The Isle of Man TT is known as the world’s most dangerous motorsport race, and since its inception in 1907, more than 250 riders, and several spectators, have been killed on the course. Yet each year, motorcycle racers clamor for an invitation to ride.
Richard “Milky” Quayle, a local Manx, as Isle of Man residents are called, has seen the highs and lows of the race. He won the TT in 2002 and was seriously injured in a collision on the course the following year.
“It’s the best thing in the world anyone could ever want to do,” Quayle said. “Why would I want to stop it just because it hurt me?”
What makes the Isle of Man TT so dangerous?
The TT, which stands for both Tourist Trophy and Time Trial, is held each year on the Isle of Man, which sits in the middle of the Irish Sea, with England to the east and Ireland to the west. With emerald fields and rugged coastlines dotted with sheep and the ruins of medieval castles, the usual pace of life on the island is slow, even sleepy. That all changes for two weeks each year, starting at the end of…
