edition 1981 Triumph Bonneville, one of only 125 UK models produced.

Dubbed the Royal Wedding edition, it was launched to commemorate the wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles. Other Triumph motorcycles include two 500cc Daytona models and a Speed Twin.

The motorcycle which coined the term ‘superbike’, the Honda CB750F, will also go under the hammer.

Matchless
1951 Matchless G80 500cc

Other models to be auctioned include a BSA A7 500cc twin, an Ariel NH350 Red Hunter, a 1951 Matchless G80 500cc, a Hercules W-2000, and Ehrlich 250 GP.

MUA Director Noel Lennon says, “We’re delighted to be working on behalf of the Miller family to manage the sale of this outstanding collection. George’s passion for all things motorcycles is renowned and that shows in the variety of bikes he acquired that carry with them important historical links, from the origins of the ‘superbike’ to rare and limited edition models.

“George Miller Motorcycles in Ardstraw attracted enthusiasts from the motorcycle community right across Northern Ireland and even further afield. We believe there will be great interest in the collection when it comes to auction.”

As well as motorcycles, a large selection of equipment, gear, parts, and other memorabilia will be auctioned.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Top 5 Motorcycle Computer Games

(Contributed post on computer games)

If you haven’t been able to go for a ride for some time because of the current lockdown, you may consider motorcycle video games as a substitute.

It might not get you outdoors but they can help you to relax and have fun. The following are five of the top motorcycle-themed computer games you can play when you are confined at home or can’t ride for some reason.

MXGP Pro

MXGP Pro from developer Milestone srl was released in 2018 and offers a realistic and definitely challenging motocross racing experience. The game improved on the physics system of previous MX games in the series to make MXGP Pro as close to the real thing as possible. There is no doubt that the game is hard to play. There are tutorials that will help but it will take a lot of practice to get good. A nice feature of the game is that tracks become more difficult every lap as ruts form. Players will have to make slight adjustments to adapt. MXGP Pro has a nice selection of 17 tracks from around the world. You can choose from 4 game modes; Grand Prix, Time Attack, Career and Championship. Career mode offers over 1000 customizable parts for bikes for performance and appearance. MXGP Pro has a steep learning curve but is a great game for real fans of motocross.

Road Redemption

Road Redemption was released in 2017 by developers EQ-Games and Pixel Dash Studios. Those looking for realistic motorbike simulations in a game will probably be disappointed.  It’s a game that combines motorcycle riding and combat with the emphasis leaning more towards the fighting aspects of the game. In Road Redemption the player leads a motorcycle gang across the country fighting all the way. Players have an assortment of weapons they can use to battle other bikers including pool cues, wrenches, shovels and swords. Various guns and explosives can also be acquired. Road Redemption is relatively easy to play with only a few basic commands. As the game progresses you can earn money by completing various challenges such as winning races or committing robberies and assassinations. This money can be used to upgrade your character, your weapons and of course your bike. Road Redemption isn’t a classic motorbike simulation but can provide a lot of fun. You can find more motorcycle mayhem fun at King Billy pokies in Australia playing some of the best casino slot games such as their Bikers Gang slot.

TT Isle of Mann: Ride on the Edge 2

Isle of Man TT 2 game Mike Hailwood Ducati 900Isle of Man TT 2 game

TT Isle of Mann: Ride on the Edge 2 developed by Kylotonn was released this year and features outstanding graphics that accurately replicate the entire 37.73 mile Snaefell Mountain Course. In career mode players advance through a race calendar until you reach the main race. You receive cash for placing well which can be used to upgrade parts. Most of the tracks are fictionally until you reach the main race. Unlike many games TT Isle of Mann 2 also has outstanding audio with realistic wind noise that alters as you pass different objects. The physics of the game are very realistic and there is very little room for error. To be clear this game is challenging and difficult. There is actually an achievement for falling 50 times and is one of the first you will unlock. TT Isle of Mann: Ride on the Edge 2 definitely keeps players on the edge of their seat and gets the adrenaline pumping. This is a must play game for those who truly enjoy realistic simulations.

