Thursday 22nd May 2014

IoM TT 2014 - PH2 form guide

The action kicks off on the Isle of Man this weekend - PH2 picks out the runners and riders

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Traditionally, the North West 200 gives a pretty good indication about who is likely to be on form when it comes to the TT races a few weeks later. So, judging by their results in Ireland, not to mention a bit of blind guess work, PH2 sticks its neck on the line with a 2014 TT form guide. Just don't blame us if you re-mortgage your house on one of our predictions and they come last... The action starts on Saturday - see the official website for more info.

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.

Michael Dunlop - BMW
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.

Guy Martin - Suzuki
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.

James Hillier - Kawasaki
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.

Bruce Anstey - Honda
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.

[PILCH 23]

I'm really looking forward to the TT this year. Can PH2 give us a TV schedule too?
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.

[twobanksoffour]

I'm probably far from alone in hoping the truck-fitting, barge-building, record-breaking people's favourite that is Guy Martin finally gets his first win this year. He's got the facial hair for it - witness Rocket Ron Haslam, Graham Hill et al, all burner-equipped.

My fave though is another Lincolnshire lad, Gary Johnson. Here's hoping for an incident-free TT either way.

[WaferThinHam]

No Cam Donald?

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?

Edited by WaferThinHam on Thursday 22 May 22:48

[jasesapphy]

twobanksoffour said:

I'm probably far from alone in hoping the truck-fitting, barge-building, record-breaking people's favourite that is Guy Martin finally gets his first win this year. He's got the facial hair for it - witness Rocket Ron Haslam, Graham Hill et al, all burner-equipped.

My fave though is another Lincolnshire lad, Gary Johnson. Here's hoping for an incident-free TT either way.

Same here love guy to get one, also like Gary Johnson.

Really gone off Dunlop hope he don't win to be honest, happy to see MC Pint do well also

[y2blade]

Main thread here
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

It's going to be a great one.

[Sean Carson]

Spare a thought for Simon Andrews who should have been there. And for every other fallen rider at the TT. The racing must and most definitely should go on, but it doesn't mean we can't remember greats of the past who have sadly lost their lives through ultimate commitment to the sport they loved.

[996jim]

Yes I second that. These riders are just incredible, they know one little error will probably kill them but they still turn-up year after year, quite amazing. Their commitment cannot be doubted in any way - it's certainly not for the money. So tragic when one of the nice chaps get killed in pursuit of their passion. Quite surprised really that in these days of the nanny state the HSE hasn't banned it.

Sean Carson said:

Spare a thought for Simon Andrews who should have been there. And for every other fallen rider at the TT. The racing must and most definitely should go on, but it doesn't mean we can't remember greats of the past who have sadly lost their lives through ultimate commitment to the sport they loved.

[dufunk]

William and Michael are in great form they'll def be in contension for this, both fought out a dramatic race last weekend at the NW has to be seen if you already haven't.

[Obiwonkeyblokey]

Id love to see William beat Michael again and maybe the NW might spur him ona a little.

I would like to see Guy win something only to put an end to the endless repetitive speculation.

I fancy Josh Brookes for a podium, not sure why, I just think he will go for it off the back of his rookie intro last year.

I would like to see McG or GM win the Senior. Gone right off MD after the NW200.

[dufunk]

Film about the dunlop family out in the next few weeks liam neeson is the narrater.

[PILCH 23]

WaferThinHam said:

No Cam Donald?

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?

Edited by WaferThinHam on Thursday 22 May 22:48

I think that it is a Spondon - Aprilia sponsored by Norton! But whatever it is it sounds fantastic and I spent much my time at TT13 & TT12 waiting for Mackers (and last year the 2nd one) to come past. I hope that with a fantastic rider like Cameron on board that it may well develop in to a better sorted bike. Maybe a high 120s lap. But it will still be unlikely to make achieve a top ten finish. I hope that I'm wrong.

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.

[hwajones]

Would love to see William Dunlop come through for a few wins!
From NW200 it looks like Michael has the bike for the job though...

Hutchy is an absolute gentleman in my opinion. Hope he takes enough time to phase himself back in...

[theshrew]

I think M Dumplop will be looking forward to this year. With other peoples injurys etc i cant see anyone challenging him on the bigger bikes. I soooooo hope im wrong.

Normal suspects of McPint, Hutchy, Martin, W Dunlop, Johnson, Donald and Anstey will be in the mix im sure but i cant pick one to stand out for vairious reasons.

Brooks seems to be learning fast - He might be in with a shout hopefully he uses his head a bit he's, had a fair few offs this year already.

Outside bet goes for Rutter to get a good finnish.

[shunter V8]

Love him or hate him M Dunlop is totally committed and will race in any conditions,and the guy can ride a bike. I have utmost respect for any rider who races over here.

[Disastrous]

Is it just me or did Guy look different in the north west?

He's always been my favourite but...I dunno...I just didn't see him pushing it to the edge the way the Dunlops and Cummins's of this world were.

And I don't blame him - A fireball a few years ago whilst making the movie that has now launched his media career, the missus, presumably some good money, age - all got to be playing on his mind plus things are looking pretty good in Guy's world and is it worth him leaving it all on the track (or up a lamp post) any more...?

I think he's started to feel like he's mortal and wants to keep on making money, riding bikes and seeing his missus next year and the year after so when he comes to it, he'll give best rather than risk a mistake.

I don't think he feels the fire or the need to prove something anymore. And that's why he won't win IMO. Love for him to prove me wrong...

[donteatpeople]

PILCH 23 said:

WaferThinHam said:

No Cam Donald?

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?

Edited by WaferThinHam on Thursday 22 May 22:48

I think that it is a Spondon - Aprilia sponsored by Norton! But whatever it is it sounds fantastic and I spent much my time at TT13 & TT12 waiting for Mackers (and last year the 2nd one) to come past. I hope that with a fantastic rider like Cameron on board that it may well develop in to a better sorted bike. Maybe a high 120s lap. But it will still be unlikely to make achieve a top ten finish. I hope that I'm wrong.

Its a lot more than Norton sponsorship. In 2012 Norton did buy a Spondon frame to race the SG1 but in 2013 Norton bought Sponden. Since then theyve brought frame building in house and last years SG2 and this years SG3 are both Norton framed. Theres also a hell of a lot more to developing a bike than bolting bits together.

Results wise I think they stand a half decent chance of a top 10. Theyve done a lot of work on the engine, the Norton tuned engines last year were not reliable and they ran basically standard spec for the race so were well down on power. Theyve ditched the ISR brakes in favour of Brembos, theyve been working with Cosworth for the electrics, seem to have lost the adaptive suspension. It looks like theyre taking reliability as a higher priority and gone for a more conventional set up and I think its got a good chance of paying off.