Thrills, spills and a host of new records: TT ’24 a roaring success!

Rather than a cruise around the countryside at legal speeds, those competing at the TT are touching kerbs, spinning rear tyres, and whizzing past walls, hedges and lampposts at speeds in excess of 200mph. They’re lapping the world’s most daunting circuit – 37.73 miles long – at average speeds of 135mph with the aim of lifting the most famous trophies in bike racing aloft. There’s nothing everyday here.

TT ’24 crammed in more action than in any of the previous 103 meetings held on the island in the middle of the Irish Sea, dating back to 1907. For a start, nine races were held across an eight-day stretch. All-time records for race wins, as well as lap records and fastest average speeds were routinely smashed. Not even some intermittent weather, delays and the odd cancellation could dampen the buzz around the two-week event. 

For an event steeped in history, this year’s TT will forever be remembered as the week when Michael Dunlop confirmed his name as the greatest of all time, as he equalled Uncle Joey’s previous record of 26 TT wins with victory in the opening Monster Energy Supersport TT Race 1. He then surpassed that number three days later (Supertwins TT Race 1) before adding two further successes in the Monster Energy Supersport TT and Supertwins TT Race 2 to take his win total to 29. This was the fourth time he won four races in a week – another first for the event.

The tens of thousands of motorcycle mad fans that flocked to Douglas, Ramsey and a host of other Manx towns and villages over the fortnight were treated to racing as epic as the speeds produced by the victors. Five races were decided by less than ten seconds, with just 2.2 seconds separating Davy Todd and Monster Energy by FHO Racing BMW’s Peter Hickman in Thursday’s Superstock TT – incredible margins after racing over 113.19 miles. 

There were mixed emotions for Hickman at TT ‘24. The 37-year old notched up his 14th TT victory in the Superbike TT, equalling the legendary Mike Hailwood. He scored a trio of second places in the two Supertwins races, as well as the Superstock TT. And he was leading Saturday’s Senior TT, and on course to smash the outright course record on the second lap. But a fast crash at Ginger Hall prematurely ended his race. Despite the scare, Peter suffered no injuries as his mind turned to coming back to next year’s event. 

Anguish was followed by joy for Josh Brookes (Monster Energy by FHO Racing BMW) over the TT fortnight. After a strong 6th in the Monster Energy Supersport Race 1, the Aussie was devastated by his chain breaking early in the Superbike TT. The two 10th places (Superstock and Monster Energy Supersport Race 2) and 11th (Supertwins Race 1) fell below the 41-year old’s expectations. Yet he saved his best for last, scoring a sensational 2nd in the Senior TT – his best ever result at the event. He also raised his personal best lap to an incredible 134.056mph, ensuring he left the island happy. 

The past week also showcased how John McGuinness continues to defy time. The 23-time TT winner proved he can still cut it at the front of the big bike races, even at 52 years of age. John scored two 6th places (Superbike TT and Superstock TT) before collecting 5th, his best result of the week, in the Senior TT. That outing was incredibly John’s 111th race start at the event, going all the way back to 1996, when he made his debut. 

As if nine races over eight days weren’t exciting enough, Monster Energy was on hand to inject further thrills into the fortnight. Tattooist and metal engraver Mica Dori was in the fan zone in the paddock, doing live engravings. American stunt riders Unknown Industries and professional drift driver Baggsy whipped the crowds up and into a frenzy on the start line entertaining crowds on the start line. Monster Energy’s sampling zone kept fans hydrated and revved up while its viewing rig offered guests and fans a bird’s eye view of the action down Glenclutchery Road.