Category: IOM TT - Manx Grand Prix

1. 60-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST TT 100MPH LAP TO BE CELEBRATED AT 2017 CLASSIC TT PRESENTED BY BENNETTS

   Posted on 11:00am Monday 21st Nov 2016

   The 60th anniversary of the first 100mph lap of the iconic TT Mountain Course, one of the most historic moments in the Isle of Man TT Races history, will be celebrated at next year’s Classic TT presented by Bennetts, with the achievement providing the platform for a weekend of motorcycling themed nostalgic entertainment.

   On Saturday 26th August, the clock will be turned back to the time when Scotsman Bob McIntyre made history, recording the first 100mph lap of the 37¾ mile TT Course on his way to victory in the 1957 Senior TT Race.
   
   Appropriately Michael Dunlop, fresh from the first sub 17-minute lap at this year’s TT, which he improved to a remarkable 133.962mph later in the week, will pay tribute to McIntyre’s achievement with a celebration lap, complete with replica kit and on board an identical dustbin faired Gilera which has been meticulously recreated by Kay Engineering.
   
   The tribute lap is set to be the highlight of a packed weekend of entertainment with a heady mix of Castrol induced nostalgia, ear-splitting noise and breath-taking racing, coupled with a packed programme of special events, retro entertainment and classic tunes.

   After a week of qualifying which gets underway on Saturday 19th August, concluding on Friday 25th after the Classic TT Paddock Carnival, the race action kicks off with the curtain raiser – the Bennetts Senior Classic TT - on Saturday 26th August. The corresponding race last year memorably not only saw John McGuinness break his Classic TT hoodoo after four years but also saw Maria Costello MBE joining him on the podium in third place.

   Saturday’s Race programme concludes with the distinctive sound of the 250cc Lightweight machines as they take to the Mountain Course again in earnest.  Last year’s race was dominated by Bruce Anstey and the New Zealander will undoubtedly be the man to beat again, although a number of rivals are expected to emerge in the coming months following the interest that 2016’s inaugural race generated. Saturday’s schedule will also feature a stunning parade of pre-1975 vintage machines.

   Racing rivalries will then be put aside on Saturday evening as the riders mingle with fans at the Classic TT Party. Held in the VIP Hospitality Suite at the TT Grandstand, this year’s event will be all about vintage tea dresses, swing skirts, classic suits and nerd glasses, as the calendar goes back to the 1950s and celebrates the era of Bob Mac. Back by popular demand, the Blue Jays will be providing an authentic soundtrack guaranteed to have fans beating a path to the dance floor, playing all the hits from Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly and many more.

   Sunday sees attention switching from the Mountain to the north of the Island and the VMCC Festival of Jurby. Now firmly established as a highlight of the weekend, the Festival regularly attracts 10,000 fans, many astride a heady mix of unusual, iconic, long forgotten or instantly recognisable bikes as they put their machines on show alongside some of the greatest names in motorcycle racing history.

   Held in the VIP Hospitality Suite, Sunday evening’s RST Classic TT Legends Dinner sees today’s leading TT riders joined by a whole host of legendary names from the world of motorcycling as well as Isle of Man TT history. With tickets now available for either individual seats or complete tables, this is perhaps the ultimate chance for fans to join with so many famous names for an unforgettable evening.

   The action returns to the Mountain Course on Monday 28th August with two more thrilling races: the Okells Junior Classic TT Race and the Motorsport Merchandise Superbike Classic TT Race. Bank Holiday Monday also boasts the colourful Classic Racer Magazine parade of post-1974 classic machines, sure to bring back many golden memories, before the festival concludes with the closing party and prize presentation in the VIP hospitality suite.

   

2. Sheils remains with Cookstown Burrows Engineering Racing for 2017 TT Campaign

   Posted on 10:00am Friday 18th Nov 2016

   Derek Sheils, the man who won two Irish and one Ulster road racing titles this year, has agreed to ride for John Burrows' Tyrone based road racing outfit again for the 2017 Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy and other road races. Another great fillip for the team is the confirmation that Cookstown will continue as title sponsor for an amazing seventh consecutive year.  

