I was at the premier of TT3D Closer to the edge this week and I would advise anyone with even just a faint interest in racing to go and check it out. It's an honest account of what went on at TT 2010. Guy Martin fans will love it. Despite him not having the best of years he is undoubtedly the star of the show. (I wouldn't bring the kids along).
Before the film, producer Steven Christian gave a short speech thanking various members of the team and also talked about making a film in which he had no script or story to begin with. As last year’s TT rocketed by, the stories wrote themselves. The joy and hysteria of Ian Hutchinson winning all five solo races, the fear and suspense as we waited for news of Connor and Guy and the tears and sadness for Paul Dobbs and Martin Loicht who were beaten by the most dangerous stretch of race track anywhere in the world.
It made me wonder about what the stories of 2011 might be. Last year we were looking at the most competitive year ever, yet one man rode away with the lot. There are so many riders this year with something to prove. John McGuinness will lead the field away with the number one plate. No podiums in 2010. When did that last happen? Well let me tell you, it was 1996, His début year on the Isle of Man. He will be wanting to put that right in June. Guy Martin has joined, arguably, the best team in the Paddock. Riding Hector and Philip Neill's TAS Suzuki bikes could finally give him that elusive first win. Bruce Anstey looked to be heading into possible retirement toward the end of last season but a truly outstanding last lap of the Ulster Grand Prix showed everybody that he has still got what it takes to win. This year he's signed with Padgett's Honda. Yes that's right, the bike that won everything last year. No pressure then! Cameron Donald has been struggling with injuries since his wins back in 2008. This year he’ll be on Guy's old bike - the Wilson Craig Honda. The bike is quick and Cameron on his day can beat anyone. He might be worth a couple of quid at the bookies. The ever improving Michael Dunlop will be one to watch. He's got the Supersport class cock-on and will be looking for big results on the Superbike. And finally, what about the locals? It might be too early for Connor Cummins. He will be there and he will be quick, but there will be question marks over whether he will have what it takes to last six gruelling laps of the mountain circuit. Dan Kneen is another local on the mend. If he's fit in time watch out for him in both Supersport races.
So that leads me on to what I think will happen in 2011. Well I think it might be a case of the return of the old guard. I can't see past John McGuinness for the Superbike and Senior. If the Honda keeps going he will be the man. In the Supersport races, I think it will be all about Bruce Anstey and in Superstock I can see it being Battle Royale between Bruce and Ryan Farquar.
Sorry Guy.
P.S. Klaffi will walk it on three wheels.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
