After three long years, the Isle of Man TT Races return. For the experienced racers it’s back to business as usual, but for the TT newcomers it’s a terrifying cocktail of nervous, tension and trepidation as they take on the world’s most dangerous course.
Qualifying week continues and competitors old and new continue to familiarise themselves with the demanding TT Mountain Course, helping each other out along the way. Once the action resumes, there’s worry amongst the paddock when proceedings come to an early end.
There’s a lucky escape from a fiery accident for one of the competitors as the speeds in qualifying week begin to ramp up. The Sidecar teams take priority having had a disrupted TT so far, with family connections seemingly the key to success in the unusual sport.
The TT Paddock wakes up to tragic news, with the normality of everyday life for the racers and their families seemingly in stark contrast to the realities of racing on the TT Mountain Course. Qualifying week draws to a close and, for some, final preparations before the first race day are a little more fraught than they might like.
Race week gets underway with one of the most popular figures reaching a landmark milestone. Glory for the victors is a far cry from the despair and disappointment for the racers behind, as the mental toll of TT competition begins to show.
An icon of the sport continues to rack up an astonishing tally of victories, explaining what the TT is to him and why he continues despite first-hand experience of the very darkest aspects of road racing. There’s more tragedy for the paddock to deal with, but through it all is a powerful podium performance.
There’s a big scare for one of the TT’s family men before rain stops play, leaving one of the 2022 newcomers high and dry, and one of the paddock’s most popular characters is forced to make a tough decision.
The paddock has to deal with more tragedy for the Sidecars but the TT continues. The frontrunners carry on with their quest for glory, but it’s a local youngster that shines as the 2022 Isle of Man TT Races draw to a close.
The Island is drenched in sun, there's a crackle of anticipation as the cream of the road racing crop eagerly await a TT like none before. There are newcomer nerves, shock and awe as Michael Dunlop leaves jaws on the floor with a stunning opening lap to set the tone for a record-breaking fortnight.
The Isle of Man is in the throes of a fortnight like no other. The three wheelers are moving heaven and earth to achieve their dreams, flinging themselves from apex to apex to break lap records. From brothers in arms honing machinery, to thrills and spills. There's pelvic pain and medical hurdles to overcome, but the sidecar roster is a hardy breed of men and women who stare fear in the eye and let fear blink first.
After a near perfect week of qualifying with never-before-seen lap speeds, the elite band of brothers continue to push their physical limits in order to rewrite the history books. However the record-breaking wins are a stark contrast to the tragic loss of Raul Torras Martinez - a rider who explains why the TT represents a freedom unattainable anywhere else in the world.
As the blue-riband event draws nearer, the stakes are high for the Senior TT. It's already been two weeks filled with astounding victories, heart-in-the-mouth moments and perfect conditions. Three riders have dominated the two-wheel proceedings but it's now all eyes on Michael Dunlop and his quest to become the greatest TT Racer of all time.
