Motorsports
Isle of Man TT — The Road Racing Mecca

Every form of sport has what I call a Mecca, a special place of worship and respect to which the most fortunate of fans will trek to annually, while the less fortunate can only dream of getting there someday. For example, in the world of golf, who would argue that the Royal and Ancient in St. Andrews is such a Mecca. If you happen to be into tennis, it is most likely center court at Wimbledon. Gasoline Alley at the Indy 500 is hallowed ground to thousands of automobile racing fans here in the USA. Alas, there are many sporting destinations that fans are mysteriously drawn to all over the world, far too many to mention here.

However, if your passion is motorcycle road racing, and I emphasize "road racing," then your pilgrimage will lead you to the Isle of Man.

Set in the Irish Sea, the island is almost equidistant from Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales, and on a clear day, from atop the highest peak on the island named Snaefell, you can see all five of the ancient kingdoms.

"Just one minute, please. Aren't there only four kingdoms?"

True, but to the fairly devout islanders, the fifth kingdom is the Kingdom of God, and on a really crystal-clear day it is hard to dispute.

With a population of approximately 75,000, the fiercely independent Manx people govern themselves, and mint their own coinage and bank notes. All very interesting, but it is the annual Tourist Trophy (TT) races in June that magnetically attract thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the world to this Mecca.

In 1907 the first TT race took place on a circuit 37.75 miles in length, racing on roads closed to normal daily traffic. This is still the basic format for the modern-day TT races.

Visualize one lap of 37.75 miles on closed public roads, hurtling through small townships and villages lined with trees and brick walls, numerous changes in elevation, weather variations at several points on the lap, then multiply this lap by six! Yes, I said six laps!

A new lap record was set this year. Wait for it: 131.578 miles per hour, by John McGuinness, on a Honda. A truly spectacular achievement on this incredible race course called the Mountain Circuit.

The TT event takes over two weeks to complete; one week is for practice and qualifying, the second week sees the start of the official races, spread out as follows: Saturday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, subject, of course, to constant weather changes.

Spectators can find their favorite viewing spot at almost any point on the 37.75-mile course but have to be settled in when the roads are closed. They must remain there until the roads are opened again at the end of racing that day.

There are no turnstiles, paid entrances or fees to watch the races. The Manx government funds the event and usually recoups its investment during the two weeks of TT in the form of tax revenue from the influx of fans and tourists. There is absolutely nothing to compare with the Isle of Man TT Festival of Speed.

Between race days there is much to see. The island is lush and filled with mystery and superstition: ancient castles, churches and beautiful glens, waterfalls and beaches … and possibly the most friendly pubs in the world, serving wonderful pub grub such as meat pies, freshly caught lobster, fish and a local delicacy called kippers. And of course chip butties (french-fry sandwiches).

During race week there are vintage rallies with pristine, restored and pampered old bikes such as Velocettes, Brough Superiors, AJS, Matchless, BSA, Norton, Triumph, Vincent, Cotton, DOT and Francis Barnett, all in good running order and being driven daily, rain or shine.

The Royal Air Force Red Arrows show their acrobatic skills every year, flying back and forth across Douglas, the capital city. There are sand races, motocross, trials, enduro and plenty of night life, with rock concerts and a casino at the Hilton Hotel.

You can rub shoulders with the TT riders most of the time. They are approachable and friendly toward their fans. However, the local population are really the stars, welcoming everyone to their magical little island in June each year. Once you make the first trip to my personal Mecca, you will be hooked!

The year 2009 marked the 50th year since the first appearance of Honda motorcycles at the TT. In 1959 Soichiro Honda boldly entered a small group of Japanese riders. Mr. Honda, a savvy business man, knew only too well that success in the TT would lead to global sales and the eventual growth of his company beyond Japan. The rest is history.

Speaking of history, I was privileged to witness the beginning of a new era in motorcycling, the very first all electric-powered racing event named the TTXGP class.

Much to the surprise of everyone, the winning bike lapped the TT course at almost 90 mph and was timed at over 118 mph at one point on the course. Wow! The machine was a joint venture between Britain and India, and very modestly funded.

The incredible success of this inaugural race has led to the formation of a World XGP series sanctioned by the world governing body, the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) in Geneva. Watch closely as the development progresses and the major manufacturers join in the race. I predict that this electric technology is going to be massive.

As I headed off from Douglas on the road to Ronaldsway Airport en route to Glasgow and later in the week, home to San Francisco, I reminded my colleague Dave Fender that we were almost at the Fairy Bridge and must not forget to say "Good morning, fairies" as is the custom. This we did quite seriously. Who am I to tempt providence? See you next year, fairies!