The Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) Races is a legendary event in the world of motorsport, celebrated for its daring spirit and rich history. Since its inception in the early 20th century, the TT has become synonymous with high-speed thrills, innovation, and a deep connection to the heritage of motorcycle racing. This post takes a deep dive into the history of the Isle of Man TT, exploring how it began and evolved into the iconic event it is today.
The Beginnings: A Race Born of Necessity
In the early 1900s, Britain’s stringent speed limits posed a challenge for motorsport enthusiasts. The Isle of Man, with its own government and laws, offered a unique opportunity: roads without speed restrictions. Seizing this advantage, the Auto-Cycle Club (now the Auto-Cycle Union) organized the first Tourist Trophy race in 1907.
The inaugural event was held on the St. John’s Short Course, a 15-mile loop where riders competed over 10 laps, totaling 158 miles. Two classes of motorcycles took part: single-cylinder bikes and twin-cylinder machines. The winners, Charlie Collier (single-cylinder) and Rem Fowler (twin-cylinder), became the first names etched in TT history.
The Move to the Mountain Course
In 1911, the TT relocated to the now-iconic Snaefell Mountain Course, a 37.73-mile circuit that remains the backbone of the event. This move marked the beginning of a new era. The longer and more challenging course tested riders’ skills to the limit, solidifying the TT’s reputation as one of the toughest races in the world.
The first winner on the Mountain Course was Oliver Godfrey, who triumphed in the newly introduced Senior TT category. His average speed? A groundbreaking 47.63 mph—a pace that seems modest today but was revolutionary at the time.
Post-War Resurgence
No racing took place during World War II, the Isle of Man TT returned in 1947, signaling a new chapter. The post-war period saw the emergence of dominant riders like Geoff Duke, who won six TT titles in the 1950s, and brands such as MV Agusta, which revolutionized racing with their advanced multi-cylinder machines.
As speeds increased, so did the stakes. The TT became known not only for its excitement but also for its inherent risks. The challenging course, with its narrow roads and minimal safety features, demanded absolute precision and bravery from it's competitors.
The Golden Age of the TT
The 1960s and 1970s are often considered the TT’s golden age. During this time, legends like Mike Hailwood and Giacomo Agostini left an indelible mark on the event. Hailwood, often referred to as "Mike the Bike," is remembered for his extraordinary skill and his remarkable comeback in 1978, winning the Senior TT after an 11-year absence.
Agostini, a 15-time world champion, famously won 10 TT titles before stepping away due to the growing safety concerns surrounding the event.
The Split with the Grand Prix
By the 1970s, the TT’s reputation for danger began to clash with its status as a World Championship event. In 1977, the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) removed the TT from the World Championship calendar, citing safety concerns. However, the TT continued as a standalone event, further cementing its identity as a race for purists and thrill-seekers.
Centenary Celebrations
The centenary year of the Isle of Man TT attracted a global audience, with John McGuinness thrilling fans by setting a new TT lap record of 130.354 mph during his victory in the Senior TT, bringing his title count to 13 after winning the opening Superbike race.
In 2008, McGuinness matched Mike Hailwood's record of 14 titles with another Senior TT victory, though the spotlight shone on Australian Cameron Donald, who claimed victories in both the Superbike and Superstock races and narrowly finished second to McGuinness in the Senior TT, one of the event's closest races ever.
McGuinness moved into second place for overall TT victories in 2009, behind only Joey Dunlop, with a Superbike race win. Ian Hutchinson impressed with two victories in a single day, while Michael Dunlop claimed his first TT win in the second Supersport race, continuing the Dunlop family’s legacy. Local sidecar legend Dave Molyneux also earned his 14th victory in the first sidecar race, and Steve Plater triumphed in the prestigious Senior TT. History was made with the inaugural TTXGP electric bike race, won by Rob Barber on the Team Agni machine with a lap of 87.434 mph.
In 2010, Ian Hutchinson made history by sweeping all five solo races in a single TT, a feat never before achieved in the event’s 103-year history, surpassing Philip McCallen's record of four wins in 1996.
The 2011 TT celebrated the Mountain Course Centenary and saw John McGuinness return to form with victories in the Superbike and Senior TT races after a winless 2010. Other standout performances included Kiwi Bruce Anstey winning Supersport 1, Michael Dunlop taking the Superstock race, and first-time winner Gary Johnson securing Supersport 2. In the sidecar class, Klaus Klaffenbock claimed his third career win, while John Holden became the oldest TT winner with his victory in the second race.
In 2012, while the Senior TT was canceled for the first time, McGuinness added Superbike and Superstock wins to his tally. Michael Rutter made history by achieving the first 100 mph lap in the TT Zero electric bike race on the MotoCzysz machine. Michael Dunlop secured a single win in the second Supersport race.
2013 belonged to Michael Dunlop, who dominated with victories in four of the five solo races. McGuinness set a stunning new lap record of 131.678 mph during the Superbike race and capped off the fortnight with another Senior TT victory, solidifying his legendary status.