   John Burrows said:

   "I'm extremely happy to announce that Derek Sheils will be the lead rider for Cookstown Burrows Engineering Racing in 2017. I'm delighted to have him back as it gives us continuity that we didn't always have in the past. We know Derek, he know the team and the bikes so we are ready to go already.

   "Derek will have Superbike, Supersport 600, Superstock and Supertwins machinery at his disposal for the Isle of Man TT, Ulster GP and the Irish Championship meetings. It has yet to be decided if we will compete at the North West 200. We may field a second rider at certain events if the opportunity arises.

   "Derek won the Irish and Ulster Superbike titles in 2016 as well as the Irish Supertwins crown and also claimed his first International rostrum when he finished second in the UGP Supertwins race. Next year Derek and the team will focus on gaining more International success and we will have a crack at the Irish Superbike, Supersport and Supertwins championships - that would be a difficult hat-trick to achieve but it's a challenge we are up for.

   "Derek joined the 130 mph club at Dundrod this year and I'm confident he can rise to the same mark at the TT in 2017. At both International events Cookstown Burrows Engineering Racing will be aiming to be at the top end of the result sheets.

   "Finally, it's marvellous to have Cookstown giving us their backing once again. Their continued support has helped us go from strength to strength during the last seven years. We will also have substantial support from Hagan Homes and NMT Shipping. Thanks to all the team's supporters without whom our successes would not be possible."

   Conor Cummins, William Dunlop, Steve Mercer and David Johnson rounded out the top ten, having missed out in the morning’s race.

   Hutchinson has now moved to the top of the race for the Joey Dunlop Championship with 70 points and with Dunlop retiring, Harrison movea up to second on 47 points with Dunlop remaining on 45 in third.

   Meanwhile, Dan Hegarty was again the top privateer in an excellent 11th place. Horst Saiger was the second privateer home in 13th overall with Jamie Coward third and 14th overall.

   Hegarty leads the overall privateers table on 50pts followed by Coward on 47 and Saiger 46.

   Dubliner Sheils commented:

   "I had a great year with Cookstown Burrows Engineering Racing in 2016 and I'm delighted to be staying with the team for another campaign. John Burrows has assembled a great crew who are very professional and keep on top of things, when I go out on track I know I will have a great bike underneath me. Winning three titles last year was good but the most satisfying thing for me was my improved International performances and my 131 mph lap at the Ulster GP.

   "Next year my focus will be on getting near the sharp end in every International race I take part in. At the TT I'm aiming for top ten finishes but with the quality in every race I know that won't be easy. I know my package will be good enough but sometimes at the TT you need a bit of luck as well.

   "At home it would be nice to retain the titles I won in 2016 but I will just take each National meeting as it comes. If I win races every weekend then the championships will take care of themselves."

   Derek Sheils will ride the Cookstown Burrows Engineering Racing Suzuki GSXR 1000 Superbike in the 50th Macau GP on November 19th. It will be Sheils' first appearance at the famous Far East race.

    

3. Get up close and personal with the TT Races Legends at Motorcycle Live

   Posted on 9:00am Thursday 17th Nov 2016

   The Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy will be taking centre stage at Motorcycle Live held at the Birmingham NEC from the 19th to the 27th November, with the final day being billed as a special TT Day.

   Visitors to the Isle of Man stand 3H30 in Hall 3 will have the chance to hear the intimate thoughts of some of the leading TT stars as they personally talk through stunning on board laps of the course from this year’s races on the stand’s HD big screen in real time.

   The highlight will undoubtedly be Michael Dunlop who will be voicing his incredible outright lap record from this year, which saw the Northern Irishman become the first rider to post a sub seventeen-minute lap of the TT Mountain Course.

   Others who will be sharing their tricks of the trade include 23 time race winner John McGuinness, Ian Hutchinson, who will talk through his remarkable Superstock lap record lap from this year’s meeting, as well as TT race winners Ivan Lintin and James Hillier. 