Trials Rising

Trials Rising released in 2019 comes from developers RedLynx and Ubisoft Kyiv and is the latest game in the Trials series. It features various obstacle courses at different locations around the world in settings like Hollywood, the Eiffel Tower and Mount Everest. Although the physics of the bikes in Trials Rising is realistic the situations riders find themselves in are not which adds to the fun. There are over 100 different levels in Trials Rising. The game has an excellent tutorial that teaches you the tricks and techniques you will need to advance in the game. As with many motorcycle games players can customise their bikes as well as the riders outfit. Players also have the opportunity to create their own custom obstacle courses and share them with other players. An additional feature included in the game is the Tandem bike which can be played in local mode. Two players control the bike with each having responsibility for a portion of the motorcycles functions. Trials Rising is a lot of fun and will provides hours of entertainment.

Ride 3

Ride 3 was developed by Milestone srl and released in 2018. It is the third title in the Ride series. This iteration of the game has a great selection of bikes players can choose from. There are 230 bikes split between 6 different classes; Maxienduro, Naked, Racing, Supermoto, Supercustom and Sport. Each class has its own handling and performance characteristics so players will have to adjust their riding style when changing classes. There are plenty of customization options including aftermarket parts as well as the ability to upgrade components such as the engine and gearbox. Customisation isn’t limited to bikes as you can change your rider outfits as well. There are 30 different locations in Ride 3 with more than 50 different track variations. The game has 3 different physics modes to adjust parameters such as traction control. Ride 3 has a career mode where players compete over a series of events as well as “quick race” and “time attack” modes. If you make a mistake during a race there is an optional rewind feature that allows you to undo it. Ride 3 offers plenty of variety and will keep you engaged and entertained for quite awhile.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Coronavirus panic hits motorcycling

As panic buying sets in over the coronavirus, bans are placed on large gatherings and northern Italy goes into lockdown, motorcycling looks set to be one of the victims.

Despite all the doom and gloom, there is no need for riders to panic and stay at home.

After all, we wear a face mask of sorts, protective gloves and riding a bike puts us in a type of isolation.

We also usually ride out in the country where there is less chance of big group gatherings.

If you are concerned, use your credit card instead of cash when buying fuel and food and make sure to wash your hands thoroughly. And maybe pack your own toilet paper!

Pandemic panic

Meanwhile, the world of motorcycle racing is starting to feel the impact of the coming pandemic.

The first two rounds of the MotoGP in Qatar and Thailand have been abandoned and now the third round in Austin, Texas, on 3-5 April 2020 is under threat as the city moves to prevent crowds of more than 2500.

World Superbikes also cancelled their first round this weekend in Qatar and even the Isle of Man TT, from 30 May to 12 June, could be under threat.

Some of these events may still go ahead for TV only, with no on-site crowds as F1 is considering.

Meanwhile, the Daytona Bike Week festivities are going ahead in Florida as planned.

Bike production

Ducati factoryDucati factory

The spreading contagion in Italy — now the worst affected country outside China — also looks likely to affect production of Aprilia, Moto Guzzi and MV Agusta motorcycles and many motorcycle components.

Their factories are near Milan which is an epicentre of the virus in the Lombardi region which is in virtual shutdown.

There are also factories in the region that make automotive components.

Ducati is in Bologna which is just outside the northern contagion regions of Lombardy and Veneto.

Ducati, Moto Guzzi and Vespa have already closed their museum and factory tours.

While the affects of these shutdowns won’t be felt here for some time, we expect there could be some shortage of parts in coming months.

But that doesn’t mean you panic and start clearing the shelves of oil filters!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Virus travel bans hit motorsports

Travel bans are set to throw international motorsport such as MotoGP, World Superbkes and the Isle of Man TT into disarray this year.

In a rapidly changing world of travel bans, the first round of the MotoGP at Losail, Qatar, this weekend was cancelled yesterday (2 March 2020).

Then Thailand announced it had postponed the second round, but only hours later cancelled the whole event.

The decisions follow the postponement of the 2020 Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix.

Meanwhile, the Moto2 and Moto3 races this weekend in Qatar will still go ahead as the riders were already in the country for testing.

