How Does a Newcomer Get Selected to Race the IOMTT? (Updated)
Cycle News Staff | December 19, 2023
Last week, we brought you the first of a two-part series with Isle of Man TT Rider Liaison Officer, John Barton (scroll down to see more). It’s a fantastic watch, as he details what you need to do to be selected to race the most iconic motorcycle event in the world.
This is part two, where Barty shares a few stories of his time as a TT rider but also names the one rider who in recent times has impressed him the most. Trust us, this is not a man easily impressed.
Block out the next half hour and give this a watch. It’s worth it.CN
VIDEO | The TT Podcast with John Barton – E44.2
For those who are considering participating in the Isle of Man TT, you should block out half an hour and listen/watch the video below containing the legendary John Barton.
Barton (pictured above) is one of two Rider Liaison Officers at the TT and is responsible for signing off on a newcomer to the TT. Essentially, he’s the man you must convince that you have the chops to take on the 37.73-mile TT Mountain Course. In this interview, John details what a newcomer has to go through to get the okay to race the track, the experience they need in the bank, and a few of the little tricks and tips he uses to weed out the really ready from the not-so-ready.
Barty, as he’s affectionately known, was instrumental in helping our own Rennie Scaysbrook in his first ride at the TT in 2022 and also in 2023. He’s an absolute fountain of TT knowledge, having competed for an incredible 33 years at the TT with his final outing occurring in 2022.CN
VIDEO | The TT Podcast – E44.1
