TT Yanks A comprehensive list of American Isle of Man TT racers.

Considering that the first Isle of Man Tourist Trophy in 1907 was almost won by American Billy Wells, not many racers from the USA have followed Wells’ lead to the start/finish line on The Island. Using official records, the list below contains the names of those who actually started a TT race, even if the racers didn’t finish (DNF). More Yanks entered TT races, practiced and qualified but did not start (DNS); their names, however, are not included, following the standards set for the TT Riders Association, which requires that a racer must at least start a TT race to qualify for membership in what once billed itself as the most exclusive club in the world.

There are many reasons why so few Americans have participated in TT races on The Island, but the biggest difficulties for would-be TT riders until very recently have been logistical and bureaucratic; although the Island is nearby territory for British and European riders, before jumbo jets transformed travel in the 1970s, getting oneself, one’s team and one’s equipment to The Island was expensive and complicated. It’s less difficult nowadays, but as even a cursory reading of the licensing requirements online shows, preparation for racing in the Isle of Man TT must begin long before you get to The Island.