2011 Isle of Man TT
Returning to racing at the 2011 Isle of Man TT fuelled by Monster Energy “meant everything” to Conor Cummins.
The Manxman suffered career-threatening injuries during the 2010 Senior TT when he crashed at the Verandah. Injuries included five broken vertebrae, multiple fractures in his left arm, nerve damage to his arm and ligament damage to his knee.
A series of rods were inserted to stabilise his spine. His left arm was completely rebuilt with two plates and 16 screws holding the multiple fractures together.
Despite the multiple injuries, Cummins was able to return to the Mountain course just a year later, and performed well.
It took hard work and determination on the part of the young racer to make his TT return, and that commitment was recognised at the end of the 2011 TT when he was handed the Spirit of the TT Award.
The award, which was presented to Paul Owen in 2010, was handed to Cummins in front of a packed TT Grandstand after Friday’s PokerStars Senior TT.
Conor Cummins says: “It’s meant everything to me to be back on the bike racing at the TT. I’ve worked really hard since the accident, but I couldn’t have done it without the help and support of all my friends and family. I’d also like to thank all of my sponsors who stood by me during my recovery.”
The Spirit of the TT Award is intended to recognise anyone involved in the event who best embodies what the TT is about. Representatives from the Isle of Man Government’s motorsport team and TT rider liaison officers Richard Quayle and John Barton judged the award.
Paul Phillips (TT and Motorsport Manager Paul Phillips) says: “Ever since Conor was injured in last year’s race he has shown incredible determination and focus to be fit for the 2011 TT races. He has displayed the true spirit required of a TT racer and is a hugely appropriate winner of this award.”
Becs Cubbon, who’s responsible for PokerStar on-Island sponsorship, says: “We are delighted that the award has gone to a local Manx person and everyone at PokerStars is incredibly proud of Conor’s achievement in recovering and competing again at this year’s TT.”