Above : Hugh Anderson with Giacomo Agostini revisit the island Right : Hugh Anderson with the winner ’ s trophy
T his year marks the 110th anniversary of the 37-mile mountain circuit on the Isle of Man . Racing actually began in 1907 , but on shorter circuits , and the 37-mile circuit wasn ’ t raced until 1911 . During those 110 years the annual TT races have become one of the most celebrated motorcycle sporting events in the world . Sadly , thanks to COVID , this will be the second year running that the event will not be held . Just twice before has it been cancelled , five-years from 1915 during the First World War , and seven-years from 1940 during the Second World War . The next TT races have been scheduled for 2022 .
WAIHEKE TT RACES The TT has a very special place in the history of New Zealand motorcycle racing .
The first New Zealander to ride there was Alex Anderson in 1914 , just before the outbreak of World War One . It isn ’ t by accident that the first New Zealand TT races , were held on Waiheke Island in 1931 . Waiheke was chosen because of its similarity , in some respects , to the Isle of Man . A rural island , and a relatively short sea journey from a major population base . In the early days Waiheke became an excellent testing ground for riders who would represent New Zealand at the Isle of Man TT . Racing started on the Isle of Man , an island in the middle of the Irish sea , in 1907 . The island was chosen because authorities wouldn ’ t allow public roads to be closed for racing anywhere else in Great Britain . It subsequently became the Mecca for
KIWI RIDER 69