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Isle of Man TT Gallery—Sunshine and Blazing Speeds

Hugh Janus

By Hugh Janus
in MOTORCYCLE CHAT

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Hugh Janus

Hugh Janus

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Michael Dunlop was beaming upon winning his 25th TT, moving ahead of John McGuinness as the active rider with the most wins and now only one win short of his legendary uncle, Joey Dunlop.
Michael Dunlop was beaming upon winning his 25th TT, moving ahead of John McGuinness as the active rider with the most wins and now only one win short of his legendary uncle, Joey Dunlop. (Paul Phillips/)

The 2023 Isle of Man TT opened with perfect weather and blazing speeds. Sunshine greeted the 60,000 visitors and continued without interruption for the fortnight.

This year also brought a slightly revised format, with two races for each class—Superbike, Superstock, Supersport, Twins, and Sidecars—for a total of 10 races.

Expectations were high for the top riders, including 21-time TT winner Michael Dunlop and for Peter Hickman, the TT course record holder. Dean Harrison, Davey Todd, John McGuinness, and Mike Browne were also high among the favorites.

Related: How To Watch: Isle of Man TT 2023

With each day of practice/qualifying speeds were increasing and approaching the course record. Hickman, Harrison, Dunlop, and Todd all near the top of the list. Early in race week, it was the Michael Dunlop show with three wins on the first Superbike race, the Supersport race, and the Super Twin. Interspersed were the continuation of the Brichall brothers’ dominance of the Sidecar event. The power shifted in the back half of race week, with Hickman taking both Superstock races, the Superbike race, and the second Supertwin event.

Michael Dunlop finished the 2023 TT with four wins and took over the most TT wins for an active rider with 25, surpassing McGuinness with 23. Michael is just one short of his uncle Joey Dunlop with 26.Hickman also came away with four wins and a new course record.

