The Official TT Review 2007 by Haynes

Thanks to all the hype, it cannot have escaped anybody’s notice that this years Isle of Man TT races took place exactly 100 years after the first event was held way back in 1907. As a result, it just had to be special in the content of racing and associated events to celebrate and of course it was, thanks to some superb organisation to entertain and cope with the tens of thousands of fans who made the trip to join in the celebrations. 

However, the organisation team could not have written the script for what happened in the way of record laps, pit lane drama, a little bit of controversy and unfortunately some tragedy thrown in at the end. But, that is the nature of the TT races and makes them so addictive and so famous the world over and that will never change.

If you were there you will know some of the story, if you were not, you will know little apart from the headlines, but fear not help is at hand thanks to the Official TT Review edited by Gary Pinchin and published by Haynes. Over 200 glossy pages tell the story and give the facts behind them by using words and pictures by some of the best writers and photographers that were there. 

Not only is the racing covered with lap and result charts, along with final placings and retirements, but there are biographies of all the top runners and teams. The superb colour plates bring the words to life and give you some idea just how close riders now get to some of the street furniture.

In addition to the chapters on the racing are some on the re-enactment, which for many was the highlight of the TT fortnight, along with chapters on the ‘Parade Lap’ and the ‘Parade of Champions’, where some of the TT legends once again rode the bikes that made them famous in order that the spectators could remember past glories. 

The book is well laid out and easy to dip in and out of, thanks to its hardback coffee table format. If you were there and bought the T-shirt you still need to buy this book to bring back the memories and if you were not, then you need to buy it to see what you missed- more history in the making! 

Available from all good bookshops at £19.99 which is cheap given the quality of this tome, or direct from Haynes (www.haynes.co.uk) 
ISBN 1 84425 466 8

Review by Ian Kerr