The TT started in 1908 and this year’s event, back after Covid absence, ends in a couple of day's time.

Racing on the island's roads is fascinating as always, with riders circumnavigating it at average speeds in excess of 125 mph.

But death is never far away. Since 1937 the only year there were no fatalities was 1982 and, sadly, 3 riders have been killed in accidents so far this year.

Most motor sport generally is sanitised these days with safer vehicles and circuits, but not, it seems, the TT. Unlike Monaco for instance, where barriers and escape roads are built especially for the racing, very little is done on the IOM to protect the competitors. Or spectators either. To do so would take away the good old fashioned spectacle and challenge.

I am sure there are many of you who take an interest or even travel over to watch, but, following this year’s accidents, there is a growing clamour to have the event scrapped.

The riders know the risks and no-one forces them to compete. The question is whether to call it a day on the grounds of safety or continue to give pleasure to the thousands who participate or spectate, not to mention the revenue it generates for many on the island.

For me, the TT is one of the last bastions of tradional motor sport, adored by many, so I vote to retain it.

Dad and I watched games standing on the muddy slope of the Holmesdale Road end. He cheered and I rattled.

Didn't know that! More of an experience than they were bargaining for then.

Edited by BlueJay (08 Jun 2022 4.20pm)

Yes, you're right becky, there have been fatalities of private riders driving the course for fun.

But the three who have died this week were all competitors. One was a sidecar passenger and one a 52 yr old who had raced there 80 times.

Crazy, but they're aware of the danger.

Dad and I watched games standing on the muddy slope of the Holmesdale Road end. He cheered and I rattled.

To date 257 racers have died either racing or practicing for the TT.

There is a tragic inevitability that each year 2 or 3 riders will die. But, they participate knowing what the risks are.

The TT course is a rare survivor from the days when racing on public roads ( of course closed to the public on race days) was fairly commonplace. In motor racing there were events like the Targa Florio and Mille Miglia. The original full length Spa circuit was largely public roads. Trees and walls lined the perimeter of such tracks, and there were no artificial run-off areas.

I marvel at the courage of riders taking part in the TT. They do so voluntarily knowing the risks and should be allowed to continue to do so.

You're sort of right FH, it was held in 1908 and was the first ORGANISED motor race in the UK.

However, according to Wiki, the first pre-arranged race for two self propelled vehicles took place for 8 miles between Ashton-under-Lyne and Old Trafford Manchester in August 1867.

The WORLD'S first organised event was held in Paris in April 1887. Fascinating stuff.

Brooklands was the world's first purpose built motor racing circuit.

Dad and I watched games standing on the muddy slope of the Holmesdale Road end. He cheered and I rattled.

And of course along with our very own Crystal Palace circuit opened in 1937 ( although a make-shift track for motorbikes had been in operation for several years before).