Michael Dunlop in one of his rare moments of relaxation, preparing to head out for his first practice laps of 2023 on his Hawk Racing Honda CBR1000RR-R Superbike.
Michael Dunlop in one of his rare moments of relaxation, preparing to head out for his first practice laps of 2023 on his Hawk Racing Honda CBR1000RR-R Superbike. (Paul Phillips/)When you are lined up shoulder to shoulder, but the starter sends you off one at a time for practice, who goes first? Gary Vines (52) on his Honda CBR600RR and Richard Wilson (47) also on a Honda 600, rely on the universal decision-making process of Rock, Paper, Scissors. Of course, two out of three takes the lead position.
When you are lined up shoulder to shoulder, but the starter sends you off one at a time for practice, who goes first? Gary Vines (52) on his Honda CBR600RR and Richard Wilson (47) also on a Honda 600, rely on the universal decision-making process of Rock, Paper, Scissors. Of course, two out of three takes the lead position. (Paul Phillips/)From the evening shadows to the bright sunlight Michael Rutter takes practice laps on his Honda RC213V-S Superbike. With more than 80 TT starts, Rutter is always a factor on the course.
From the evening shadows to the bright sunlight Michael Rutter takes practice laps on his Honda RC213V-S Superbike. With more than 80 TT starts, Rutter is always a factor on the course. (Paul Phillips/)Dean Harrison rides his Kawasaki ZX-10RR Superbike out on the first evening practice. At age 34 Harrison, a fan favorite, has 54 TT starts, 20 podium finishes, and three wins and a top lap speed of 134.9 mph.
Dean Harrison rides his Kawasaki ZX-10RR Superbike out on the first evening practice. At age 34 Harrison, a fan favorite, has 54 TT starts, 20 podium finishes, and three wins and a top lap speed of 134.9 mph. (Paul Phillips/)The BMW RR has been Peter Hickman’s go-to bike, upon which he held the course record. Here he launches off Ballagarey, a blind dogleg to the right, riding the new M 1000 RR Superstock, exceeding the 130 mph in the early practice sessions.
The BMW RR has been Peter Hickman’s go-to bike, upon which he held the course record. Here he launches off Ballagarey, a blind dogleg to the right, riding the new M 1000 RR Superstock, exceeding the 130 mph in the early practice sessions. (Paul Phillips/)Mike Browne, who first competed at the TT in 2019 and has had seven prior starts, started all eight solo races for 2023. Evening practice on his BMW M 1000 RR Superstock. Browne finished second in the Supertwin race aboard his Paton S1-R.
Mike Browne, who first competed at the TT in 2019 and has had seven prior starts, started all eight solo races for 2023. Evening practice on his BMW M 1000 RR Superstock. Browne finished second in the Supertwin race aboard his Paton S1-R. (Paul Phillips/)Manx rider Jorge Halliday wears orange to denote his TT rookie status. Halliday successfully completed both Superport races on his Yamaha.
Manx rider Jorge Halliday wears orange to denote his TT rookie status. Halliday successfully completed both Superport races on his Yamaha. (Paul Phillips/)Brothers Ben and Tom Birchall began their TT career in 2009. They continued their Honda-powered winning streak now at 14, and posted a new lap record of 120.4 mph.
Brothers Ben and Tom Birchall began their TT career in 2009. They continued their Honda-powered winning streak now at 14, and posted a new lap record of 120.4 mph. (Paul Phillips/)Taking flight at Ballaugh Bridge and close behind the Brichalls was the FHO Racing Team of Peter Founds and Jevan Walmsley, also on their Honda-powered sidecar.
Taking flight at Ballaugh Bridge and close behind the Brichalls was the FHO Racing Team of Peter Founds and Jevan Walmsley, also on their Honda-powered sidecar. (Paul Phillips/)Low to the ground and close to the crowd, monkey Karl Schofield moves from side to side to balance the sidecar as pilot Dave Quirk navigates the Suzuki power machine past Braddan Church.
Low to the ground and close to the crowd, monkey Karl Schofield moves from side to side to balance the sidecar as pilot Dave Quirk navigates the Suzuki power machine past Braddan Church. (Paul Phillips/)Aussie and <i>Cycle News</i> staffer Rennie Scaysbrook launches his Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade Superbike off Ballagarey. Soon after, he switched rides and competed on a BMW.
Aussie and <i>Cycle News</i> staffer Rennie Scaysbrook launches his Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade Superbike off Ballagarey. Soon after, he switched rides and competed on a BMW. (Paul Phillips/)Although riders start at 10-second intervals, it doesn’t take long for traffic to build up. Approaching the Ramsey Hairpin, John McGuiness on this factory-sponsored CBR1000RR-R SP Fireblade leads James Hillier on his OMG Racing Suzuki Superbike, both being chased by Jamie Coward, also riding a Honda.Although riders start at 10-second intervals, it doesn’t take long for traffic to build up. Approaching the Ramsey Hairpin, John McGuiness on this factory-sponsored CBR1000RR-R SP Fireblade leads James Hillier on his OMG Racing Suzuki Superbike, both being chased by Jamie Coward, also riding a Honda.
Although riders start at 10-second intervals, it doesn’t take long for traffic to build up. Approaching the Ramsey Hairpin, John McGuiness on this factory-sponsored CBR1000RR-R SP Fireblade leads James Hillier on his OMG Racing Suzuki Superbike, both being chased by Jamie Coward, also riding a Honda.Although riders start at 10-second intervals, it doesn’t take long for traffic to build up. Approaching the Ramsey Hairpin, John McGuiness on this factory-sponsored CBR1000RR-R SP Fireblade leads James Hillier on his OMG Racing Suzuki Superbike, both being chased by Jamie Coward, also riding a Honda. (Paul Phillips/)The Dunlop family name is synonymous with the TT. Michael is carrying on the extraordinarily focused family way, always focused and aggressive. Riding in all eight of the solo events and winning four, here pushing his Honda CBR1000RR-R Superbike down as he flies over Ballaugh Bridge, trying to get his bike back on the ground as fast as possible during the early morning pre-race warmup lap.
The Dunlop family name is synonymous with the TT. Michael is carrying on the extraordinarily focused family way, always focused and aggressive. Riding in all eight of the solo events and winning four, here pushing his Honda CBR1000RR-R Superbike down as he flies over Ballaugh Bridge, trying to get his bike back on the ground as fast as possible during the early morning pre-race warmup lap. (Paul Phillips/)As if competing against the bike, as well as the mountain course, Michael Dunlop won the first Supertwin event by 27 seconds.
As if competing against the bike, as well as the mountain course, Michael Dunlop won the first Supertwin event by 27 seconds. (Paul Phillips/)Aboard his MD Racing Yamaha YZF-R6 BN6, Dunlop won both Supersport events. In the second race, he set a new course record of 130.4 mph finishing nine seconds ahead of Peter Hickman.
