Eight things you missed at this year's Isle of Man TT
Including a 200mph close shave, over 100 wild wallabies and a fairy or two, here are eight things you might’ve missed at the 2016 Isle of Man TT.
‘The Flying Kiwi’ races an electric bike at over 120mph
Bruce Anstey, aka ‘The Flying Kiwi’, won his first TT Zero for Mugen Motorsports, the company formed by Hirotoshi Honda (son of Soichiro Honda). Anstey completed the 35.75-mile Snaefell Mountain Course in only 19:07 at an average speed of 118mph. That’s fast.
42,000 TT fans say “Hello” to the fairies
According to Manx folklore, if you don’t say “Hello” to the fairies when crossing Fairy Bridge you’ll be cursed — which is precisely why the TT fans are encourage by the locals to mind their manners…
Jedi Knight spotted at Isle of Man
According to one of our top TT sources (a Manx ice cream vendor) a certain celeb was spotted carousing the attractions at the TT. The mystery man in question: none other than Obi-Wan Kenobi himself, Ewan McGregor.
From steam engines and historic ruins, to sharks and wallabies, the Isle of Man offers the traveller more than just the racing itself
Honda TT legend turns up with not one, but 11 priceless bikes
23-time TT winner John McGuiness put on a hell of a show to celebrate his 20th year at TT. A total of 11 legendary bikes were on display at The John McGuiness Collection including the Paul Bird Motorsport RS250 Honda that John raced in his debut year, as well as the TSR Vimto Honda that he rode for his maiden win in 2003. The Morecambe Missile also announced that he’ll be returning to TT next year. He’s claimed 46 TT podium positions since his debut 20 years ago; more than any other rider, so we can’t wait to see what he’ll accomplish next year.
Isle of Man issues wallaby warning for all racers
What’s more dangerous than riding a motorcycle at over 200mph? Answer: riding a motorcycle at over 200mph… into a wallaby. Believe it or not, the Isle of Man is home to well over 100 wallabies. They’re big blighters, and, as a result, a bit of a hazard during races. So, too, are pets and livestock — so much so, that the Isle of Man even issues daily warnings over the radio during TT.
Photographer receives close shave from +200mph superbike
Every year countless photographers risk life and limb to bring you breathtaking shots from the TT. Take this fearless fella for instance; mere centimeters from the action, yet cool as a cucumber.
Customised motorhome steals the show
A mysterious motorhome was spotted at the TT campground this year. (That said, at over 18 tonnes and 42ft, it was pretty hard to miss.) The owner? ‘Morecambe Missile’ John McGuinness.
TT marshals receive seven CBR1000RR TT Specials
Honda’s association with TT started way back in 1959. Since then they’ve had over 250 victories; more than any other manufacturer in the world, and they’ll be back in action next year. As of June 2016, they are the new motorcycle partner of the Isle of Man TT.