   And if you ever wondered what it feels like to race a sidecar around the 37¾ mile course, you’ll get the chance to get up close and personal with the Birchall brothers Ben and Tom, as well as veteran campaigner, and current overall sidecar Champion John Holden, as they give their unique perspective on race winning laps from 2016.

   Signing sessions are planned every day of the show on the Isle of Man TT stand and you will be first to hear the latest news and announcements about the 2017 TT Races and Classic TT Races with many of the riders who made the Mountain Course headlines in 2016 appearing in chat shows with ITV4 commentators James Whitham and Steve Parrish. 

   You’ll also get the chance to discuss tickets, travel and accommodation packages with Regency Travel, the TT’s Official Travel Partner and you can also book your grandstand, hospitality and special event tickets on the newly designed iomtt.com website which will launch on Friday 18th November, ahead of the first day of the show.

   The stand will also have many of the TT and Classic TT winning bikes including Michael Dunlop’s double TT race winning Hawk Racing BMW Superbike, and the Team Traction Control R6 Yamaha machine on which Ian Hutchinson won both of this year’s Monster Energy Supersport Races. The lap record-breaking sidecar machine that the Birchall brothers raced in winning this year’s Sure Sidecar Race 2, will also be on the stand.

   Belgian team Sarolea’s 2017 spec TT Zero machine will be representing the latest technology while nostalgia fans will undoubtedly enjoy the chance to see Team Classic Suzuki’s Classic Superbike TT winning Suzuki XR69 GSXR100 and Valvoline Racing by Padgett’s Motorcycles 250 Honda ridden to race wins by Michael Dunlop and Bruce Anstey respectively at this year’s Classic TT meeting.

   The centrepiece of the stand will be the iconic Senior TT Trophy that has been awarded at every TT since 1907. The trophy’s base is engraved with the names some of the most legendary riders in motorcycle racing history including Stanley Woods, John Surtees, Geoff Duke, Mike Hailwood, Giacomo Agostini, Joey Dunlop, John Surtees, David Jefferies and John McGuinness and you’ll have the chance to have your picture taken with this stunning piece of history.

   The full list of confirmed TT riders to appear during the show is:

   SATURDAY 19th NOVEMBER / OPENING DAY
   Michael Dunlop - James Hillier - Dean Harrison - Josh Brookes - Maria Costello MBE

   SUNDAY 20th NOVEMBER - CLASSIC TT DAY
   Michael Dunlop - James Hillier - Dean Harrison - Josh Brookes
   
   MONDAY 21st NOVEMBER
   William Dunlop - Lee Johnston
   
   TUESDAY 22nd NOVEMBER
   Lee Johnston - Carl Fogarty    
   
   WEDNESDAY 23rd NOVEMBER 
   Carl Fogarty - Michael Rutter - Ian Hutchinson - Maria Costello MBE
   
   THURSDAY 24th NOVEMBER
   Bruce Anstey - Dan Hegarty
   
   FRIDAY 25th NOVEMBER
   Steve Mercer - Jamie Coward

   SATURDAY 26th NOVEMBER
   John McGuinness - Ian Hutchinson - Dean Harrison - Conor Cummins - Ivan Lintin - Dave Molyneux - Tim Reeves - Ben and Tom Birchall - John Holden - Steve Mercer - Maria Costello MBE
   
   SUNDAY 27th NOVEMBER- TT DAY
   John McGuinness - Ian Hutchinson - Dean Harrison - Conor Cummins - Ivan Lintin - Dave Molyneux - Tim Reeves - Ben and Tom Birchall - John Holden - Maria Costello MBE
   

   

   www.iomtt.com

4. DUNLOP WINS THRILLING OKELLS JUNIOR TT RACE

   Posted on 10:00am Tuesday 30th Aug 2016

   Michael Dunlop won a thrilling Okells Junior Race in today’s Isle of Man Classic TT Races presented by Bennetts, the opening race of the day.

