Isle of Man Tourist Information & Attractions

Isle of Man Events, Exhibitions & Shows for 2011

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Isle of Man Holidays / Isle of Man Tourist Information / TT Races Isle of Man

TT Races

The Isle of Man's most famous annual event is the TT Races which have been held on the island since 1907. TT stands for 'Tourist Trophy' and for two weeks every June on the Island's 37 mile circuit of public roads, thousands of competitors produce a blistering display of skill and speed. The course remains largely untouched since 1911 and the tight, twisty roads through the narrow villages past their pubs, phone boxes and telegraph poles, and open spaces of the Mountain, are the ultimate test of biking skill.

Described by Murray Walker as the 'greatest motor-sporting event in the world', the Isle of Man TT is the last of the great motor-sporting tests in the world today. Run in a time-trial format, over the years the average lap speed has increased to around 127mph with speeds approaching 200mph in some parts of the track as some of the finest road racers on the planet battle for glory.

The 2007 TT Races celebrated 100 years since the event began and featured a special re-enactment of the 1907 Isle of Man TT Race with a vintage parade of 100 classic motor-cycles held on the village green.

The 2012 TT Races featured a new event the 'TTXGP' - the World's first clean emission Grand Prix, where 'green' racing machines and vehicles, still capable of reaching Grand Prix race speeds, raced over one lap of the normal TT circuit. Also in 2009, the fastest lap record bar was once again raised to a staggering average speed of 131.578mph by John McGuinness.

TT Races 2012

The 2012 TT Races should be even better with a number of new, exciting and unique events planned and all the big name TT riders and teams are returning for 2011. Isle of Man TT winners of 2009, John McGuinness and Steve Plater will once again ride for the HM Plant Honda team to defend their titles. McGuinness won the TT Superbike race which took his record of TT wins to 15, whilst Plater took victory in the Senior TT, his second TT Race victory.

The TT races are not just about the racing, there is a massive social festival too with entertainment, club meets and a large programme of activities and events. These include the 'Paddock Walk-about' and 'the Ramsey Sprint', plus aviation displays, ride-outs, rallies and off road action. There will once again be a number of spectacular evening concerts. In the past the likes of Robert Plant, Lou Reed, Alice Cooper and Status Quo have performed.

Thousands of fans flock to the Island each year to enjoy the carnival atmosphere and high-speed action of the TT Races and no other motorsport event attracts as many people for an entire period of two weeks than the world famous TT Races. Whether you are spectating, racing or supporting the event in another way, or just coming for the unique atmosphere, come and see for yourself what all the fuss is about at the 2011 TT Races - there really is nothing on Earth quite like it.

Isle of Man Hotels

Why not stay at the Sefton Hotel, a luxurious 4 Star hotel in Douglas, perfectly located for the TT Grandstand in Douglas. The fully refurbished Victorian-style hotel has some unique features such as its Atrium Water Garden, Rosette Award Winning Restaurant, Sefton spa, art gallery and secure guest underground car park. With 100 bedrooms including sea-facing, balcony and suites, the Sefton Hotel in Douglas is the perfect hotel to stay whilst enjoying the 2011 TT Races on the Isle of Man.