Aboard his MD Racing Yamaha YZF-R6 BN6, Dunlop won both Supersport events. In the second race, he set a new course record of 130.4 mph finishing nine seconds ahead of Peter Hickman. (Paul Phillips/)Parliament Square is an amazing spot to watch the TT. Riders come in on a long high-speed straight with some backing into the right turn, then a quick left, and on to May Hill before heading up to the mountain. Manx rider Michael Evans on his Honda CBR600RR, Craig Neve on his Triumph Daytona Street Triple 765 RS, and Shaun Anderson also on a Honda CBR600RR come through in formation.
Parliament Square is an amazing spot to watch the TT. Riders come in on a long high-speed straight with some backing into the right turn, then a quick left, and on to May Hill before heading up to the mountain. Manx rider Michael Evans on his Honda CBR600RR, Craig Neve on his Triumph Daytona Street Triple 765 RS, and Shaun Anderson also on a Honda CBR600RR come through in formation. (Paul Phillips/)In solo events longer than two laps, pit stops are a must. While in Formula 1 stops are less than two seconds, at the TT fuel is gravity fed, the rear tire is changed, new visors installed, and fluids are administered to the rider. Pit stops take between 45 seconds to as much as a minute and, just like Formula 1, the efficiency of the team can have a major impact on placing.
In solo events longer than two laps, pit stops are a must. While in Formula 1 stops are less than two seconds, at the TT fuel is gravity fed, the rear tire is changed, new visors installed, and fluids are administered to the rider. Pit stops take between 45 seconds to as much as a minute and, just like Formula 1, the efficiency of the team can have a major impact on placing. (Paul Phillips/)Every straight on the TT course is an opportunity to accelerate; South African Allann Venter on his Honda CBR600RR makes full use of the opportunity ahead of him.
Every straight on the TT course is an opportunity to accelerate; South African Allann Venter on his Honda CBR600RR makes full use of the opportunity ahead of him. (Paul Phillips/)In the winner’s enclosure Michael Dunlop displays his new “Speed Limit” sign for his 130.4 mph record.
In the winner’s enclosure Michael Dunlop displays his new “Speed Limit” sign for his 130.4 mph record. (Paul Phillips/)Ben and Tom Birchall en route to their 14th consecutive TT win, passing Creg-Ny-Baa 3 miles from the finish line. Tom leans over Ben to optimize the balance of the sidecar.
Ben and Tom Birchall en route to their 14th consecutive TT win, passing Creg-Ny-Baa 3 miles from the finish line. Tom leans over Ben to optimize the balance of the sidecar. (Paul Phillips/)Davey Todd, a TT rising star and fan favorite, backs his Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP into the turn at Creg-Ny-Baa.
Davey Todd, a TT rising star and fan favorite, backs his Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP into the turn at Creg-Ny-Baa. (Paul Phillips/)Peter Hickman, riding his Yamaha R7, had mechanical challenges during qualifying. Hickman’s teams sorted the problems and he went on to finish fourth in the initial Supertwin race, followed by a victory in the second race.
Peter Hickman, riding his Yamaha R7, had mechanical challenges during qualifying. Hickman’s teams sorted the problems and he went on to finish fourth in the initial Supertwin race, followed by a victory in the second race. (Paul Phillips/)Hickman on his FHO Racing BMW M1000 RR at this point has already picked up 20 seconds on Davey Todd on his Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP. Ultimately, Hickman won the Superstock race, Michael Dunlop came in second, and Todd finished one minute back in fourth.
Hickman on his FHO Racing BMW M1000 RR at this point has already picked up 20 seconds on Davey Todd on his Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP. Ultimately, Hickman won the Superstock race, Michael Dunlop came in second, and Todd finished one minute back in fourth. (Paul Phillips/)With 3 miles to go on the final lap of the first Superstock race, Hickman wheelies past the cheering crowd and his pit board reading, “P1, +22 seconds.”
With 3 miles to go on the final lap of the first Superstock race, Hickman wheelies past the cheering crowd and his pit board reading, “P1, +22 seconds.” (Paul Phillips/)Hickman entered the penultimate day of racing with one win, to Dunlop’s four victories. Hickman dominated the Superstock race on his FHO Racing BMW M 1000 RR, posting a new TT lap record of 136.358. The Superstock category mandates treaded road tires and except for bodywork is essentially the same as you can purchase at a BMW dealer. After a break, Hickman came back on his Yamaha R7 to win the second Supertwin event.
Hickman entered the penultimate day of racing with one win, to Dunlop’s four victories. Hickman dominated the Superstock race on his FHO Racing BMW M 1000 RR, posting a new TT lap record of 136.358. The Superstock category mandates treaded road tires and except for bodywork is essentially the same as you can purchase at a BMW dealer. After a break, Hickman came back on his Yamaha R7 to win the second Supertwin event. (Paul Phillips/)Frenchman Pierre-Yves Bian on his Paton S1-R, with his helmet and number plate in a polka dot pattern in homage to the King of the Mountain jersey at the Tour de France, outlasted his competition for a second place podium finish.
Frenchman Pierre-Yves Bian on his Paton S1-R, with his helmet and number plate in a polka dot pattern in homage to the King of the Mountain jersey at the Tour de France, outlasted his competition for a second place podium finish. (Paul Phillips/)American Pete Murray on his Kawasaki Ninja 650 roaring through Kirk Michael to a strong finish.
American Pete Murray on his Kawasaki Ninja 650 roaring through Kirk Michael to a strong finish. (Paul Phillips/)Always competitive, former TT Senior Superbike winner Dean Harrison rides his Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR Superbike close to the wall at Greeba Bridge. Harrison finished second to Hickman, 20 seconds back after six laps and two pit stops of the 37.73-mile course.
Always competitive, former TT Senior Superbike winner Dean Harrison rides his Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR Superbike close to the wall at Greeba Bridge. Harrison finished second to Hickman, 20 seconds back after six laps and two pit stops of the 37.73-mile course. (Paul Phillips/)Leaving the village of Ramsey behind, Peter Hickman makes the hairpin and heads to his fourth TT win of 2023.
Leaving the village of Ramsey behind, Peter Hickman makes the hairpin and heads to his fourth TT win of 2023. (Paul Phillips/)

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