evo što je potrebno napraviti da bi sudjelovali na IOM TT
"Some riders apply for an ACU licence, and start their careers at Cadwell Park or Mallory wearing an orange novice bib. They'll complete 10 races and move to Clubman licence, getting rid of the bib. If they're good enough, and consistent enough, they'll complete 10 races with an average race speed within 90% of the winner's speed. Their minds become used to the speeds, theiur bodies reacting faster to each given situation. They learn to anticipate what their bikes, their competitors and they will do in every eventuality. That entitles them to apply for a National licence.
A minimum of 12 months after that, they can apply for a Mountain Course licence to compete at the TT. Alternatively, they can compete at the Manx GP, a nice quiet proving ground, in preparation for their debut at the TT races. Either way, they've put in the time, and it's likely that they've had a minimum of 3 years hard race experience before coming in May to compete in the toughest road races in the world.
Before they come, however, they'll have been over numerous times in the winter, getting advice and tips from those that have gone before them, previous podium finishers and winners handing out the best advice to those newcomers to prepare them for what lays ahead. They'll have done dozens of laps in a car, watched videos hundreds of times.
They, or their sponsors, will have spent thousands of pounds changing and improving their machine to handle just how they like it, knowledge gained from weeks and months on the short circuits and in the workshops. Their kit will be the best aftermarket gear that they can afford.
Their first year or two will be spent learning the course, on closed roads with marshalls every few hundred yards, radioing in if something were to happen, and ambucopters standing by in case the worst happens. Slowly increasing their speeds at each corner and reducing their lap times, a session at a time, day by day, each year. They become accustomed to the increased pace, reacting faster, knowing what they can achieve. If they're good enough, they'll become podium contenders, and for the rare few, the best of the best of the best, they'll win. It'll be the greatest achievement of their life, a culmination of years of dedication and hard work!
And then, there's Johnny Penpusher, fresh off the ferry, who's decided with his mates in the pub over a few beers, that he can emulate them on his road bike, in busy traffic, with oncoming vehicles on open roads. He's got the latest Dainese suit and Arai lid, he's got the latest plastic missile, and hell, he's occasionally done 120mph on a straight road when he thought the coppers weren't looking and once he even got his knee down on a roundabout. What could possibly go wrong....?
TT course, piss easy, right? Wrong! Pack it in, you idiot, before you spoil it for everyone! Ride within your means, watch and anticipate, and remember it's only a race track when the roads are CLOSED!!! Any other time, it's Fred's way home in his work van after a hard day, and it's Aunty Mavis's way to the shop when she's a bit late because her friend is coming for tea and she's out of milk. These people are used to sleepy island life, and are not prepared for halfwits doing 100mph as they turn into their driveway, having forgotten to indicate.
You, and those around WILL get hurt if you don't slow down......If you want to race, start with an ACU licence, some commitment and some balls, and we'll all marvel at you in 3 or 4 years..."
