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TT Breaks Attendance Records, Despite the Weather

Record numbers of bike fans attended the TT this year, according to figures from the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, which carried 37,808 passengers between 22nd May and 7th June. That was 11% up on last year, and the highest number travelling to the TT by sea since 1986, apart from the 2007 Centenary celebrations. Race fans flying in also reached record numbers, with over 60,000 touching down at Ronaldsway Airport.

The new records were all the more of an achievement when taking into account the weather. Poor weather was forecast, and arrived as high winds and persistent rain, which saw many practice and race sessions postponed and race organisers desperately juggling the schedule to keep everything on track – some races were shortened and the second Supersport event was cancelled altogether

Journalist Roger Willis (himself a Manx resident) praised their efforts in the pages of trade paper British Dealer News. “The TT organisers deserve commendation for making a silk purse out of a sow’s ear, given such ropey weather.” However, he also pointed towards an uncertain future for the TT, thanks to falling interest from the major manufacturers (only Honda and BMW fielded official teams this year) and increased ferry prices, as the Steam Packet Company attempted to recoup investments in new and refurbished vessels, plus a new terminal in Liverpool.

Howard Anderson of the BMF thought that, despite its challenges, the TT would live on with continued backing from the IoM government and the Autocycle Union “I have been involved with road racing for many years, also my son Shaun has raced the TT since 2012 with some success so I bring some bias with my views on the event. This pure roads circuit offers such a unique challenge to all that take part, manufacturers, large teams and privateers each with their own goals and expectations. Also with the history and atmosphere the event brings I hope it continues for many years to come as the pinnacle of the sport .”

Written  by Peter Henshaw

Top image courtesy of Isle of Man TT Media Office

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