After two years of cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, road racing fans can now rejoice as the highly anticipated 2022 event is currently underway, and the pent-up demand looks to make this an unforgettable TT.
For the first time ever, live video coverage is available for streaming through https://ttplus.iomttraces.com. This incredible addition of coverage allows fans across the globe to finally keep up with the visual action instead of waiting for highlights on social media and the official recap video from the Isle of Man TT organization.
Our Pre-Race Favorites:
Michael Rutter and John McGuinness –
It’s hard to fathom how anyone can put in the effort of tackling the 37 mile course lap after lap, with speeds bordering 200mph and average lap times now consistently above 130 mph. It’s even harder to fathom anyone doing this above the age of 50, yet somehow Michael Rutter and John McGuinness still have what it takes to compete at the highest level of racing at the most demanding course in the world.
The pair have a mind-blowing 30 TT wins between them (McGuinness with 23 and Rutter with 7) and are still capable of stacking that number higher. A combined age of 100 years old, and McGuiness’s 100th TT start on Saturday.
McGuinness has returned to the TT this year aboard the Honda Racing factory team’s brand new CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, and has shown promising speed thus far during qualifying.
Rutter has returned to the TT aboard the Bathams BMW M 1000RR and looks to utilize his nearly two decades of experience along the mountain course to his advantage against the much younger field. His qualifying sessions have had a slow start, but expect to his times drop as he comes to grips with the BMW.
Michael Dunlop –
As another legendary name in the TT paddock, Dunlop is set to compete for his 20th event win at the mountain course aboard the Hawk Racing GSXR-1000R in the Superbike category. After a last-minute shake up and switch from a planned Ducati ride, Dunlop looks to add further wins to his family’s legacy.
Thus far in qualifying, Dunlop’s pace looks fast, even as he transitions to Metzeler tires following a close call with a rear Dunlop tire blowout at full pace during the recent North West 200 event. Look for Dunlop to be pushing for top step of the podium in both Supersport and Superbike categories over the next week. Watch how Dunlop attacks the corners on his Supersport bike, it’s a true sight to behold.
Dean Harrison –
Dao Racing Kawasaki rider Dean Harrison is set to defend his 2019 Senior TT win and is already attacking the track with a ferocious pace. Harrison topped Tuesday’s qualifying session with a 17:10.817 lap time (132.7 mph lap) aboard his ZX-10RR, followed closely by Davey Todd. The 33-year-old West Yorkshireman is pushing for his 4th TT event win this year, and it seems he is well on course to achieve that.
Peter Hickman –
As one of the most hyped competitors in the paddock, Peter Hickman returns to the Isle of Man in search of redemption in the Senior TT category. After a last-minute bike change during the 2019 event, Hickman was edged out by Dean Harrison and had to settle for second place.
This year, Hickman has arrived aboard the Gas Monkey Garage by FHO Racing BMW M1000R machine and is looking fast. Recent events at the North West 200 and British Superbike Championship have given him proper seat time to familiarize himself with the current bike setup. Hickman is a 5-time TT event winner and has the obvious potential to add more trophies to his collection in 2022. As the reigning ‘World’s fastest road racer’ (2018 135mph lap), Hickman likely stands as the one to beat in the Superbike category.
Davey Todd –
With his third attempt at the Isle of Man TT, Todd looks extremely quick during this week’s qualifying sessions. The Milenco by Padgett’s Motorcycle rider put in a blistering pace of 17:11.695, just slightly behind competitor Dean Harrison.
With multiple podium finishes at the recent North West 200 event, Todd is on a positive wave of momentum that should allow him to push towards the top step next week.
Other honorable mentions are ‘General’ Lee Johnston, current British Supersport front runner and previous TT winner, who looks to cement a solid victory with his new Aprilia. The lovable Irishman will surely be right at the sharp end through all categories, but that Supersport run might be something special. Also, professional lumberjack Dom Herbertson looks to push for his first TT win on his Cowton Racing twin cylinder machine and reach the coveted 130mph lap on his Superbike. Currently recovering from, and still managing, a graphic chainsaw-related eye injury, Herbertson’s qualifying pace has been outstanding so far.
I also want to throw a quick shoutout to Supersport competitor and CycleNews contributor, Rennie Scaysbrook. After setting the record for fastest ascent on two wheels up the Pikes Peak course, at the final ever motorcycle event on the mountain, Rennie has set his sights to the Isle of Man. Scaysbrook is competing aboard the PRF Racing Suzuki GSXR-600 during his maiden voyage around the mountain course and we wish him all the best of luck!
Ryan Yearwood is the motorsports correspondent for SoBros Network as well as the pioneer and visionary behind SoBros Outdoors. Follow on Twitter: @OutdoorSoBro.
Check out the SoBros Shop. Become a Patron. Give us money for no reason. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @SoBrosNetwork. Watch on YouTube.
