One of world's greatest motorsport events underway at Isle of Man TT

The Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT) 2018 road racing event is underway on the Isle of Man (Mannin). This week the qualifying rounds have been taking place on the 37.73 mile public road course, with the races scheduled to commence on Saturday 2nd June to Friday 8th June. Described as the world's ultimate road race, no other motorcycle race is held on such a challenging track as the Isle of Man Mountain Course. There is little to rival the skill, bravery and concentration levels needed to race in the TT. More information on the race schedules and results can be obtained from the Isle of Man TT website. 

The International Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) Race was first held on the Island in 1907. The Snaefell  Mountain Course was first used in 1911. At its highest point the course rises to 1,385ft (422 metres) above sea level. The official lap record for the Mountain Course is 16 minutes and 53.929 seconds at an average speed of 133.962 mph (215.591 km/h). This was set by Michael Dunlop during the 2016 Senior TT race. He also holds the race record of 1 hour, 43 minutes and 56.129 seconds; an average race speed of 130.685 mph (210.317 km/h) achieved during the same 6 lap race.

The lap record for the Sidecar TT is 19 minutes and 22.928 seconds at an average speed of 116.798 mph (187.968 km/h). This was set by Ben Birchall and and Tom Birchall during the 2016 Sidecar TT Race 1. They also hold the race record for the Sidecar TT of 58 minutes and 24.971 seconds an average race speed of 116.259 mph (187.101 km/h) for 3 laps (113.00 miles) of the Mountain Course established during the 2015 Sidecar TT Race 2.

In the 2006 TT practice New Zealander Bruce Anstey achieved the unofficial current top speed record of 206 mph (332 km/h) at the end of Sulby straight on a Suzuki 1000cc machine.