IoM TT 2014 - PH2 form guide
The action kicks off on the Isle of Man this weekend - PH2 picks out the runners and riders
John McGuinness - Honda
TT wins: 20
Usually you would bet on McPint taking a TT victory, however this year is different. John suffered a nasty off-road accident a few months ago and while his right scaphoid is now screwed together, the issue is the scapholunate ligament, which is still affecting his braking performance. McGuinness is as hard as nails and knows the TT course like no one else, so he could skip a bit of practice to keep fresh, but a lack of bike time and strength in the wrist could hold him back. PH2 wouldn't be surprised to see him sit out a few races to concentrate on the Senior. On paper, this isn't McG's year.
TT wins: 7
Last year Michael was awesome, this year he looks to be in just as devastating form. After a bit of pre-season shenanigans, Dunlop signed with BMW and subsequently dominated the North West 200 on the S1000RR. Make no mistake, the Hawk team are more than capable of giving him the bike he needs, however the weather could play a major part. If it rains during practice week the team could struggle with set-up where the Honda boys simply roll the bike out and go. That said, Dunlop is seldom bothered by a bike that isn't 100 per cent sorted and usually just rides the wheels off it. He will win a TT this year, but just which one depends on McGuinness' fitness and ability to stay consistently fast. Dunlop wants the Senior, if McG only rides one race it will be that one.
TT wins: 0
It's the same old question, can Guy eventually break his TT duck? Before the North West you would have had to say it could well be his year. Guy is fitter, faster and more focused than ever and the Suzuki hasn't changed at all. With McG injured and Dunlop on an untested bike, the scene is set for Guy. However Guy didn't have a great North West 200 and he isn't on the Dunlop tyres that seem to suit the TT course so well. Fingers crossed as nearly everyone would love to see the big sideburned chap take a win.
Conor Cummins - Honda
TT wins: 0
Conor is the dark horse of this year's TT. Team mate to McGuinness on the Fireblade, Conor is fast and consistent and took a podium at the North West first time out on the bike. With such an experienced crew around him, Conor could well shine at the 2014 TT. He can rattle out the 130mph laps and if as it looks like he has clicked with the 'blade, he will be very fast. Practice could be key to the Manxman's success, as well as his rivals struggling. If any of the top riders or their machines falter, Conor will be there to take the win. A certain podium man and this year he could well take that elusive first TT win.
William Dunlop - Suzuki
TT wins: 0
Generally known as a Supersport rider, William is still very rapid on a superbike. He is certainly in with a shout on the little bike, but a swap of machinery as well as tyres might see him struggle to get a large capacity win. Watch out for him in the supersport race.
TT wins: 1
Hillier's Supertwin victory last year was thoroughly deserved, but you have to question if he can replicate this success in the big bike classes. A possible podium shout, but far more likely to take another Supertwin win than a victory on the ZX-10R.
Ian Hutchinson - Yamaha
TT wins - 8
After his horrific injuries, we would all love to see Hutchy win another TT, however the odds seem stacked against him. Now that the Milwaukee team have made up with the TT organisers at least he will have his chance, but the Yamaha needs a dry week of practice to get dialed in. Hutchy proved at Macau he has the speed, but can he regain his post-injury form? PH2 hates to say it, but a top five would be an amazing result and a win isn't on the cards. Team mate Josh Brookes isn't likely to get a win for another few years, but he is still extremely rapid.
Gary Johnson - Honda
TT wins: 1
If anyone deserves a proper factory ride it is Gary Johnson. A seriously talented rider, Gary is on his own Fireblade this year, which probably won't be quite as good as the likes of the Padgetts or official Honda team bikes. As his 2011 Supersport win demonstrated, he certainly has the required skills. Another possible dark horse.
TT wins: 9
You can never write Bruce Anstey off and his Padgetts team knows how to give him a bike capable of taking a TT win. One of the quietest men in the TT paddock is a stunning rider around the TT course and on his day more than a match for the best. Will this year be his day? With Bruce you never can tell. If he clicks and is happy, Bruce will win a TT. Oddly enough, his best chance of success is on the Mugen electric bike. Team old git (McG is 42, Bruce 44) should win the electric race, and if McG is rested, Bruce should take the honours.
I think that this is a pretty good assessment of form. It is hard to imagine anyone out-riding Michael Dunlop but he could have some mechanical problems. I think that he'll win Superstock, Senior and at least one Supersport race, with Connor winning his first TT in the first Superbike...
Pure speculation! No team orders this year shall mean a first Senior TT win for BMW since 1939 and maybe a new 133 mph lap record if the weather is nice.
He'd be in with a shout on a "proper" bike. Unfortunately I don't believe the Aprilia-Norton (Apron?) will be quick enough/hold together long enough for him to get anywhere near the front, even though it has the bless of Mick Grant and Steve Plater. What's he riding in the other classes? Or is he just going for the Superbike/Senior races?
It would be great to see victories for Hutchy, Cam Donald, Guy Martin, Gary Johnson and Connor, and for all riders and spectators to survive the fortnight.
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