While the Isle of Man TT Races remains the ultimate road racing challenge, the event has modernised itself massively in recent years, investing in safety, promotion and infrastructure to help the races thrive without losing any of the essence of what makes it a truly unique event.
Indeed, the changes have done nothing but enhance this motorcycle racing spectacle. After two fallow years brought on by the pandemic, the Isle of Man TT Races returned in 2022 with the TT+ platform – a digital streaming service which delivered what was until recently thought to be almost impossible – live coverage of racing from around the 37.73-mile Mountain Course. Combined with the already excellent highlights shows on ITV2, TT+ has brought the races closer to fans and has helped garner a bigger audience than ever.
As well as the promotion, there’s been a strong focus on improving safety and rider welfare.
Digital red flags will be introduced for TT 2026, with bright and easy to see MotoGP style light boards strategically placed around the circuit to inform riders of race stoppages, while the organisers’ CCTV systems have been expanded using new technology and improved GPS tracking of competitors.
Airbag suits are now mandatory for all TT competitors, while support for competitors – in the form of pre-event medicals and mental health services – has improved in recent years.
Newcomers to the event are given a stepped introduction to the event. As has been the case for many years now, new riders are vetted and invited to the island to see the circuit and speak with the rider liaison officers (themselves former competitors) before turning a wheel in anger.
A new ‘Pilot Lap’ scheme was first introduced last year, giving those interested in competing a chance to experience the environment and take in a speed controlled guided lap on closed roads. Franco Bourne, who was due to make his TT debut this year, was the first rider to take advantage of this – signing up after taking a Pilot Lap 12 months ago.
The new timetable gives more races but in a more structed manner. New riders can’t sign up for the gruelling six-lap Superbike and Senior TTs in their first year, but can gain experience in the Sportbike, Supersport and Superstock TTs, which take place over three or four laps. It allows them to build up to the most demanding races, where fatigue can be a problem in later laps.
Meanwhile the two smaller capacity races, the Monster Energy Supersport TT and Carole Nash Sportbike TTs, have been paired up to avoid a situation where riders are jumping from 200+bhp 1000cc machines and 80bhp Sportbikes on the same day, while the size of the grids for racing has also been reduced.
Speaking of the constant evolutions of the TT, Clerk of the Course Gary Thompson said: “At its core, the TT will always be defined by the Mountain Course and the challenge it presents, but delivering the event at the highest level requires constant evolution behind the scenes. Significant work has gone into strengthening race operations, procedures and organisational capability in recent years. That ongoing development is about ensuring we continue to deliver the event as professionally, effectively and responsibly as possible.”
Dr Gareth Davies, the TT’s Chief Medical Officer, added: “Medical provision and competitor welfare are critical parts of delivering an event of this scale and complexity. Over recent years, we have continued to develop and enhance medical systems, response capability and welfare support across the TT. This is about applying modern expertise, continuous learning and structured planning to an extraordinary event environment, ensuring we are always striving to improve.”
For all the technological developments, people remain at the heart of the success of the TT. From the brave competitors to whom the Isle of Man is their own personal Everest, to the fans who make the pilgrimage each year, the event only takes place because there’s an insatiable thirst for TT racing.
Making all this happen are the army of volunteers who marshal the event, often experiencing many challenges but doing it for their love of the sport and the event. They too haven’t been forgotten about, as TT Marshals Chairman Andy Priestley explains: “Marshals remain at the heart of the Isle of Man TT, and the professionalism, commitment and dedication shown by volunteers across the course is extraordinary.
In recent years, we have placed increasing emphasis on training, structure and support to ensure marshals are equipped to meet the evolving demands of the event. Supporting our people and continuously raising standards is essential to the future strength of the TT.”
For an event with such a storied history, the Isle of Man TT Races is looking to the future. Paul Phillips is not only the TT’s Head of Motorsport, but a local who grew up obsessed with the races. He’s a key figure in the development of the TT and explained that the evolution is about ensuring it has a place for years to come.
He says: “The Isle of Man TT has always stood for something extraordinary but protecting that future means recognising that standing still is not an option. Over recent years, we have worked hard to strengthen the systems, structures and standards around the event - not to change what makes the TT special, but to ensure it continues to thrive in a modern global environment. Our focus is on continuous improvement, professionalism and building a sustainable future for the TT.”
At Carole Nash, we’re proud to be associated with such an iconic event and are excited to see what the future brings.
