Running alongside the Manx Grand Prix, with qualifying week shared between the two events, the Isle of Man Classic TT took place for the first time since 2019, with three of the four scheduled races running due to bad weather affecting the race days.
Wednesday (27 August) had seen the TT’s greatest rider of all time, Michael Dunlop, score yet another win around the iconic 37.73 mile course. With the Classic TT being one of only two opportunities for pro riders to tackle the Mountain course each year, the event brings out all the biggest stars – and Dunlop gunned his Honda RS250 to victory in the popular Lightweight TT class which gives a rare opportunity to see former 250cc Grand Prix bikes at full chat. Dunlop finished the two-lap race, shortened and pushed into the evening after rain during the day, a full 47 seconds ahead of Yamaha TZ250 mounted veteran Ian Lougher in second, with Northern Ireland’s Adam McLean third on another Yamaha
Friday saw a planned three race schedule, with a parade celebrating the 25 year anniversary of Joey Dunlop’s staggering last victory also adding to the excitement, but the weather had other ideas, with the parade and the Senior Classic both succumbing to the conditions. The Senior Classic TT, which is for more modern Formula One bikes like the four-cylinder Kawasaki ZXR750 and Ducati’s 1000cc twins from the 1990s, had already been pushed back from Wednesday and denied us an opportunity to see some of the top stars lap in excess of 127mph (Rob Hodson had been quickest in qualifying with a 127.402mph lap on a Ducati 916), with Davey Todd (also on a 916) and Dunlop (riding a Norton rotary machine similar to the one ridden by his father Robert in the early 1990s) among the big names.
Rain couldn’t defeat the two closely fought Historic Classic TTs, with Ireland’s Mike Browne taking his first win around the Mountain course, from McLean and former Senior TT winner Dean Harrison, in the two-lap Historic Classic Senior TT (for 500cc bikes). Norton mounted Browne overtook the Royal Enfield of McLean on lap two, winning a thrilling race by just two tenths of a second, while class specialist John McGuinness retired from third when his Paton broke down on the final lap.
Northern Ireland’s Paul Jordan was another first time winner in the Historic Classic Junior TT (for 350cc machinery), with Harrison and Jamie Coward completing the podium in a one lap dash that saw the top 11 riders aboard Honda CB350 race bikes. Jordan averaged 103.89mph on his standing start lap, an impressive figure for a vintage machine.
Speaking of the challenges faced during the race days, Clerk of the Course Gary Thompson said: "We had been monitoring conditions closely throughout the day, but the later showers left parts of the course damp and unpredictable. While some sections were drying, others remained unsuitable, and it was clear the course was not at the level required for a safe Senior Classic TT.
"Every effort has been made this week to maximise the limited windows of opportunity within the road closure periods available. The priority from the outset was always to give every class the chance to race. While we weren’t able to achieve this in full, we worked to deliver as much as possible. Parade laps were included in time slots that were too short for a race due to procedures and preparations, ensuring spectators still had course entertainment to enjoy, even if not at race speed.
"Since Tuesday we have faced continuous disruption from the weather, compounded by operational challenges. As an event we are heavily reliant on volunteers, particularly during contingency periods. Although contingency days exist in the schedule, in addition to the unsettled weather forecast, they could not be utilised this year as we were unable to guarantee the required volunteers to close the roads confidently.
"I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone, particularly the marshals, medics, officials, volunteers, and competitors for their patience and co-operation throughout what has been a challenging few days."
The return of the Classic TT has been well received and, looking to the future, the long-term objective of the Classic TT remains to grow the event’s attendance and attract more visitors to the island. It remains a unique opportunity to see classic motorcycles being used as intended, by some of today’s leading riders, in a friendly and relaxed environment.
Dates for the 2026 Classic TT have been confirmed, and we definitely think a trip to the Classic TT should be on any motorcycle racing enthusiast’s bucket list. Next year it will again run in parallel with the Manx Grand Prix, with first practice on Wednesday 19 August and racing set to conclude on Friday 28 August. Continuing the tradition of celebrating TT legends, the 2026 edition will pay homage to John McGuinness, 30 years after he made his TT debut. The 23-time winner is the third most successful racer of all time around the island, second only to Michael and Joey Dunlop, and was the first competitor to average 130mph around the Mountain course, which he achieved in 2007. The event will feature a number of McGuinness’ bikes from over the years, with the man himself sure to feature heavily on and off the track.
Photos: Isle of Man TT Races
