In this section, we are not going to directly discuss the motorcycle Grands Prix. Instead, we'll delve into the history of the world's most prestigious race: The Tourist Trophy. The mere mention of this name gives shivers to some enthusiasts. Little reminder, for the newbies. THE " TT » is a legendary race, taking place each year on the Isle of Man, a small independent dependency located between England and Northern Ireland. It takes place on a circuit of more than 60 km, traced on the roads since 1907.
On the Snaefell mountain course, several categories compete. Each year, the Tourist Trophy also hosts sidecars, three-wheeled prototypes carrying two people. This historic discipline, long represented in Grands Prix,
has lost considerable popularity over the past few decades.
The TT is one of the last events to highlight this atypical category, and this since 1923. There's no doubt about it: This is the biggest sidecar event in the world, even more prestigious than the current world championship. To fully understand, a little reminder is necessary.
The Isle of Man and the race management do not accept long chassis (F1) on the route. These, too fast for the tortuous circuit, have a rear engine, placed behind the driver. The latter are used on the track, as well as in the world championship,
although the two analyses coexist. Short frames (F2) are therefore obligatory, although less efficient and having a front engine. The engine capacity is limited to 600cc, mainly for safety reasons.
Brothers Ben and Tom Birchall reign supreme over this small ecosystem. The British duo is undoubtedly one of the best ever assembled. On the track, they don't joke. Ben, the driver and older brother, and Tom have already won three world titles in F1, as well as in F2.
The two brothers got into it relatively late: in 1999, Ben took part in his first races as a passenger, before taking his brother on board in 2003. The duo quickly made a name for themselves in this very family-friendly environment.
The Birchall brothers, here at the Sachsenring. Photo: Neuwieser
Things get complicated after they reach the top. In 2010 then 2012, the pair suffered violent accidents at the Tourist Trophy, endangering their physical integrity. The first victory on the mountain came shortly after, in 2013.
The competitors, most of them British, do them no favors. Thus, the Birchall brothers slalom between hospital stays and clashes with competitors, notably
Tim Reeves. The latter, also English, is a multiple world champion but is not known for its great fair play.
They became the kings of Snaefell. In addition to reminding Reeves who's boss in the world championship, they set the best lap in history under 19 minutes during the 2018 edition.
In 2019 (last edition of the TT at present), Ben was at 10 wins, the second highest total, a few units behind the mythical Dave Molyneux. Tom became, with this same number, the most victorious passenger in the history of the Tourist Trophy.
If they have taken a step back in the past two years, there is no doubt that their shadow will still loom large in the years to come: IThey feel at home in TT.
Cover photo: Chris F
