Latest news with #IsleofManTT
Belfast Telegraph
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- Belfast Telegraph
Former Isle of Man TT and North West 200 road racer dies tragically at age of 42
The Shrewsbury rider, who claimed the top newcomer at the Isle of Man TT in 2009 and graced a number of Northern Ireland road racing events, died after he was involved in a collision with a van while riding his motorcycle in Audlem, Cheshire last week. Describing the TT as 'the best thing in the world', Wylie had participated in the North West 200, Ulster Grand Prix and Armoy Road Races on Northern Irish shores as well as the Macau Grand Prix. He achieved three top-10 finishes at the Ulster GP and also recorded a ninth-placed best finish at the North West 200. Previously, he raced in the British Junior Superstock Championship before progressing to the British Superstock Championship and 2005 European Superstock Championship. In 2006, he began competing in the British Supersport Championship prior to that memorable first TT appearance three years later from which he became a regular on the Mountain Course. Wylie co-founded Stoke-on-Trent-based showroom and workshop Moto-Hub UK with fellow TT racer Sam West in 2021, who paid tribute on social media by saying the 'vast amount of calls and messages are a credit to Ben and what he has achieved'.
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Triumph hints at launch of Trident 660 Triple Tribute edition in India; check details
Triumph Motorcycles India has hinted at the arrival of a new bike through its social media platforms. Judging by the teaser image, it appears to be the Triumph Trident 660 , but not the standard version. This model is likely the Trident 660 Triple Tribute Edition , a special variant first unveiled in May 2025, paying tribute to the legendary 'Slippery Sam'—the five-time Isle of Man TT champion. This exclusive edition features a sleek Sapphire Black paint scheme with a high-gloss finish for a stealthy appeal, complemented by bold Cobalt Blue and Diablo Red accents across the fuel tank, tail section, and front end. A '67' race number graphic on the tank commemorates the iconic Isle of Man TT victory. Additional design highlights include Diablo Red alloy wheels, a Sapphire Black flyscreen, and a sculpted aluminum belly pan. In terms of performance, the Triple Tribute Edition offers rider-focused upgrades such as Sport Riding Mode, Cornering ABS, and Traction Control. It also includes Triumph Shift Assist for seamless clutchless gear shifts in both directions. The 660cc triple-cylinder engine produces 80 hp and 64 Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed gearbox. Built on a tubular steel chassis, the motorcycle is equipped with Showa 41mm Separate Function Big Piston USD forks, Michelin Road 5 tires, and twin Nissin two-piston front calipers. For the first time, Cruise Control comes standard on the Trident 660. Additionally, Triumph offers a choice of 32 accessories to further customize the motorcycle.
Scoop
22-06-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
More To Come From Mitch Rees
Mitch Rees says his overseas racing endeavours have only just begun. While both the Isle of Man TT and Northwest 200 again feature in his broad ambitions for 2026, the reigning New Zealand Superbike Champion says he is keen to step into endurance racing. The Whakatane Honda dealer is about to return home from the United Kingdom after competing in the world's two major road course events, plus two rounds of the British Superbike Championship. 'It'll be good to see the shop crew again and relax a little. It's been a big 12 months.' He is proud to be fastest newcomer at this year's NW200 and TT – and the fifth fastest TT newcomer of all time. Rees was aboard a Honda CBR1000 stocker run by the famed Yorkshire team Milenco by Padgetts of Batley. 'With the lack of laps due to the weather, it was more about riding and learning the circuit rather than making massive set-up changes,' Rees says. 'You're never going to have a perfect bike around the TT course. 'It has a bit of everything, but towards the end of the event we were making more and more progress. 'Mega thanks to the team, especially Clive Padgett for taking me on. His experience with the event was crucial. 'I can't be disappointed at being fastest newcomer at the Northwest and TT'. Patchy weather during TT fortnight added to Rees' setup challenge. 'We got maybe just three completely dry laps during the whole of the TT.' But nothing has put Rees off making a return to Europe and says opportunities have been presented. 'Doors have opened and there are options. I'm talking to people. 'I've already been offered a supertwin for next year.' He is also keen to explore world endurance racing possibilities. 'It's on the radar. 'It would be cool to do the Suzuka Eight-Hour.' Closer to home, Rees is considering competing in selected rounds of the Australian Superbike series. As for New Zealand, 'I haven't planned anything yet'. He is keen to do the Suzuki Series but 'not sure about the nationals'. However, he says 'nothing is off the table'. Rees points out that his northern hemisphere plans will dictate his New Zealand summer programme and emphasises the importance of preparation. 'Because of the New Zealand championship, I missed those pre-season Northern hemisphere test days this year. 'I now know how important they are.' There is also the need to complete time-consuming paperwork and Rees revealed this year's drawn-out process to complete all the necessary requirements. 'It took over four months to get all the clearances. 'The Isle of Man and the mountain course licence was pretty simple, but racing in Northern Ireland was a whole different matter. 'I only got approval to race the Northwest a week before the event.' Rees jokes he now has all the experience to set himself up as an international road race licence and insurance consultant. He also offers an interesting – and honest – insight into the realities of going racing offshore. 'You have to be winning in your own backyard before going overseas. 'You have to have that experience, otherwise it'll be even harder.' Money, of course, is the vital ingredient in any race venture, and Rees says be prepared to spend. 'I was fortunate with the position I was in, being able to get the opportunity to become part of an existing team.' To set up a NW200/TT venture from New Zealand is a $200,000 exercise, Rees estimates. 'Travel, approvals, buying the bike, setting it up, transport, accommodation ... it all adds up.' Once home, Rees' first track outing will be on July 5 – on a Kayo at the Edgecumbe Domain kart circuit – in memory of his late brother Damon and mateShane Richardson. 'It's a 120-lap memorial ride for Damo and Shane; 92 laps for Damo and 28 forShane. 'It's open to anyone, either as an individual or as part of a team.' There will be more details on social media closer to the date. Rees admits the loss of Richardson at Oulton Park in May cast a dark shadow andeven made him consider his own racing. He had enjoyed catching up with Shane at Oulton where they shared their news, thoughts and plans. 'His death was devastating. He was a mate. We'd spent time together that weekend. 'How do you attack your own racing after that? 'I had doubts but then Damo and Shane would have wanted the best for me.' Rees says the helmet design he later wore was a tribute to both of them, thanks to Vince from Ultimate Grafica.
