5 Reasons Why TT Riders Are Better Than F1 Drivers

Because TT races attract fewer sponsors than Formula 1, less money is at stake. As a result, rider’s contracts tend to be a bit more relaxed, allowing riders like ‘Morecambe Missile’ John McGuinness to say exactly what’s on their mind.

Guy Martin is arguably the most famous British motorcycle racer since Barry Sheene. His distinctive sideburns, impenetrable Lincolnshire accent and his penchant for speed have made him somewhat of a household name in the UK. He’s also respected as one of the most talented road racers of the last decade with wins and podiums at major international events.

However, unlike the top F1 drivers, he’s uncomfortable with his fame. He holds down a day job as a truck mechanic in Grimsby and refuses to do TV shows unless they’re of interest to him.

Also, in a world where F1 drivers can’t compete in other championships due to contractual limitations, it’s refreshing to see Guy take part in events such as the Pikes Peak Hillclimb. Oh, and did I also mention that he’s planning on breaking the two-wheeled world land speed record?

Unfortunately, he was badly injured at the recent Ulster Grand Prix, fracturing vertebrae, breaking his sternum and cracking a number of ribs. But that didn’t stop him returning to work on the following Monday. What a legend.

In June 2010, Ian Hutchinson was on top of the world. He’d achieved a feat no one had really thought was possible, winning an unprecedented 5 TTs in a week. Unfortunately, some weeks later, Ian was competing at a rain-soaked Silverstone where he fell off and was hit by another rider. The impact resulted in a compound fracture to his tibia and fibula.

From this point on it was a five-year battle to regain fitness. Most racers would have ended up in a world full of self-pity, but 30 operations and six skin grafts later, Ian returned to the TT in 2015 to win three races on the most dangerous and challenging circuit in the world.

It takes a special sort of person to race on a circuit that has, to date, claimed 248 riders’ lives. In fact, John McGuinness famously cuts his grass and tidies the house just in case he doesn’t return, which goes to show that the riders acknowledge the dangers they put themselves in.

In recent years, Michael Dunlop has been the most spectacular rider to watch. He rides the roads like short circuits, backing the bike into corners and wheeling past dry stonewalls. It’s terrifying and mesmerising at the same time.

With the news that Lewis Hamilton is now Britain’s richest sportsman, it’s nice to know that some racers are still in touch with reality. Most road racers often hold down a day job to support their racing, even if they are ‘professionals’.

John McGuinness is an ex bricklayer, Guy Martin is a truck mechanic and Cameron Donald is a plumber. And unless they absolutely dominate at the TT they’re not walking away with much in the way of prize money. But still, these guys have the upmost respect for their fans.

On a personal note, I can remember the time back in 2008 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed when I approached Cameron (who was fresh off the back of two TT wins) for an autograph. He ran by, jumped on his bike and blasted off up the hill. Two hours later, when I returned to the pits, I heard an Australian calling me over, which turned out to be Cameron. He wanted to apologise for not having the time to sign my book earlier in the day. I’m not sure that would even be possible in the F1 paddock…