   The debate on the start line was focused on the impact of refuelling but ultimately it didn’t prove decisive with Dunlop, who pitted at the end of the second lap prevailing over Rutter, who didn’t.

   The Northern Ireland rider clawed back a deficit of over thirty seconds to take the chequered flag in a new race record for the class of 103.061 (1:27.51.735) for the class, beating Chris Palmers time set in 2013 by over a minute.

   Michael Dunlop in the winner’s enclose later revealed that:

   “The first couple of laps we had a bit of a problem with the throttle but I kept pushing harder and harder. I didn’t think someone as fat as me could win a race like this. I backed off a bit on the last lap once I’d got back in front.”

   Michael Rutter clearly enjoyed the race, despite being pipped on the last lap and said:

   “I rode the wheels off the Honda but couldn’t do anything about Michael. I could see the boards coming down but didn’t want to over rev the Honda. I saw Michael’s face smiling at me on the last lap. It was a brilliant last lap and an awesome race. I kept Michael in the slipstream but couldn’t beat him on speed.”

   Ex GP World Champion Freddie Spencer got the race underway on time at 10.15 with Clerk of the Course Gary Thompson advising that conditions were excellent with good visibility all round the course apart from damp patches at Glen Helen, Ginger Hall and Ramsey Hairpin.

   Dunlop, who topped the qualifying board on the Black Eagle Racing MV Agusta with 102.567, undoubtedly started favourite but Jamie Coward on the Ted Woof Honda Craven K4, brother William riding a Davies Motorsport Honda, Classic Racing specialist Alan Oversby on the Davies Motorsport Honda and last year’s race winner Michael Rutter on the ’72 Ripley Land Racing K4 Drixon Honda all posted 100+mph laps in qualifying.

   As expected Michael Dunlop lead at the opening checkpoint by seven seconds from Rutter but there was disappointment for brother William who retired at Ballacraine on the opening lap. Coward held third place by 2 seconds from Oversby with James Cowton riding a ’62 Honda completing the top five and Cameron Donald, riding the Ripley Land Racing AJS was back in sixth almost ten seconds behind Coward.

   Dunlop moved ahead of Rutter to lead on the road by Ramsey by over ten seconds but behind the leading pair Donald moved into the top five when Cowton retired on the run into Kirk Michael on the opening lap.

   Dunlop maintained his ten second lead with his opening lap of 103.775/ 21:48.864 from Rutter (102.913/ 21:59.836) who in turn had a lead of over 27 seconds from third placed Jamie Coward (100.818/ 22:27.253). Oversby (100.458/ 22:38.31) and Donald (97.794/ 23:08.923) completed the top five with veteran campaigner Dave Madsen Mygdal on the Team Gimbert Racing Honda holding sixth a further 9 seconds back on the fifth placed rider.

   While Dunlop was powering ahead at the front of the field on the second lap, his Black Eagle Racing teammate Dean Harrison was reported to have clutch problems and the Bradford rider duly retired in the pits at the end of the opening lap.

   Rutter edged back in front of Dunlop on the road at Cronk-ny-Mona, reducing the deficit to under ten seconds in the process, and with Dunlop coming into the pits at the end of the second lap and Rutter running straight through, Rutter’s lead was over 35 seconds at Glen Helen on the third lap.

   Coward (102.087), Oversby (101.728) and Donald (100.209) also ran straight through at the end of the second lap with the deficit between Coward and Dunlop reduced by Dunlop’s pit stop. Oversby maintained his fourth place, ten seconds off the final place with Donald over a minute behind Oversby completing the top five.

   However, Dunlop was clearly on a charge on the third lap and Rutter’s lead was down to 23 seconds by Ramsey. Coward was reported as a retirement at Kerrowmoar, which saw Oversby slot into the final podium position, Donald up to fourth and Dan Cooper move into the top five.

