Racing

The Isle Of Man TT Has Begun With Records Broken

The racing is fast and the imagery is stunning at the start of the 2018 Isle of Man TT

The Isle Of Man TT Has Begun With Records BrokenPaul Phillips

June 5, 2018

The 2018 Isle of Man TT opened practice week with fair weather and fast times. The riders were able to get in sufficient practice laps to refine their lines and reference points over the 37.73-mile course with more than 250 turns. Although unofficial, Dean Harrison posted a new course record of more than 134 mph.

In the opening RST Superbike race Harrison, the Silicone Engineering Kawasaki rider, shattered the outright lap record from a standing start with a lap of 134.432 mph to open up an 18-second lead. However, mechanical issues forced an early retirement for Harrison and Michael Dunlop took his 16th TT on his Tyco BMW S1000RR Superbike.

Prior to any practice or race, each bike must go through official scrutineering to be certain the bike is in compliance with IOMTT safety standards and ready for the demands of the course.Paul Phillips

On Monday morning for the Supersport race Dunlop’s MD Racing Honda shattered his previous course record with a second lap of 129.197 mph. Harrison continued his fast times coming in second with Peter Hickman in third.

In the second race of the day, the big bikes returned for the four-lap Superstock event. As expected the battle was between Dunlop, Harrison, and Hickman. In the end and after 150 miles, the top three riders were only separated by 14 seconds with Hickman on top for his first TT victory. In spite of a slower than normal pit stop and a missed turn at Braddan Bridge, Hickman was able to maintain his composure and push on every section of the course to take the win.

Dunlop tires, one of the primary tire suppliers, brings 1,500 tires to the IOMTT with an additional 750 ready to be brought over if needed. Each set is labeled by rider and bike. Here, Manx rider Conor Cummins is wearing plate #1 on his Padgett’s Honda CBR1000RR at the Superbike starting line.Paul Phillips

As the starter releases his grip on the shoulder of Michael Rutter, he starts his Bathams BMW S1000R in the zone and focused on the road ahead.Paul Phillips

Shaun Anderson accelerates from the start on his Suzuki GSX-R1000.Paul Phillips

Michael Dunlop on his Tyco BMW Superbike is momentarily held in position by the race starter.Paul Phillips

Ian Lougher on his 580cc two-stroke Suter MMX 500 begins his first lap of six in the superbike race.Paul Phillips

From atop the race control tower, Bjorn Gunnarsson completes lap one and goes by the grandstand at 167 mph.Paul Phillips

Two pit stops are required for the six-lap superbike race. At the end of lap two Michael Rutter quickly gets a new rear tire and face shield but must wait for his tank to fill.Paul Phillips

Dunlop and his team celebrate his 16th IOM TT victory.Paul Phillips

The coveted Tourist Trophy.Paul Phillips

Sidecar driver Gary Gibson awaits the restart of the first sidecar race.Paul Phillips

Ben and Tom Birchall in the Honda-powered sidecar win the first 2018 IOMTT sidecar race to continue their streak from 2017, now at three.

2018 Isle of Man TT Race Day - Grandstand - Start / FinishPaul Phillips

The second day of racing opened with a four-lap supersport race. Early morning race fans take the electric tram up Snaefell Mountain to get spectacular views of the course.Paul Phillips

Peter Hickman on his Trooper Beer Triumph Daytona 675R finished third. After having amazing consistency in 2017 with a podium finish for all five races, Hickman was forced to retire early from Saturday’s superbike race with mechanical problems.Paul Phillips

Dunlop on his MD Racing CBR600RR Honda repeated his Saturday performance to pick up his second 2018 win, bringing his total TT victories to 17.Paul Phillips

Three riders jockey both for position and for the optimum line heading to Hailwood Heights.Paul Phillips

Dunlop on his MD Racing BMW fights to stay up with Hickman, whose lead had dropped below 1 second on the course.Paul Phillips

After six podium finishes in the last seven races, Hickman takes his first TT victory in the RL360º Superstock Race.Paul Phillips

Approaching the Bungalow, riders face a tricky off-camber right.Paul Phillips

Just passing mile 31, racers face a long sweeping right to build speed up the hill.Paul Phillips