With only seven weeks until the 2013 Isle of Man TT kicks off, PH2 grabbed a few minutes with some of the TT’s brightest stars to find out their thoughts on the 2013 races – and what it is like to have a corner named after yourself
Bikes, girls, trophies. Not a bad life, eh?
TT legend with 19 wins who has now had a corner named after him.
“Where do you start?! Having a corner named after you is an incredible honour. I’ve grown up watching the TT races, read the books and raced here and I’m so pleased. The corner is my favourite on the course but previously didn’t have a name. Now, for generations to come, when I am long gone, it will still be known as McGuinness’s. That is really special and to be honest I’m a bit choked up, and lost for words.”
Michael Rutter
Current Zero TT champion and Honda TT Legends rider
“Having won the electric TT last year and set the first 100mph lap I’m looking forward to racing the electric bike again. I have spoken to the bike’s designer and he says it has improved quite a lot, which I’m excited about as it was fantastic last year. I set a 104mph lap in 2012 and I reckon a 108mph lap could be possible this year – although that is quite a jump as it’s an average speed.
“I think the competition will be stronger this year. The Mugen that John McGuinness is riding is very impressive and will have improved leaps and bounds. We only just beat it last year and if it wasn’t for the size of John we may well have been beaten! Imagine having to pull him up the mountain! Seriously, after one lap of practice they were very close and this year will be even better. John claims to have lost a bit of weight – I’m not sure where from, but he says he has. I don’t believe him personally!
“I reckon the Superbike TTs will be very close; there are so many good riders in the frame. To be honest I’d be happy for a top six finish. The Fireblade is a brilliant bike but with John, Michael, Guy, and everyone else a podium could be tricky. If I get one I’ll be ecstatic!”
It'll be Brookes' first time on the TT
Tyco Suzuki rider, twice British Superbike runner up and competing in his first TT this year
“The TT is going to be a highlight of my season. Although I take the BSB riding very seriously and winning the championship is my major goal, I can’t wait for the TT. A lot of my interest is being directed towards learning the course and preparing myself. So far I’d say I’ve done nearly 50 laps in car and even a lap on a coach with John McGuinness doing the onboard commentary. As well as this I’ve probably done about 25 laps on a bike, including a few parade laps and even getting out on Mad Sunday alongside road riders. Although to be honest I scared myself pretty bad on the 2012 parade lap – it was probably the most dangerous lap I will ever do. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing and I reached Rhencullen and got the corners confused – that was a big wake up call not to get cocky. I’ve always said fear will keep you alive. I’m not fearless, I just know how to manage it and don’t let it control me. My bike skills will keep me in safety for 90 per cent of the time while my fear will stop me going out of my comfort zone. If you choose to ignore fear then you can step into a dangerous area.”
Conor Cummins
Milwaukee Yamaha rider and star of that horrific crash video!
“I’ve been bored out of my brains all winter so I can’t wait to get out there. I’m fitter than ever and have been doing loads of mountain bike riding. The leg is good and I’m ready for the racing to start.”
William Dunlop
Milwaukee Yamaha rider and son of Robert Dunlop
“It’s going to be quite different riding for an official team this year but I’m looking forward to racing the R1 and hopefully winning a TT. The superbike races are going to be very hard as there are a lot of good riders out there but I want to show people I’m not just a 600 rider. To be honest it annoys me always being seen as a small capacity bike rider.”
Michael one of two Dunlop brothers in the race
Honda TT Legends rider, three times TT winner and son of Robert Dunlop. Now a lot slimmer!
“Everything is looking good this year – it’s just a shame I got the TT Legends bike that went off the mountain in 2012!
“I’m really looking forward to racing alongside Michael and John in the team and having the chance to show what I can do. It’s funny, we were talking in the hire car and Michael told me he first raced the TT in 1994 and was team mates with my dad! I thought he would have retired by now!”
Gary Johnson
Riding an MV Agusta 675 in the Supersport TT, the first MV to compete since 1972. Won one TT.
“It’s a new bike and brand new at the TT, so while we are sure the performance is there, will the longevity be as well? It’s no mean feat to do four TT laps; hopefully the MV is up for it. The team is run by Jack Valentine, who has won loads of TTs with V&M and also Triumph, so he knows his stuff and it’s a proper factory effort. Jack is coming to win and so am I. With a bit of luck we may be able to, although the Supersport field is very strong this year.”
Cheung relishes the challenge of the TT
The first Chinese rider to compete in a TT since 1981
“The team wanted to run a Chinese rider, and I have five victories at the Macau GP and was very excited to race for them. It is very hard for me to ride the TT course, harder than Macau. There are a lot of high speed corners, which is a challenge as I am used to riding smaller capacity bikes. This will be the first time I have raced a 1,000cc machine – I have never ridden an Aprilia RSV4 before!”
Bruce Anstey
Nine times TT winner and Padgetts Honda rider
“This year is going to be tough – the field is very strong, but I’m looking for another win. I reckon the 2013 TT will be great fun. I enjoy a challenge and it seems to bring the best out in me. I think it pisses the other riders off but I don’t ride bikes during the year – apart from a bit of off-road riding. The last time I rode a sportsbike was in August 2012 I think, although this year I will compete in two BSS races before the road racing events. I can kind of get on a bike, turn it on and just go.”