As the Isle of Man TT 2024 draws closer, the excitement is building as the starting grids for the Superbike and Superstock races have been released. At the head of the field is a familiar name: John McGuinness, who once again has the honor of crossing the start line first on his Honda Racing UK machine. But who are the other riders who could cause a sensation this year?
John McGuinness: A veteran continues the tradition
John McGuinness, the champion of the Mountain Course, will tackle the Superbike and Superstock races from pole position. This marks his 109th start at the TT and underlines his experience and ability on this legendary circuit. McGuinness, a 23-time TT winner, switches from his traditional number 3 to 1 for 2024, signaling his ambition to continue his place in the history books.
The chasers: Honda dominates the top 5
Starting numbers 2 to 5 are occupied by a strong Honda faction. Jamie Coward, Dean Harrison, Ian Hutchinson and James Hillier represent the Honda Racing UK Team and its partners, underlining the strength and confidence in the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP. Dean Harrison in particular, Honda Racing UK’s newest addition, will be highly anticipated as he has opted to start ten seconds behind McGuinness, a tactical decision that should provide excitement on track.
Michael Dunlop: The enigma in the line-up
Michael Dunlop, another heavyweight in the field, will continue his pursuit of the title of most successful TT rider of all time. Although his exact plans for the 1000cc classes have yet to be confirmed, it is widely believed that he will once again compete on a Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP. He has the starting number 6 and brings with him an impressive record and the ability to cause surprises in every race.
BMW and Kawasaki in the race
Josh Brookes and Peter Hickman, both on BMW M1000RRs for Monster Energy BMW by FHO Racing, and Davey Todd on the Milwaukee BMW motorcycle, pose a serious threat to Honda dominance. Hickman, known for his record-breaking laps on the Mountain Course, is considered one of the main favorites, especially after winning ten of the last thirteen 1000cc races.
Kawasaki will be represented by David Johnson on the Platinum Club Racing Kawasaki, who will be hoping to beat off stiff competition and cause some surprises.
The challengers: from Suzuki to BMW
Away from the big names, there are exciting talents waiting for their chance. Shaun Anderson on the Team Classic Suzuki and Michael Rutter, who will be competing on a BMW for Bathams Ales, are just two examples of riders who have the potential to challenge the established order. Rutter, who will be celebrating his 30th TT anniversary in 2024, brings a wealth of experience that could prove invaluable on the demanding circuit.
What can spectators expect?
The Isle of Man TT is renowned for its unpredictability and the sheer passion that attracts riders and fans alike. With such a talented grid, the 2024 edition promises exciting racing and potentially new heroes to go down in the annals of TT history.
The starting grid:
1st John McGuinness – Honda Racing UK, Honda
2nd Jamie Coward – KTS Racing Powered by Steadplan, Honda
3rd Dean Harrison – Honda Racing UK, Honda
4th Ian Hutchinson – Milenco by Padgett’s Motorcycles, Honda
5th James Hillier – WTF Racing, Honda
6th Michael Dunlop – TBA
7th Josh Brookes – Monster Energy BMW by FHO Racing, BMW
8th Davey Todd – Milwaukee BMW Motorrad, BMW
9th Craig Neve – Bathams Ales, Honda
10th Peter Hickman – Monster Energy BMW by FHO Racing, BMW
11th Conor Cummins – Milenco by Padgett’s Motorcycles, Honda
12th David Johnson – Platinum Club Racing Kawasaki, Kawasaki
13th Lee Johnston – Ashcourt Racing, Honda
14th Michael Rutter – Bathams Ales, BMW*
15th Rob Hodson – SMT Racing, Honda
16th Dominic Herbertson – Burrows Engineering by RK Racing, BMW
17th Gary Johnson – Bill Smith Motors, Honda
18th Shaun Anderson – Team Classic Suzuki, Suzuki
19th Phillip Crowe – Nigel Appleyard Agri Wash, BMW
