Fans of the best new betting sites UK have never had so many options. When navigating to any leading operator, you will find an all-encompassing sporting menu – from American Football to Water Polo and everything in between.
And, of course, motorcycle sports fans aren’t left out, with odds available on Moto GP, Superbikes, Speedway, and one of the most famous events on the planet, The Isle of Man TT.
The Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) Race is one of the most iconic and dangerous motorcycle racing events in the world. Held annually on the Isle of Man, a small island located between Great Britain and Ireland, the TT race is renowned for its thrilling spectacle and challenging course, as well as its long and storied history that spans more than a century.
Origins and Early Years (1907-1914)
The Isle of Man TT was first held in 1907 to circumvent the stringent speed limits imposed on mainland Britain, which stifled the burgeoning motor-racing industry. The event was established on the Isle of Man because the island’s government, the Tynwald, passed the Highways (Light Locomotive) Act in 1904, allowing road races. The inaugural race took place on May 28, 1907, on the St. John’s Short Course, which was 15 miles long. Two separate races were organized: one for single-cylinder motorcycles and another for twin-cylinder machines. Charlie Collier won the single-cylinder race with an average speed of 38.21 mph, while Rem Fowler triumphed in the twin-cylinder category.
In 1911, the race moved to the now-legendary Snaefell Mountain Course, a 37.73-mile circuit that remains in use today. This course presented even greater challenges with its sharp turns, elevation changes, and narrow roads. Oliver Godfrey won the first race on the new course with an average speed of 47.63 mph.
The Interwar Period (1915-1939)
Racing was suspended during World War I (1914-1918) but resumed in 1920, with technology and rider skill advancing rapidly in the interwar years. The 1920s and 1930s saw increased competition among manufacturers like Norton, Velocette, and BSA, as well as international entries from Italy’s Moto Guzzi. Speeds climbed dramatically as engines improved and road surfaces were refined. Stanley Woods became one of the TT’s first stars, winning 10 races between 1923 and 1939.
The 1930s also saw the introduction of the lightweight and junior races, alongside the senior TT. Riders competed across multiple categories, and the TT gained international prestige. The Isle of Man TT became a proving ground for manufacturers and a magnet for adventurous riders from around the globe.
World War II and Post-War Resurgence (1940-1976)
The TT was suspended again during World War II (1939-1945). When racing resumed in 1947, the event became part of the newly formed Motorcycle Grand Prix World Championship in 1949, serving as the British round of the series. During this era, riders like Geoff Duke and Mike Hailwood achieved legendary status, with Hailwood amassing 14 TT victories between 1961 and 1979.
As technology advanced, the risks of the TT became more apparent. The combination of high-speed machines and the unforgiving nature of the Snaefell Mountain Course-featuring stone walls, lampposts, and sheer drops-led to numerous fatalities. Even as safety concerns grew, the allure of the TT endured, and its reputation as the ultimate test of man and machine solidified.
Modern Era and Continued Legacy (1977-Present)
In 1977, the Isle of Man TT was removed from the Grand Prix calendar due to safety concerns. Riders and teams preferred the controlled environments of purpose-built circuits, and the TT was deemed too dangerous for the increasingly high speeds of modern motorcycles. However, the TT continued as an independent event and retained its status as a bucket-list challenge for motorcyclists worldwide.
The event expanded with the introduction of new classes, such as the Supersport TT, Superstock TT, and electric TT Zero for zero-emissions motorcycles. Notable figures like Michael Dunlop, who won a record 29 TT races, and John McGuinness, with 23 wins, have cemented the TT’s reputation as a haven for motorcycle racing legends.