2014 Isle of Man TT Parade LapEvery year, stars of motorcycle motorsports participate in the parade lap ahead of the Senior TT at the Isle of Man TT races.
In the past, many MotoGP icons have highlighted the parade lap, including nine-time World Champion Valentino Rossi and America’s Kevin Schwantz.This year, four British riders currently in MotoGP will participate in the parade lap, which is scheduled for Friday, June 6, ahead of the 2014 PokerStars Senior TT.The riders include Isle of Man resident Cal Crutchlow (Ducati Team), and the UK’s Bradely Smith (Monster Tech 3 Yamaha), Michael Laverty (PBM Aprilia) and Scott Redding (GO&FUN Honda Gresini.With five of 18 rounds complete in 2014 MotoGP, Smith has had the best finishes so far this year. Smith qualified on the front row at Qatar, but unfortunately suffered a DNF. He followed this up with fifth at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas, eighth at Jerez and 10th at Le Mans.As for Crutchlow, he finished sixth in the opening round, but crashed at Austin, sustaining a finger injury. Due to the injury, he missed Argentina and suffered a DNF at Jerez, but he finished 11th at Le Mans.As for Redding, he holds the record for youngest rider to ever finish a Grand Prix race when he won the 125cc British GP at Donington in 2008. He finished seventh in the opening Qatar round of 2014 MotoGp, and has top-15 finishes at Austin, Argentina, Jerez and Le Mans.As for the 2007 British Supersport Champion Laverty, the rookie has finished 16th in four out of five rounds so far this season.Speaking of the parade lap, Bennetts/Bike Nation Ambassador Scott Redding says “The TT guys are unique in motorcycle racing. I have huge respect and admiration for what they do. The chance to ride round the TT course on a closed road is a brilliant opportunity for me to experience something different and I’m really looking forward to getting out to the Island to meet the TT fans, see the racing first hand and get a lap in as well.”
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.
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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.
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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!