One of the main reasons for the cancellation is that so many riders come from Italy where the contagion has spread rapidly, even causing Vespa and Ducati museums to close.

Ducati museum on Google MapsDucati museum

Travel bans

Qatar has now enforced a two-week quarantine on direct flights from Italy.

That should also affect the World Superikes which is due to be staged there next weekend (13-15 March 2020).

However, there is no announcement yet about that event.

How far the MotoGP and World Superbikes schedule will be affected is anyone’s guess.

The North and South American MotoGP rounds in April may go aead because they do not have travel bans … yet.

But then the MotoGP and WSBK return to Europe where talk of travel bans is growing.

Even the Isle of Man has issued a statement about its TT events from 30 May to 12 June.

Isle of Mann TT Superstock sart travel bansIsle of Mann TT

“The Isle of Man Government is carefully monitoring the Island’s position regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus) with a cross-government working group established to regularly review the changing situation,” organisers say.

“While the threat to the public in the Isle of Man remains low, a number of future contingency scenarios are being considered. This is usual practice and is in line with the WHO advice for preparations in case of a pandemic.

“The risk is low and preparations for this year’s TT remain on schedule. Work will continue as usual in order to ensure another successful TT. 

“The Organisers, in partnership with the Department for Enterprise and the Isle of Man Government and in line with experts in the UK, will continue to monitor the situation.”

If we’re stuck at home with this virus there won’t even be anything decent to watch on TV!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Dunlop on Ducati V4 R for 2020 IOM TT

Michael Dunlop on Ducati


Paul Bird Motorsport (PBM) has confirmed 19-times TT winner Michael Dunlop will race one of the team’s VisionTrack Ducatis at the Isle of Man TT Races this year, with the 30-year-old from Ballymoney in County Antrim signing a deal to race a factory-supported VisionTrack Ducati V4 R in both the Superbike and Senior races at this year’s festival.

Dunlop didn’t enjoy the best of TTs in 2019, but despite finishing in the top six in the Superbike, Senior, Superstock and both Supersport events, he did win the Lightweight TT to add to his tally as the third most successful rider around the 37.73-mile course.

Michael Dunlop VisionTrack Ducati

Michael Dunlop VisionTrack Ducati

Michael Dunlop on the VisionTrack Ducati in testing

He will race his own machines in the Supersport and Superstock events but seven times BSB champions PBM will field the Ulsterman in the two main races as they look to add to their illustrious TT history.

The last time the Penrith-based team contested the Isle of Man TT Races was in 2015 when Ian Hutchinson scored a second in the Superbike TT and a third in the Senior TT as well as winning the Superstock TT race, all aboard PBM Kawasakis, to celebrate the team’s first major foray onto the Isle of Man for 12 years.

That success came after PBM previously contested the event with Ducati in 2003 when John McGuinness took second in the TT Formula 1 race and third in the Senior TT riding the MonsterMob-sponsored bikes.

Prior to that, Joey Dunlop – Michael’s uncle – famously won his last big bike TT for Paul Bird when he took victory in the 2000 TT Formula 1 race onboard a Demon Vimto Honda SP1, just a month before he was tragically killed in a race in Estonia.

PBM and Michael have worked together before when they prepared a Kawasaki ZX-10R for him to win the 2011 Superstock TT. Ducati’s current quickest lap at the TT is 128.717mph by Michael Rutter in 2011.

Michael Dunlop VisionTrack Ducati

Michael Dunlop VisionTrack Ducati

Michael Dunlop

Michael, who rode the machine for the first time at the official BSB test in Jerez, will also race the PBM-prepared VisionTrack Ducati at the 2020 International North West 200 in Northern Ireland during the week commencing Monday 11th May.

Meanwhile, regular Bennetts BSB riders Josh Brookes and Christian Iddon are continuing their Spanish pre-season schedule at Jerez today and tomorrow. The VisionTrack Ducati pairing were at the cutting edge of last week’s tests at Monteblanco, setting first and second fastest times on day one before ending day two with Australian Brookes second fastest and new signing Iddon in eighth.

Josh Brookes VisionTrack Ducati

Josh Brookes VisionTrack Ducati

Josh Brookes
Source: MCNews.com.au