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Compare the Legends of the Isle of Man TT

Welcome to the ultimate Isle of Man TT fan app! Whether you’re stuck waiting out a race delay or kicking back in the beer garden with your mates, this is the place to spark epic debates and friendly banter. Compare legends from every era, see who outperforms the trends, and settle those classic ‘who would win?’ arguments—TT style!

2026 Senior Race Prediction

132.775 mph

(Full 6 Lap Race)

The Isle of Man TT: History, Heroes, Speed, and the Spirit of the World’s Most Iconic Road Race

The Isle of Man TT, or Tourist Trophy, is widely regarded as the most iconic, exhilarating, and fearlessly challenging motorcycle race on Earth. Every year, thousands of fans flock to the island and millions more tune in from around the world to witness an event that blends unmatched speed with over a century of tradition. Held on the Isle of Man’s public roads—closed specifically for the races—the TT is a spectacle of raw talent, engineering brilliance, and human courage. It is not merely a race for riders and spectators; it is a living motorsport legend. At the heart of this legendary event lies the Snaefell Mountain Course, a formidable 37.73-mile labyrinth of tight village streets, sweeping highland sections, blind crests, famous bends, and long straights that push the world’s best road racers to astonishing speeds. Riders regularly exceed 200 mph, threading between stone walls, lampposts, hedges, and houses with hardly a metre to spare. Every corner has a name and a story, and every lap adds new chapters to the rich history of the TT. The atmosphere surrounding the Isle of Man TT is unlike anything in motorsport. It’s a fusion of festival energy, deep respect for tradition, and the unique bond between riders and fans. Whether you’ve been attending for decades or have just discovered this incredible event, the TT’s magic is unmistakable. The Isle of Man TT began in 1907, at a time when mainland Britain’s strict speed limits made it impossible to push motorcycle performance to its limits. The Isle of Man, eager to host major sporting events, offered the perfect environment for a new type of race—one that rewarded engineering innovation and rider bravery. From that moment on, the TT became the ultimate proving ground. Early motorcycles, often delivering less power than a modern lawnmower, rumbled around the island at modest speeds compared to today’s machines. Yet even then, the Mountain Course was demanding, unforgiving, and utterly thrilling. Over the decades, as motorcycles evolved from simple, low-powered machines into today’s superbikes, the TT adapted while preserving its unique challenge. Riders like Stanley Woods, Freddie Frith, Geoff Duke, Mike Hailwood, Joey Dunlop, and John McGuinness became household names, each dominating their era and pushing the boundaries of what seemed possible. This continuity—a track that stays the same while technology and talent evolve—creates a rare connection between generations. The heroes of the 1930s, 1960s, 1990s, and today all rode the same roads, battled the same course, and faced the same brutal test of skill and nerve. That’s one reason the TT inspires endless debate among fans about who the greatest rider really is. Very few races in the world compare to the Isle of Man TT, and none match its combination of speed, complexity, and sheer physical and mental challenge. The course is a relentless sequence of technical village sections, ultra-fast straights, mountain climbs, and unpredictable cambers. Unlike modern circuits designed with safety run-off areas, the TT is raced on public roads bordered by stone walls, telegraph poles, trees, and buildings. Riders need flawless concentration for more than an hour at a time. Weather is another unpredictable factor. Fog can roll across the mountain even when the coast is sunny. A rider may begin a lap in dry conditions and end it in drizzle. Surface grip changes from village to village, sometimes even corner to corner. These variables require experience, instinct, and total commitment. Then there’s the endurance aspect. A TT lap is so long and complex that riders often describe it as a series of interconnected sprints, each demanding perfect timing and bravery. The physical toll is immense, with riders wrestling powerful bikes through bumps and G-forces while maintaining precision at speeds most people never experience. This combination of speed, danger, and technical mastery is why the Isle of Man TT is revered as motorcycling’s toughest and truest test. Among all the TT races, none commands more prestige or emotional weight than Senior Race Day. Often referred to simply as “The Senior,” this is the grand finale of TT fortnight—the ultimate showdown and the most coveted victory a road racer can claim. Winning the Senior TT places a rider’s name alongside the greatest legends in the history of the island. The Senior TT traditionally features the fastest machinery and the most competitive field. It’s the race that riders dream of from the moment they first set foot on the island. Over multiple laps around the Mountain Course, riders must deliver relentless speed and consistency. By the time the Senior race takes place, the tension on the island is electric. Fans pack every vantage point—Bray Hill, Ballaugh Bridge, Ramsey Hairpin, the Bungalow, and the famous Creg-ny-Baa—waiting to see who will emerge as the master of the Mountain for another year. The list of Senior TT winners reads like a who’s who of motorcycle royalty: Mike Hailwood, Joey Dunlop, John McGuinness, and more recently, Peter Hickman and Dean Harrison. Each victory is etched into TT folklore, often defining entire careers. For many fans, the Senior TT encapsulates everything the Isle of Man TT stands for: raw speed, high drama, and the timeless thrill of seeing the world’s best riders push themselves beyond the limit. Today, the Isle of Man TT blends its rich heritage with modern innovation. Cutting-edge superbikes roar across the island, delivering mind-bending power and performance. Onboard cameras give fans an immersive look at what it’s like to race between walls at 180+ mph. Documentaries, streaming platforms, and social media have helped introduce the TT to a new generation, increasing its global presence. Yet despite the technology, the essence of the TT remains unchanged. It’s still man and machine versus one of the toughest courses ever created. Riders must balance aggression with precision, and bravery with judgment. The unique blend of traditional racing and modern engineering gives the TT its lasting appeal. The Isle of Man TT has produced countless legends, but a few stand out for their impact on the race’s history. Joey Dunlop, with his record-breaking 26 TT victories, is one of the most beloved figures in motorcycling. His humility, dedication, and unmatched talent turned him into a global icon. John McGuinness, the “Morecambe Missile,” dominated modern superbike racing on the island, securing his status as one of the TT’s greatest ambassadors. Rivalries also play a major role in shaping TT history. Hailwood versus Agostini in the 60s, Dunlop versus McCallen in the 90s, McGuinness versus Martin in the 2000s, Hickman versus Harrison today—these battles fuel endless debate and keep fans passionately engaged year after year. The Isle of Man TT endures because it represents something rare: a pure, unfiltered challenge rooted deeply in motorsport’s origins. While many modern races have become sanitized, standardized, or entirely commercialized, the TT remains a connection to the essence of racing—courage, speed, and passion. The event’s danger, while never celebrated, is deeply acknowledged and respected. The TT is emotional, dramatic, and brutally honest. Fans appreciate the authenticity. Riders embrace the challenge. The island feels alive with history and anticipation every June. Whether you’re watching trackside on the Mountain, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow fans at the Beer Tent, or following every sector time from home, the TT grabs hold of you in a way no other race can. One of the TT’s most fascinating qualities is how it connects riders across generations. Because the course has changed so little over time, fans can compare lap speeds, styles, and strategies from riders decades apart. These comparisons fuel countless conversations between mates in pubs, paddocks, and beer gardens. That spirit is exactly what your app taps into—helping fans explore how riders from different eras stack up by leveling the playing field through data. The TT’s history gives these comparisons real weight and makes them irresistible to talk about. The Isle of Man TT is more than a race—it’s a century-old tradition, a celebration of bravery, and one of the most compelling spectacles in world sport. With its legendary heroes, dramatic rivalries, iconic course, and the crowning glory of Senior Race Day, the TT continues to inspire awe in everyone who experiences it. Whether you're trackside on the island or debating the greatest riders with your mates over a pint, the TT offers endless stories, endless excitement, and endless respect for the riders who take on the Mountain Course.

