Cementing the dynasty: Dunlop, Hickman and Todd to vie for top honors at TT 2025

Michael Dunlop became the TT’s most successful ever racer in 2024. And the current king is back to add to his haul of 29 wins. But he faces stiff opposition from two of the event’s other all-time greats: Peter Hickman and John McGuinness. Add in young pretender and ’24 Senior TT victor Davey Todd, and there’s reason to believe the 104^th running of the event could be one of the best in its storied history.

The course is called the world’s most dangerous for a reason. While circuit racers have the benefit of tarmac run offs and gravel traps should they misjudge a turn, a TT rider’s peripheral vision is entirely different. Hedges, postboxes and bus shelters are just some of the features riders must avoid as they career through villages, down dales and over mountains at speeds approaching 210mph. 

Nestled between Ireland and England in the middle of the Irish sea, the Isle of Man switches from sleepy island to racing capital of the world for a fortnight. Its population of 84,000 doubles over TT fortnight as racing fanatics congregate from around the world to line the banks, hedges and walls 3 meters from their heroes as they gun for success. No wonder it’s considered the ultimate party for lovers of two wheels.

The schedule of the 2025 event is as intense as a lap of the course itself. Practice for all five classes runs from Monday 26^th May to Friday 30^th before the ten races start coming thick and fast. The Monster Energy Supersport Race 1 kicks race week off at on Saturday 31^st May, with Race 2 getting underway on Wednesday morning. A total of six race days run until Saturday 7^th June when the event’s blue riband race – the Senior TT – rounds out the fortnight. 

It’s fair to say Michael Dunlop’s preparations have been far from straightforward for 2025. But a late deal to secure BMW machinery in MD Hawk Racing colours means he’ll start as favourite in both the Superbike and Senior TTs. He’ll also be a force in both Supersport and Supertwin encounters after his four victories (two in each class) last year proved. 2024 also saw him surpass uncle Joey’s record of 26 TT wins. Now on 29, he’ll be gunning for 30 – and more – in the weeks ahead. 

By Peter Hickman’s ridiculously high standards, the 2024 TT was a modest success. His single win in the Superbike TT was down on the three he racked up in 2019, and the four he secured in both 2022 and 2023. Yet he still equaled the legendary Mike Hailwood and Birchall brothers on 14 wins. ‘Hicky’ also remains the fastest rider to ever lap the mountain course, with his staggering 136.35mph average time from the 2023 Superstock TT still the quickest ever on record. And riding for 8Ten Racing BMW Motorrad, he will be a potent threat in both Superbike races and Superstock events. 

If it weren’t for the historic successes of Dunlop, 2024 would have been Davey Todd’s (8Ten Racing BMW Motorrad) year. The rider from Saltburn on Sea, England immediately benefited from a switch to BMW machinery and took the first two wins of his TT career, including a moment that will stay with him forever: victory in the Senior TT. Considering he’s just 29 years old, there’s every indication Davy will be a star of the TT for many years to come. Watch out for him in the Superbike, Superstock and Senior TTs. 

The TT wouldn’t be what it is without John McGuinness (Honda Racing UK). A member of racing royalty and one of the most experienced names in TT history, McGuinness has racked up an incredible 111 starts, 23 wins and 47 podiums over 24 years of competing on the Island. And 2024 proved he’s competitive as ever as he scored two 6^th places (Superbike TT and Superstock TT) before collecting 5^th in the Senior TT. Wearing the #1, the 53-year old has the distinction of leading the field away in the Superbike, Senior and Superstock events. 

The Monster Energy Supersport TT Race 1 kicks off race week on Saturday 31^st May at 10:45. Expect all four names to be competing to further cement their legends.