   Rutter lead was only fourteen seconds going into the last lap and was down to four seconds by Glen Helen. The Northern Ireland racer duly moved into a two second lead by Ballaugh Bridge, moved in front of Rutter on the road and took the chequered flag by 10.053 seconds from Rutter. Alan Oversby’s last lap of 101.116/ 22:23.294/ clinched third place in an overall time of 101.340/ 1:29.21.268 with Cameron Donald fourth in 98.844/ 1:31.36.622 and Dan Cooper (98.012/ 1:32.23.348) completing the top five.

   Alex Sinclair on the SCS Racing Drixon Honda took the prize for leading privateer finishing 7th overall in 97.531/ 1:32.50.684. Maria Costello followed up her third place in the Bennetts Senior by winning the Phil Read Classic TT Trophy as the first 250cc to finish, overcoming losing four minutes at the start that saw her pushing the machine from the start line when it didn’t fire to finish in 19th overall with 90.755/ 1:39.46.570.

   Cameron Donald on the Ripley Land Racing AJS, took the Peter Williams Trophy fashioned using a genuine titanium con rod from the original Wagon Wheels Matchless Arter. The trophy was awarded to the highest placed AJS or Matchess in the Senior and Junior, with Cameron’s 4th place beating Hefyn Owen’s 11th from Saturday’s Bennetts Senior Classic TT Race.

5. FESTIVAL OF JURBY TO PLAY HOST TO BATTLE OF BRITAIN MEMORIAL FLIGHT

   Posted on 10:30am Friday 26th Aug 2016

   One of the highlights of this year’s Vintage Motor Cycle Club Festival of Jurby will be a display by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), commemorating all those who have lost their lives serving in the Royal Air Force (RAF), or its predecessor the Royal Flying Corps.

   The BBMF is a regular RAF unit, manned by Service personnel and funded by the Ministry of Defence. Those who serve with the Flight feel extremely privileged to work with and to fly the BBMF collection of historic aircraft, which are all precious artefacts of the RAF’s and the Nation’s aviation heritage.

   At precisely 2pm on Sunday 28th August, the skies over Jurby will roar to the sound of a Hurricane, a Spitfire and a Lancaster bomber in remembrance of ‘The Few’ who defended our skies during the Summer of 1940.

   The Lancaster is one of only two left flying in the world – the other is in Canada – and to see it in flight is one of the most evocative and emotional aviation sights.

   The Spitfire and Hurricane single-seater fighters were at the forefront of the Battle of Britain and while the Spitfire has tended to dominate the limelight as the most iconic fighter of WWII, most veterans pointed out that the Hurricane was the real work-horse of the battle, which raged over the skies of England between July and October 1940.

   A staggering 2585 aircrew lost their lives during the four-month battle and 1977 aircraft were destroyed. The ‘Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’ appears in displays all over the country during the Summer months in honour and remembrance of those who gave their lives.

   The BBMF display, which has been arranged by the Department of Economic Development, is just one of the many attractions at the Festival of Jurby. The airfield circuit at Jurby will also host the incredible sounds and sights of a plethora of stunning rare and classic motorcycles, many being piloted by famous riders. There will also be static displays of many more machines as well as stalls, refreshment tents and live entertainment.

   The festival, run by the Isle of Man chapter of the VMCC, is an integral part of the Classic TT presented by Bennetts and is one of the biggest events in the organisation’s annual calendar as well as being the biggest annual one day event on the Isle of Man.

   The Festival takes place at Jurby airfield in the North-West of the Island and runs from 10am to 5pm. Tickets are available on the gate and are priced at £5 for adults with free entry for children under the age of 16.

   David Cretney, Isle of Man Government Political Member responsible for Tourism and Motorsport commented:

   “It is entirely fitting that the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will take place at Jurby given that the RAF were based there between 1939 and 1963. The memorial flight will really complement an excellent day’s entertainment lined up for for the VMCC Festival at Jurby this year, which has grown to become a huge part of the Festival of Motorcycling.”

   He continued:

   “I’m delighted that the DED team has been able to facilitate the RAF display coming to the Island as well as the star international riders.”