Isle of Man TT

[Rodill Rover]

Just watching now on ITV4, I have never been much of a motorcycle racing fan but watching this is breath taking, firstly the camera work is almost perfection and secondly the riders must have no nerves at all reaching 180 mph on local roads with very few straights or flat road. Is the TT unique in the world in that it takes place on public roads.

[Futtocks]

1 hour ago, Rodill Rover said:

Just watching now on ITV4, I have never been much of a motorcycle racing fan but watching this is breath taking, firstly the camera work is almost perfection and secondly the riders must have no nerves at all reaching 180 mph on local roads with very few straights or flat road. Is the TT unique in the world in that it takes place on public roads.

In Ireland, there are events like the North West 200, which are also on closed public roads, but are actually traditional-style mass-start races, instead of a time trial. Coverage tends to hop around various broadcasters, but I think the BBC covered it in recent years.

You see a lot of the TT guys racing at these events, rather than on the UK race-track scene like British Superbikes. Ireland was the breeding ground for many TT heroes, especially the legendary Joey Dunlop and his family.

The Isle of Man TT used to attract major factory teams, but is now more contested by privateers with limited official support. That has a charm of its own. However, the annual death toll is a shadow hanging over every TT.

As for other motorcycle racing on TV, ITV have some coverage of British and World Superbikes, which feature heavily-modified road machines, similar to the TT. BT Sport have the rights to Motorcycle Grand Prix, but Channel 5 have a very decent highlights programme that usually airs a day or two after the race. Freesports have some Speedway coverage.

[Futtocks]

Some North West 200 on-board race footage.

 

[Copa]

13 hours ago, Rodill Rover said:

Just watching now on ITV4, I have never been much of a motorcycle racing fan but watching this is breath taking, firstly the camera work is almost perfection and secondly the riders must have no nerves at all reaching 180 mph on local roads with very few straights or flat road. Is the TT unique in the world in that it takes place on public roads.

I suspect in developing countries they’d have a few on public roads. 

There was one near me when I lived in East Java. One guy went off a bridge and splattered to death on the rocks far below.

[Futtocks]

The Macau Grand Prix is not part of the official Grand Prix season, and features racing on a street course with solid walls/armco on either side. Another event where safety is a somewhat iffy concept.

 

[Phil]

An old mate of mine died there years ago 

[gazza77]

10 years since I last went to the TT. I watch jealously every year.