Joey Dunlop – 26-time Isle of Man TT winner2014 Isle of Man Classic TT RacesThe inaugural 2013 Isle of Man Classic TT Races presented by Bennetts was a first of its kind. The inaugural event had a 1960’s theme of classic motorcycles, celebrating one of the most important bygone eras of the TT’s history.
And for the event’s second year, the Isle of Man Government Department of Economic Development confirmed that the Classic TT – part of the two-week Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling – will pay tribute to the iconic Joey Dunlop.The 2014 Classic TT weekend – titled “Joey Dunlop – Road Racing Legend” – will have an 1980’s theme, celebrating the height of Dunlop’s career. The event will not only reflect on Dunlop’s TT career, but will also pay tribute to his F1 World Championship and his racing in Ireland. Dunlop has 26 Isle of Man TT wins – the most of any rider. The only man near Dunlop is John McGuinness, who has 20 wins.Speaking of the event, the Isle of Man says “big hair, shoulder pads, ripped jeans and neon clothes are expected to be the order of the day with the fancy dress themed Paddock Carnival at the Grandstand on Friday, August 22, while the paddock will turn back the clock and echo to everything from grunge to Madonna with live music and DJ’s reflecting the best of the decade.”The IOM’s Department of Economic Development is working with Joey Dunlop’s family, and will bring some of his famed racing machines to the event. The free entry exhibition will be situated at the heart of the event in the paddock throughout Classic TT.And in typical TT fashion, there will be a parade lap sponsored by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, which will include his rivals piloting vintage machines around the 37.73-mile Mountain Course, including John McGuinness.Besides his TT rivals, there will be competitors there from the 1980s F1 World Championship days as well as his earliest rivals from Irish Road Racing.The 2014 Classic TT weekend features two days of racing (Saturday, Aug. 23, and Monday, Aug. 25). The event will include Formula 1 and Formula 2 machines with a 350cc Race and a 500cc Race.Trevor Hussey, Head of Motorsport, Isle of Man Government Department of Economic Development believes that the Classic TT is changing the perception of Classic Racing.Trevor Hussey says: “There seems to be an unwritten rule that Classic Racing is just pre-1960’s machines but we are looking to change that with the Classic TT. The 1980’s not only gives us a rich motorcycling theme but was also a strong cultural decade and we will look to really expand on that.“It also gives us the opportunity to pay tribute to one of the greatest names in the TT’s long history and we are really keen to develop an appropriate celebration of Joey Dunlop’s racing career as his name is synonymous with the TT Races.”John Watt (Commercial Director, Isle of Man Steam Packet Company) says: “We are delighted to be supporting the 2014 Joey Dunlop Road Racing Legend Parade celebrating one of the greatest names in road racing history and are looking forward to working with the Department of Economic Development on building on the success of the inaugural Classic TT and the Festival of Motorcycling as a whole.”
Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory + Steve ’Stavros’ Parrish
byMotos and Friends by Ultimate Motorcycle
Hello everyone and welcome once again to Ultimate Motorcycling’s weekly podcast—Motos and Friends. My name is Arthur Coldwells.
Our first segment features the new Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory. Senior Editor Nic de Sena brings us his report on the flagship version of Aprilia’s upright middleweight machine. He gives us insight into whether it’s worth spending the extra money on the Factory version, and also of course, whether this sporting Aprilia is really the motorcycle for you.
——————
The next guest segment of Motos and Friends is brought to you by the faster and most technologically advanced, 2023 Suzuki Hayabusa—one of the most iconic sportbikes ever. Check it out in person at your local Suzuki dealer now, or visit suzukicycles.com to learn more.
——————
In this segment, Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with (arguably) one of the most interesting Suzuki race riders of all time. the iconic RG500 alongside teammate double World Champion Barry Sheene. The two were almost as famous for their exploits off-track, as for their success on it. Those were the days! Steve also raced the Isle of Man TT for about ten years where he won 13 Silver Replicas, and got a podium finish. His insight into that particular brand of mayhem are fascinating.
But there’s waaay more to Steve Parrish than his motorcycle racing. He is also the most successful Semi-Truck racer ever, and, little known piece of useless trivia—he’s my birthday twin: 24th February. He is a natural entertainer and you can’t miss his recounting of the world’s most entertaining—and arguably terrifying—double-decker bus ride ever. If any of you were actually on that hell-ride then we’d love to hear from you!