The rivalry between Michael Dunlop and Ian Hutchinson defined last years Isle of Man TT. The duo shared the five wins between them, but at times it seemed as though shared respect was in short supply.
With both riders using BMW machinery for the big bikes and the Yamaha R6 in the Supersport class, there was nowhere to hide at the end of races. It simply came down to preparation and execution, and last year the score was 3-2 in Hutchinson’s favour. The man that won an incredible, and unmatched, five races at the 2010 festival is once again the man to beat this year as he continues to ride for the crack Tyco BMW squad – with Dunlop making the switch to Suzuki to ride their all-new GSXR-1000.
After last year’s Senior TT the acrimony that had been building throughout the fortnight reached a crescendo with the post-race press conference. With Hutchinson threatening to retire from racing and claiming factory favouritism towards Dunlop, the paddock was gripped by the next great rivalry in Road Racing. Organisers for the TT have done little to quell the flames of that rivalry, with fans able to purchase race programmes with either Dunlop or Hutchinson on the cover. Road Racing is big business once again – and it’s a big box office draw because of rivalries such as this.
Last year the on track action was as hot as anybody could remember. Media personnel who had been going to the TT for over 40 years spoke about the brilliant riding in hushed tones. With almost perfect weather throughout the fortnight, the race track resembled a short circuit because of how much rubber was laid down and the riders offered up a masterpiece.
In final practice the gauntlet was thrown down by both riders and it sounded out across the island. They were the men to beat and they wanted to assert their dominance before the start of race week. During that session, traditionally used to bed in some parts for the rest of the fortnight or, if weather has been bad, to test some settings, nobody expected the times to be fast. Instead, on the opening laps both Hutchinson and Dunlop lapped of just under 133mph to shatter the unofficial lap record at that point.
If practice promised much, the race week firmly delivered. Hutchinson claimed the honours in both 600cc races and also on his Superstock BMW. Two wins were Dunlops reward – but with one being the all-important Senior TT, he ended his week with the big prize.
The eyes of the racing word will once again be on the pair this year to see who comes out on top. In their overall battle for honours, Hutchinson has drawn level with Mike Hailwood on 14 TT victories to lie one spot ahead of Dunlop. The pair have made clear that they are the dominant duo of the modern era but with the TT getting more and more competitive, how long can that last?
Who else to look for?
There is no race meeting that comes close to the Isle of Man TT. The atmosphere is unlike any other and the challenge facing teams and riders is absolutely unique. The Mountain Course winds its way around the island with over 200 corners making up a lap of over 37 miles. It is a race unlike any other and it quickly becomes one of the most addictive challenges any rider will face through their career.
In recent years the event has exploded once again with interest from all over the world and that only looks set to blossom once again this year. The reason for the renewed interest in the event is due to many factors but the TV package has been so impressive and immersive in recent years that it has inspired many fans to make their pilgrimage to the race.
For many it is indeed a pilgrimage. The TT is an event that quickly gets under your skin once you have been able to get to it. The speed, the sound, the level of skill and bravery of the riders makes it a spectacle unlike any other in racing. With bikes darting from kerb to kerb and riding past lamp posts, traffic lights and all other road furniture, it’s an intoxicating blend for anyone who witnesses it first hand.
Bruce Anstey: As ever the Kiwi is the biggest question mark entering the TT. Will the frighteningly fast and consistent Anstey, who has claimed 11 victories on The Mountain Course, find his form and challenge for wins…or will the maddeningly inconsistent Anstey appear and only fight for top ten honours? With Dunlop and Hutchinson having upped the ante in recent years and turned the TT into their battleground, Anstey has a chance to fly in under the radar this year.
James Hillier: Three podiums last year show just how consistent Hillier has become in recent years at the TT. Having claimed a rostrum on the Supersport bike at the Northwest he is rounding into form once again in time for the fortnight. Hillier will ride the Kawasaki again, and lead their charge.
Dean Harrison: Harrison is ready for another strong TT showing having gained more experience with the Kawasaki. Claiming his first Northwest 200 podium shows he is starting to find form and is clearly readying himself for a strong showing on the Isle of Man, keen to add to his 2014 Lightweight victory.
Peter Hickman: Can Hickman add a TT trophy to his growing Road Racing collection? The former Ulster and Macau Grand Prix race winner has made consistent progress. Last year’s switch to Kawasaki led to a host of reliability issues but a return to BMW for 2017 on the big bikes should give Hickman a proven weapon underneath him once again. The Northwest was his first time riding the bike in roads trim so expect him to get faster and faster as the TT progresses.
David Johnson: The Australian will have the honour of starting at number one on his Norton. In the past this may have been a ceremonial position for the fabled marque but their progress has been huge in the last couple of years and Johnson is now ready to be a leading contender around the 37.75 mile course.
Josh Brookes: The former fastest newcomer returns to the TT after a two year hiatus but the 2015 British Superbike champion is aiming high with the Norton squad in the Superbike class. Brookes will be aiming for his first 130mph lap this year but don’t be surprised to see him take a huge step forward in terms of overall lap-time in his third TT. Having raced in WorldSBK, BSB and on the Roads this will be one of the most varied seasons for a top class rider in memory.
Guy Martin: The biggest wildcard at the TT could be Martin, but apart from the TT Zero it is almost impossible to even imagine the biggest celebrity in Road Racing being able to finally win his first TT. Martin has struggled tremendously since returning to the roads this year and been woefully off the pace. It’s possible that he’ll find his form at the TT, but with Honda clearly behind the eight ball it’ll take an awful lot of fortune falling Martin’s way to be a contender.
Photos by Steve English