Powys County Times
13-06-2025
- Science
- Powys County Times
N Ireland motorcyclist, war veteran and public inquiry chairwoman honoured
One of the world's most renowned road racers, an astrophysicist and the first woman to chair a public inquiry in Northern Ireland are among those being honoured by the King in his birthday honours. The region also has the oldest person to be honoured on the list, with 106-year-old Second World War veteran Norman Irwin, from Coleraine, in line for a British Empire Medal (BEM). Dozens of people from Northern Ireland have been recognised, including former permanent secretary at the Department of Health Peter May with the Order of the Bath for public service, and Michael Dunlop, 36, being made an MBE for services to motorcycle racing. From starting his racing journey as one of the famous Dunlop family dynasty of Ballymoney, Co Antrim, in 2006, Michael has gone on to become the most successful rider in the history of the Isle of Man TT, with 32 wins, and has overall won more than 120 national road races. He said: 'I've spent years pushing through every high and low life could throw at me. No matter the challenge, I've always given everything 100% on and off the track. 'To now be recognised in this way is a privilege beyond words.' Astrophysicist Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, 81, originally from Lurgan, Co Armagh, who as a doctoral student discovered the first radio pulsars in 1967, is to be made a Companion of Honour, and Christine Smith KC, from Co Down, chairwoman of the Urology Services Inquiry, is being made a CBE. Ms Smith said she is 'deeply honoured'. 'I feel privileged to be the recipient as the first woman to chair a public inquiry in Northern Ireland,' she said. 'I see it as a recognition of the incredible mentors and champions I have had throughout my career, and I am most grateful for their support. 'I also see it as a reflection of the collective effort of my team on the Urology Services Inquiry (USI,) and those I have been lucky to work with on previous inquiries, including the Independent Neurology Inquiry (INI), the Renewable Heat Incentive Inquiry (RHI) and in particular the Inquiry into Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA).' Meanwhile, Richard Taylor, governor of Hydebank Wood Secure College and Women's Prison, is being made an OBE for public service. Mr Taylor credited the whole team of staff for being part of a 10-year process of turning the south Belfast facility around, following a critical inspection report in 2013, to being described as a 'model of excellence'.
Rhyl Journal
13-06-2025
- Health
- Rhyl Journal
N Ireland motorcyclist, war veteran and public inquiry chairwoman honoured
The region also has the oldest person to be honoured on the list, with 106-year-old Second World War veteran Norman Irwin, from Coleraine, in line for a British Empire Medal (BEM). Dozens of people from Northern Ireland have been recognised, including former permanent secretary at the Department of Health Peter May with the Order of the Bath for public service, and Michael Dunlop, 36, being made an MBE for services to motorcycle racing. From starting his racing journey as one of the famous Dunlop family dynasty of Ballymoney, Co Antrim, in 2006, Michael has gone on to become the most successful rider in the history of the Isle of Man TT, with 32 wins, and has overall won more than 120 national road races. He said: 'I've spent years pushing through every high and low life could throw at me. No matter the challenge, I've always given everything 100% on and off the track. 'To now be recognised in this way is a privilege beyond words.' Astrophysicist Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, 81, originally from Lurgan, Co Armagh, who as a doctoral student discovered the first radio pulsars in 1967, is to be made a Companion of Honour, and Christine Smith KC, from Co Down, chairwoman of the Urology Services Inquiry, is being made a CBE. Ms Smith said she is 'deeply honoured'. 'I feel privileged to be the recipient as the first woman to chair a public inquiry in Northern Ireland,' she said. 'I see it as a recognition of the incredible mentors and champions I have had throughout my career, and I am most grateful for their support. 'I also see it as a reflection of the collective effort of my team on the Urology Services Inquiry (USI,) and those I have been lucky to work with on previous inquiries, including the Independent Neurology Inquiry (INI), the Renewable Heat Incentive Inquiry (RHI) and in particular the Inquiry into Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA).' Meanwhile, Richard Taylor, governor of Hydebank Wood Secure College and Women's Prison, is being made an OBE for public service. Mr Taylor credited the whole team of staff for being part of a 10-year process of turning the south Belfast facility around, following a critical inspection report in 2013, to being described as a 'model of excellence'.
