Although it has long been viewed as a series of controversial motorbike races, thousands head to the island to watch it every year.
In this guide, we explain what it is, the format, record holders, and why it has such a notorious name within the sport.
What is the Isle of Man TT race?
The Isle of Man TT is one of the most prestigious and dangerous motorcycle road races in the world, held annually on the Isle of Man.
It is a 38-mile track on a small island located in the Irish Sea between Great Britain and Ireland.
The event began in 1907 as part of the British Road Racing Championship and was designed to promote the island, but has since become a major part of motorsport history – not just in Britain, but across the world.
The race itself takes place on the Snaefell Mountain Course, a public road circuit that weaves through the island's villages, mountains, and coastal roads.
Across the track, there are over 200 corners named after famous drivers and incidents.
It’s also varied, and encompasses public roads, tight corners, high-speed straights, and elevation changes. It’s this mix which can make it extremely difficult and dangerous.
Riders compete in multiple categories, including solo races, sidecar races, and electric bike races and reach speeds of more than 130 mph.
The event takes place over to weeks in late May to early June each year – and features a practice week and a race week.
What is the racing format for Isle of Man TT race?
The Isle of Man TT race format consists of practice sessions, qualifying, and race days, spread over two weeks.
The first week of the event is dedicated to practice sessions where riders get the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the course.
These practice sessions are crucial for the riders to get the best setup for their bikes, adapt to the course's demanding route, and get ready to qualify for the main races.
Riders will then take to the course in individual laps, and their lap times are recorded to determine grid positions for the race days.
The second week of the event is when the main races occur.
Races are held over several days and each race category has a dedicated day. Some entries will compete in multiple races, depending on their entry.
The Isle of Man TT includes several races across different categories. Here’s are the race types:
- Senior TT
- Supersport TT
- Superbike TT
- Superstock TT
- Supertwin TT
- Sidecar TT
In the Isle of Man TT, riders start individually and at intervals, as this then creates an element of strategy, as riders try to achieve the fastest possible lap times without directly racing against each other. Some races include pitstops.
Laps for each category range from three to six – all covering well over 100 miles.
Where does the Isle of Man TT race take place?
Isle of Man TT race takes place on the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea, on an almost 28-mile-long course using closed public roads.
Isle of Man TT race records
Every year, these are the records that the motorbike riders are looking to break at the Isle of Man TT race.
First winner
The first winner of the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy happened in 1907 and was awarded to Rem Fowler.
Most wins – racer
Michael Dunlop is a professional motorcycle racer from Northern Ireland. He holds the record for the most wins at the Isle of Man TT, with 29 victories, surpassing the record previously held by his uncle, Joey Dunlop (26 wins). Both riders have won in four different formats.
Most wins – manufacturer
Japanese motorbike manufacturer Yamaha has the most wins in Isle of Man TT history with 183.
The wins came between 1965 and 2005.
Lap record
The fastest lap record at the Isle of Man TT was set in 2023 by Englishman Peter Hickman.
He posted a lap time of 136.358 mph.
Who won the Isle of Man TT race in 2024?
Michael Dunlop added to his legacy as the most successful rider in the history of the Isle of Man TT by winning the 2024 race.
He used a Yamaha motorbike throughout the event.
Snaefell Mountain Course
The Snaefell Mountain Course is the iconic and challenging road racing circuit used for the Isle of Man TT and covers 37.73 miles.
It is known as a dangerous course with over 200 corners and travels through public roads with significant elevation changes.
Why is the Isle of Man TT race controversial?
The Isle of Man TT has seen many fatalities over the year, which has seen it hit.
Due to the nature of the race and track, it is viewed as one of the most dangerous races in the world.
Between 1907 and 2023, there have been 269 total fatalities.
Isle of Man TT race 2025
The Isle of Man TT race will take place between Monday 26th May and Saturday 7th June.
Qualifying week
The qualifying week at the Isle of Man TT race will start on Monday 26th May and end of Friday 30th May.
Race week
The following day, the race week will begin (31st May) and will end of Saturday 7th June.
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