Who's going to the TT this year?
Discussion
t news. Anyone heard anything else about the rider who reportedly got caught up with the course car?According to Alex George on FB it was Steve Mercer and he has been flown to liverpool for better assessment of his injuries so not sounding good.
Before anyone jumps in it was Steve Mercer's partner who made the original announcement but I don't think he's b een named officially.
Before anyone jumps in it was Steve Mercer's partner who made the original announcement but I don't think he's b een named officially.
Edited by Tom Logan on Thursday 31st May 09:49
Confirmed as Steve Mercer and flown to Liverpool for further treatment.
This is why I don’t like names and rumours being published, until officially confirmed, as last night there were lots of rumours naming the rider (correctly, but prematurely IMO) and also that he had died (very incorrect).
https://www.newsletter.co.uk/sport/motorcycling/tt...
This is why I don’t like names and rumours being published, until officially confirmed, as last night there were lots of rumours naming the rider (correctly, but prematurely IMO) and also that he had died (very incorrect).
https://www.newsletter.co.uk/sport/motorcycling/tt...
Re Ballacrye someone has monumentally f**cked up. In the event of a major incident e.g Guy Martin's fireball at Glen Vine a full course red is deployed & riders stay where they are to enable course officials, medics etc as required to move around the course. Only once it's established that the course is clear does the clerk of the course instruct riders to return to the grandstand so the question is why were Steve & maybe other riders put in harms way.
Dan's father Richard has paid a moving tribute to him saying think of him & smile & the show must go on.
Dan's father Richard has paid a moving tribute to him saying think of him & smile & the show must go on.
Dick Seaman said:
So sad. Always admired Dan. Modest, intelligent and very very fast. RIP
Well said. All I can think of today is a chance meeting with Richard on the boat from Liverpool to the island in April 2008. Dan had been testing at Aintree - I'd been there too as a hanger on with another friend - earlier that day & you could see the pride in his Dad's face. Totally down to earth, getting by on a shoestring but knowing his son would be going places. As his career developed I always thought back to that day & hoped he could take the top step at the TT. He did climb to the top not long after that test session, taking an unprecedented triple at the MGP in August '08, Newcomers, Junior & Senior, adding another very special chapter the story of the racing Kneen family.
God speed Dan & hope Steve pulls through.
I know they all chose to do it, but after 25 years watching bike racing, you can't help but feel a bit miffed about the TT when you are reminded how many people it has taken.
It's why I would never go there and why though a fabulous event to some, it is always tinged with a permanent sadness for me.
Simply not worth the risk, regardless of the arguments for and against.
It's why I would never go there and why though a fabulous event to some, it is always tinged with a permanent sadness for me.
Simply not worth the risk, regardless of the arguments for and against.
chunder27 said:
I know they all chose to do it, but after 25 years watching bike racing, you can't help but feel a bit miffed about the TT when you are reminded how many people it has taken.
It's why I would never go there and why though a fabulous event to some, it is always tinged with a permanent sadness for me.
Simply not worth the risk, regardless of the arguments for and against.
I’ve been going to the TT for 21 years and seen some horrible crashes, including watching David Jeffries die at Crosby. It is really sad but they do it because they want to. It’s the ultimate thrill and it’s their choice. Everyone knows the risk but they do it anyway.It's why I would never go there and why though a fabulous event to some, it is always tinged with a permanent sadness for me.
Simply not worth the risk, regardless of the arguments for and against.
wormus said:
I’ve been going to the TT for 21 years and seen some horrible crashes, including watching David Jeffries die at Crosby. It is really sad but they do it because they want to. It’s the ultimate thrill and it’s their choice. Everyone knows the risk but they do it anyway.
Indeed they do.It is very sad, and it’s a good thing that the deaths make people sad even though they’re somewhat inevitable given the nature of the event, but it’s also a very good thing that the event is allowed to continue.
People die climbing mountains, amongst other sports, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen calls for that to be banned.
Long may the TT continue whilst we remember those who’ve died competing but also enjoy watching those still chasing wins, chasing their own fastest lap, or even fulfilling their dream by just taking part.
Fingers crossed for the rest of this TT to be a safe one.
Edited by PorkInsider on Thursday 31st May 16:08
chunder27 said:
Simply not worth the risk, regardless of the arguments for and against.
I won't argue with you, but you're wrong. There's hundreds of men who think it is worth the risk.Look at JM, won 23 of the things and had his first big smash last year.
There's plenty of risk, every day, for a lot of people. Not just for people who are perceived to have a 'dangerous' job.
GM survived a couple of seriously big smashes, as well as CC - both back to (reasonably) full health and continued to race since.
I am speaking from a biased point of view as a competitor and would say that the TT should be applauded, as should all road races. They are steeped in history, bring in millions in revenue (without the TT the Isle of Man would take a noticeable economical dip) and are one of the few instances in this day and age of health and safety, where you are allowed to experience the ultimate thrill. Nothing comes close to it and every one of us who participates, does so in the knowledge of what sadly may happen. I knew Dan Kneen reasonably well and had raced with him on and off, a great young man and one who had nothing to prove on the circuit. Should the sport be banned? No. There are far more pressing issues around than a group of like minded individuals who willingly participate in the best sport known to man.
robinh73 said:
I am speaking from a biased point of view as a competitor and would say that the TT should be applauded, as should all road races. They are steeped in history, bring in millions in revenue (without the TT the Isle of Man would take a noticeable economical dip) and are one of the few instances in this day and age of health and safety, where you are allowed to experience the ultimate thrill. Nothing comes close to it and every one of us who participates, does so in the knowledge of what sadly may happen. I knew Dan Kneen reasonably well and had raced with him on and off, a great young man and one who had nothing to prove on the circuit. Should the sport be banned? No. There are far more pressing issues around than a group of like minded individuals who willingly participate in the best sport known to man.
Perfectly putrobinh73 said:
I am speaking from a biased point of view as a competitor and would say that the TT should be applauded, as should all road races. They are steeped in history, bring in millions in revenue (without the TT the Isle of Man would take a noticeable economical dip) and are one of the few instances in this day and age of health and safety, where you are allowed to experience the ultimate thrill. Nothing comes close to it and every one of us who participates, does so in the knowledge of what sadly may happen. I knew Dan Kneen reasonably well and had raced with him on and off, a great young man and one who had nothing to prove on the circuit. Should the sport be banned? No. There are far more pressing issues around than a group of like minded individuals who willingly participate in the best sport known to man.
far more eloquently put than I could ever have done, well said that man.I'm not one for banning it, I love watching it and have huge admiration for the fearless mindset and immense skill of those that compete, I truly do. Watching them impresses and entertains me every year.
But, I always feel extra sadness if it turns out a rider has young children, I bet they aren't thinking, 'oh well, dad was killed doing something he loved'.
But, I always feel extra sadness if it turns out a rider has young children, I bet they aren't thinking, 'oh well, dad was killed doing something he loved'.
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