2018 Isle Of Man TT: All You Need To Know

"I have huge respect for the racers who ride this track flat out on superbikes as it requires massive courage and concentration. It’s dangerous and unbelievably fast; entirely different from the kind of track I’m used to racing on." - Valentino Rossi

Brief history -

The Isle of Man is a small island located between England and Ireland in the Irish Sea. It’s known to be a tax haven and a perfect vacation spot for 11 months a year. Out of these 11 months, two weeks are dedicated to one of the most dramatic and dangerous races ever - the Isle of Man TT - which dates back to 1907.

Since its inaugural race, the annual motorcycle sport event has taken place on the island every May or June of most years. For two weeks, ferries transport the race teams along with their equipment and 45,000 plus fans to the small island.

The island spans over just 572 square km and is home to the 60.72km-long Isle of Man TT track. What makes this race so risky is the fact that it takes place on closed public roads where racers exceed speeds of 215kmph on an average. More than 250 people have lost their lives since 1907, making it the most dangerous motorsport event in history.

Course -

Get latest updates on
the automobile community

Login Now

The 60.72km track is rough, uneven, consists of various surface types and has a ridiculous number of turns. Then you have things like the kerbs, stone walls, lamp posts, trees and buildings that line the entire TT course. Adding to the danger are a handful of bridges, sudden elevation changes, extremely tight chicanes, blind corners and the risky mountain mile. As the bikes become faster with every passing year, the course becomes even tougher and death defying.

Entry -

Those aspiring to compete in the TT must first take part in several other races that also take place on closed public roads in Ireland. In addition to the years it takes to memorise the 60.72km-long course, competitors also need a handful of seasons on road races such as the NorthWest 200 and Ulster Grand Prix to gain eligibility into the TT.

Classification -

The race is classified into - Superbike, Sidecar, Supersport, Superstock, Lightweight, TT Zero (electric motorcycles) and - the most prestigious of all - the Senior TT.

Typically, the only racers who profit or even break-even, are the ones finishing in the top three. While sponsorships help with the cost of competing, those who come here often do it for the love of motorcycle racing and not for the sake of earning big bucks. In fact, most TT racers run regular day jobs for the majority of the year.

Competitors with the most wins -

2018 Isle Of Man TT Schedule -

PRACTICE WEEK 2018 

SATURDAY 26TH MAY
18:20 - 18:45 Solo Newcomers’ speed controlled lap
18:35 - 19:00 Sidecar Newcomers’ speed controlled lap
18:45 - 20:50 Lightweight TT / Supersport / Newcomers (all solo classes)

MONDAY 28TH MAY
18:20 - 19:50 Superbike / Superstock / Supersport / Newcomers (except Lightweight)
19:55 - 20:50 Sidecars

TUESDAY 29TH MAY
18:20 - 19:25 Superbike / Superstock / Supersport / Newcomers (except Lightweight)
19:25 - 19:55 Supersport / Lightweight / Newcomers (all Solo classes)
20:00 - 20:50 Sidecars

WEDNESDAY 30TH MAY
18:20 - 19:40 Superbike / Superstock / Supersport / Newcomers (except Lightweight)
19:45 - 20:35 Sidecars
20:35 - 20:50 TT Zero

THURSDAY 31ST MAY
18:20 - 19:15 Superbike / Superstock / Supersport / Newcomers (except Lightweight)
19:20 - 19:45 Supersport / Lightweight / Newcomers (all Solo classes)
19:50 - 20:35 Sidecars
20:35 - 20:50 TT Zero

FRIDAY 1ST JUNE
18:20 - 19:35 Superbike / Superstock / Supersport / Newcomers (except Lightweight)
19:35 - 19:45 TT Zero
19:55 - 20:50 Sidecars

RACE WEEK 2018 

SATURDAY 2ND JUNE
12:00 RST Superbike TT Race (6 Laps)
15:00 Locate.im Sidecar TT Race 1 (3 Laps)
16:35 Superstock / Supersport / Lightweight Qualifying
17:10 TT Zero Qualifying (1 Lap)

MONDAY 4TH JUNE
10:45 Monster Energy Supersport TT Race 1 (4 Laps)
12:25 - 13:05 Sidecar Qualifying (2 Laps)
14:15 RL360º Superstock Race (4 Laps)
15:55 TT Lightweight Qualifying (1 Lap)
16:15 TT Zero Qualifying (1 Lap)

WEDNESDAY 6TH JUNE
10:45 Monster Energy Supersport TT Race 2 (4 Laps)
12:45 SES TT Zero Race (1 Lap)
14:10 Bennetts Lightweight TT Race (4 Laps)
15:55 Sidecar TT Qualifying (1 Lap)
16:10 Senior TT Qualifying (1 Lap)

FRIDAY 8TH JUNE
10:15 Locate.im Sidecar TT Race 2 (3 Laps)
12:45 PokerStars Senior TT Race (6 Laps)