THE ISLE OF MAN
SUPERBIKE, SUPERSTOCK AND SIDECAR RACES
MY CONTINUED UNFLAGGING
ASSOCIATION WITH THE TT
FROM 1947 TO 2005
WITH GEOFF DUKE
WITH MARGRET LINGEN
WITH ROGER BURNETT
ON RADIO BERKSHIRE
WITH JOEY AND DAVEY WOOD
ON RADIO TT
THE TTs No.1 FAN
IAN HUNTLY
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17 YEARS ON
In my "Vast Collection" I found an article in an edition of the MCN from June 15th 1988, which reported that a MAJOR shake up was being planned for TT 1989.
The ACU, organisers of that time, headed by Chairman Bill Smith wanted to "bring back the old TT atmosphere and concentrate on a few quality events rather than cramming in as many races as possible".
He also suggested the re-introduction of the 'weigh in' but projected only one sidecar race. The TT would be three race days only but could be persuaded to continue with the Saturday event but felt that practice must be increased and toughening entry qualifications.
The large capacity Production races would be axed.
In 2005 the new layout comes close to those suggestions all those years ago....
58 YEARS ON
I have attended the Isle of Man TT Races since being well and truly introduced to it by my parents in 1947. I have kept up an avid interest through good times and bad and have actively promoted it verbally and in article form, working with a number of well-known journalists and official outlets over the years. I was granted a press ticket for services rendered in 1986 and have been pleased to contribute ever since to magazines and latterly, to a variety of websites. My knowledge of TTs passed is wide-ranging and I have often been called upon to supply data and first-hand stories from either my collection or as a test of my memory. I have willingly given my knowledge, advice on how to get there, and what to see, and spent no little time helping and guiding people who were on the Island for the first time, to find hotels, camping and homestays with advice on where to watch and what to see. My relationship with competitors has been good, having over the years, a number of personal friends as entries in various capacity races.
This year I am a spectator for the first time....but I will still be there to help other spectators and to reminisce about the good old days up to 2000 when I feel the original TT as we all knew it ended.
The " Foot and Mouth" scare and Joeys death in Talinn seemed to finish the 20th Century off with regard to the TT, and the new Superbike-based event which has replaced it will succeed in other ways.By April I had decided to attend this year, but now, being retired and finding new interests which cost less than this "New Superbike TT", but which interest me more, I feel 2007 may be my last visit.
I still think the organisers need people like us, who come every year because we love it and feel we could help the new fans to get the best out of their stay. I used to fill hotels with my groups and some of these people, and their descendants still come every year.
Never mind, read on.............I'll report what I can.........
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KEVIN AGO MURPHY
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MY ENTRY 2005
This year, I have entered Kevin AGO Murphy in the Senior Race on Friday so I will at least have an interest this year.
KEVIN WITH R6 DEDICATED TO MY FATHER
WHO DIED 10 YEARS AGO
INFO ON KEVIN
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IT'S EARLY, EARLY
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AN OBSERVATION
We certainly miss the early morning practices, don't we !!
This was a magical part of the TT and it was never an effort to be up so long before breakfast, something none of us would do at home.
Does everybody get enough practice nowadays ?
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THE VAST COLLECTION
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VAST COLLECTION
My loft is full of TT memorabilia and souvenirs.
I think I will now put some of it on e-bay...
I have it all bagged and in boxes. My slide and photograph collection fill two suitcases and in the cupboard under the stairs are programmes and hats and badges.
If you are short of any TT item, let me know and if I have it, I'll negotiate a price with you.
THE CAMERA OBSCURA IS BACK
Go back to the days before TV and Webcams......
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