World Superbikes at Donnington Park Superpole Qualifying, Kiyonari superb wet riding skills
Some footage from this years TT
Isle of Man TT"The oldest motor-cycle racing circuit still in use is the Snaefell mountain course over which the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy races are run. Starting at the town of Douglas on the south-east coast, the course takes a wide sweep to the west and north to enter the town of Ramsey on the north-east coast and thence return to the starting point, the mountain course remains the most demanding on earth each lap measuring 37,73 miles (60,7. km) it far exceeds any other racetrack in lenght. Only the purpose built German Nurburgring, at 14 miles, can be compared. The TT track has something like 250 bends each with its own particular problem, and all are potential killers. All this needs to be learned so thoroughly that, even at speeds in excess of 200mph (320 kmt) , navigating the course becomes second nature.
It climbs from sea level to an altitude of over 1,300 ft (396 m). This circuit is the epitome of the natural road course, all the roads used being ordinary public highways closed for the racing and practice sessions."Traditionally held in the last week of May and the first week of June, the TT races create a carnival atmosphere. Picnicking crowds flanking the circuit are reminiscent of the community festivals that are part of another form of cycle racing in a different country - le Tour de France.During the TT Festival it is difficult to travel across or around the island because of the road closures. There is a TT access road in Douglas that gives access to the centre of the mountain course during the event.The future of the TT is always in doubt with regards to the safety, especially "Mad Sunday" when any member of the public can ride the mountain section of the course which is open one way from Ramsey to Onchan. The TT races are extremely dangerous because of the high speeds on very narrow, twisting streets, roads and lanes flanked by stone walls and even buildings, so if you miss a brakingpoint or take a wrong line the consequences are going to be serious. Between 1907 - 2007 the mountain course has claimed the lives of 230 racers, all happened during official practices or races on the Snaefell mountain course (this number includes the riders killed during the 1923-2006 Manx Grand Prix and the Clubman TT races).The First TT was won by Charlie Collier with an average speed of just over 41mph. Today the outright lap record was set in the Superbike race, and is held by John Mcguinnes, with a horrifying average speed of 130.354 mph ca 215 kmt,wich is startlingly fast, and year by year they keep going faster and faster when you think about the conditions of the roads they race on, its hard to believe. Motorycle Racing is not for the faint hearted, these riders are professionals, they have a'lot of courage and know NO fear.In 2007 the TT celebrated its 100th anniversary. What seemed to be a TT without any big incident, was marred on the final raceday. At the 26th milestone, Marc Ramsbotham racing in the senior TT tragically crashed and died from his injuries, the incident also involved four spectators, two of them died.