Race Wins

Michael Dunlop

Michael Dunlop is a Northern Irish road racing legend and is widely regarded as one of the most naturally gifted riders the event has ever seen. Born on 25 April 1989 he has etched his name into TT history with a record 33 race wins, making him the most successful rider in the event’s long history. Known for his fearless pace and technical precision, Dunlop has claimed victories across multiple classes while racing for several top manufacturers, including Honda, BMW, Ducati, Kawasaki, and Yamaha. His ability to adapt to different machines and conditions has made him a benchmark for greatness at the Isle of Man TT.

Race Wins

Joey Dunlop

Joey Dunlop was a Northern Irish motorcycling icon and one of the greatest legends the Isle of Man TT has ever known. Born on 25 February 1952, he tragically passed away in 2000 at the age of 48, but his legacy remains unmatched in road racing culture. Dunlop achieved an incredible 26 Isle of Man TT race wins, a record that stood for over two decades and cemented his status as the benchmark for TT greatness. Renowned for his calm, precise riding style and relentless consistency, he achieved success across multiple classes while racing primarily for Honda, the manufacturer most closely associated with his career, as well as Yamaha, Suzuki, and Ducati. Revered not only for his achievements but also for his humility and humanitarian work, Joey Dunlop remains a defining figure in any comparison of TT legends.

Race Wins

John McGuinness

John McGuinness is an English road racing legend and one of the most respected figures in the history of the Isle of Man TT. Born on 16 April 1972, he is 53 years old and is best known for combining longevity, consistency, and outright speed at the highest level of road racing. McGuinness has secured 23 Isle of Man TT race wins, placing him firmly among the all-time greats, and he was the first rider to lap the Mountain Course at over 130 mph, a landmark moment in TT history. Throughout his illustrious career, he has been most closely associated with Honda, the manufacturer with which he achieved the majority of his success, while also racing for Yamaha, Suzuki, and Norton at various stages. His experience, technical understanding, and deep connection to the TT make him a cornerstone in any statistical comparison of the event’s greatest riders.

