1 Introduction:
The Isle of Man TT is a road motorcycle race that ranks alongside the World Superbike Championship (SBK). Initiated in 1907, it takes place every June on the Isle of Man, situated between England and Ireland. The Isle of Man TT can be described as the world's most spectacular and dangerous race. Racers average speeds of over 200 kilometers per hour, with top speeds exceeding 330 kilometers per hour. Although more than 250 individuals have tragically lost their lives in the race over the years, this event continues to attract the world's most accomplished motorcycle riders.
2 Origin:
The Isle of Man TT is the oldest motorcycle racing event, bearing witness to almost the entire history of motorcycle sport. When motorcycles were first developed, speed enthusiasts couldn't resist racing with these two-wheeled machines. The very nature of motorcycles, combined with the poor road conditions in Britain at the time, made early motorcycle races extremely dangerous. Consequently, the British government prohibited motorcycle racing on mainland Britain. However, those passionate about speed wouldn't give up. They moved the race to the Isle of Man, where no such restrictions existed, and the tradition continues to this day. Since 1907, the annual Isle of Man TT motorcycle race has been a more-than-century-long event.
The race was suspended in 1915 due to World War I and resumed in 1920. In 1923, sidecar competitions were added. The TT was interrupted again in 1940 due to World War II but returned to the Isle of Man in 1947. In 1949, the TT became the British round of the FIM World Motorcycle Championship. The 1950s and 1960s marked the heyday of the Isle of Man TT races, with records being constantly broken and the participation of more top racers and team manufacturers.
3 Racing:
The circuit, which encircles the island on public roads, is 60.7 kilometers long and boasts more than 200 corners, making it the longest racing circuit in the world. The track runs through towns, villages, forests, and uninhabited outskirts, from plains to mountains, with undulating road surfaces. Bikes are constantly airborne, and over 250 participants have tragically died during the Isle of Man TT races. In 1970 alone, six racers lost their lives.
4 Further Reading:
Subaru, in 2011, brought in driver Mark Higgins to pilot a 2015 Subaru WRX STI for a speed challenge on the TT Mountain Course section of the Isle of Man TT circuit, covering 60 kilometers. He set a record of 19 minutes, 56.7 seconds. Recently, Mark Higgins collaborated with Subaru again to challenge his previous record driving the same 2015 Subaru WRX STI.
For enhanced performance and safety, this WRX STI was fortified with reinforced shock absorbers and equipped with a roll cage, multi-point seat belts, and fire extinguishers. Ultimately, he achieved a new record for the TT Mountain Course segment in 19 minutes and 26 seconds (nearly 30 seconds faster than his previous record), averaging a speed of 187.3 km/h.