How it works

Our Isle of Man TT stats comparison is built to answer one of road racing’s biggest questions: how do you fairly compare legends from completely different eras? For this first launch, we focus exclusively on Senior TT race winners, using detailed lap-speed data and statistical analysis driven by linear regression models. In simple terms, we model the performance trend for each era to understand what “normal” winning pace looked like at the time. This allows us to see how fast the sport was evolving and where each rider sat relative to their contemporaries. If a rider went faster than the expected pace for their era, they are judged to have outperformed the trend. Riders like Michael Dunlop and Peter Hickman, who consistently push beyond what the data predicts, stand out clearly when viewed through this lens of Isle of Man TT statistics.

Once we’ve built these era-specific models, we compare them directly to see who truly exceeded expectations by the greatest margin. This is where the real insight comes in: instead of just counting wins or top speeds, we measure how much each rider beat (or fell short of) the standard of their time. Of course, TT racing is never a controlled environment—weather, track conditions, strategy, and experience all play a role—so this isn’t about claiming a single “perfect” answer. Think of it as a smart, data-led way to create a level playing field across decades, giving fans a fresh way to debate legends of the Mountain Course. Whether you’re passing time during a weather delay or settling an argument over a pint, our Isle of Man TT stats offer a deeper, fairer way to compare the sport’s greatest riders.

And if you disagree with the numbers, that’s absolutely fine—every true TT fan knows the character, courage, and magic of the Isle of Man TT can never be fully boiled down to stats alone.

Race Wins

Ian Hutchinson

Ian Hutchinson is an English Isle of Man TT legend whose name is forever tied to one of the most extraordinary achievements in the event’s history. Born on 12 August 1979, his career highlight was the remarkable five wins during the 2010 TT, a feat achieved in a single week that stunned the road racing world. Riding with relentless determination and consistency, Hutchinson dominated the Superbike, Senior, Superstock, and Supersport classes, setting new benchmarks for endurance and performance on the Mountain Course. Across his TT career he has secured 16 race wins, racing for major manufacturers including Honda, Yamaha, BMW, and Kawasaki. His 2010 campaign remains a cornerstone moment in modern TT history and a key reference point in any statistical comparison of the race’s greatest performances.

Race Wins

Mike Hailwood

Mike Hailwood was an English motorcycling icon and one of the most naturally talented riders ever to compete at the Isle of Man TT. Born on 2 April 1940, he tragically lost his life in 1981 at the age of 40, but his impact on the sport remains timeless. Hailwood claimed 14 Isle of Man TT victories, showcasing extraordinary versatility by winning across multiple classes during the 1960s. He is most famously associated with Honda, with whom he helped define a golden era at the TT, before making a legendary comeback in 1978 to win the Senior TT on a Ducati after an 11-year absence from the event. Over his career he also raced British machinery such as Norton, further underlining his adaptability. Revered for his smooth riding style and fearless racecraft, Mike “The Bike” Hailwood remains a benchmark when comparing TT legends across generations.

Race Wins

Peter Hickman

Peter Hickman is an English Isle of Man TT superstar and one of the defining riders of the modern era on the Mountain Course. Born on 5 February 1987, he  has built a reputation around relentless speed, technical precision, and record-breaking performances. Hickman has secured 14 Isle of Man TT race wins, including multiple victories in the Superbike, Senior, Superstock, and Supersport classes. He holds the all-time lap record around the TT course, a benchmark that underlines his place among the event’s elite. Throughout his TT career, he has raced primarily for BMW, achieving the bulk of his success with the German manufacturer, while also claiming major wins with Triumph in Supersport and racing for Yamaha, Honda, and Kawasaki at various stages. His ability to deliver peak performance in the data-driven modern era makes him a crucial reference point in any Isle of Man TT stats comparison.

Future Plans

Side Car Legends

Looking ahead, we aim to expand the platform with a dedicated sidecar comparison feature, created to honour those who have raced — and continue to race — in the sidecar event. This addition will celebrate the unique skill, teamwork, and bravery that define sidecar racing, ensuring it has a meaningful place alongside the solo classes.

Classification Comparison

We also plan to extend our models across additional TT categories, including Supersport, Superstock, and beyond. By expanding the analysis to cover more classes, we aim to reflect the full depth of the event and give fans new ways to explore, compare, and discuss performances across the TT.

Predicting Race Speeds

We also intend to use our models to predict average race speeds for the winning rider in each classification. By applying data-driven analysis across the different categories, this feature will offer fresh insight into performance trends while encouraging discussion and curiosity around what it takes to win at the TT.

AstroQuant

Astroquant Limited was founded by a doctoral researcher who grew up on the Isle of Man, developed a lifelong love of the TT, and still follows it closely today. Bringing together a background in physics and a passion for numbers, this fascination evolved into analysing TT data and transforming it into a web-based app designed to spark conversation and curiosity around the races. Built on rigorous thinking but driven by enjoyment, the project reflects a belief that data can be both insightful and fun. Based in London, Astroquant continues to focus on simple, engaging web apps and is always looking for new ideas, experiments, and creative developments to explore.

Astroquant Limited is a London-based studio building simple, data-driven web apps inspired by physics, numbers, and the engineering spirit of the Isle of Man TT.

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