The Saturday briefing

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER by CAROLINE FORD

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Is there anything you're yearning to know? Send your questions, on any subject, to the contacts given below, and we will do our best to answer them...

I enjoy motorcycle sport and have only just found out that TT in the Isle of Man race stands for Tourist Trophy — why is that?

Sue Nester, Manchester

A The Isle of Man TT was first run in 1907, when motorcycle racing was still in its infancy and motorcycles were marketed towards “tourists” — amateur or gentleman riders — as a practical way to explore the countryside. The races were meant to simulate real “tourist” conditions — long distances, variable terrain, and road surfaces to showcase reliability as much as speed.

The Tourist Trophy was also intended for motorcycles that were similar to those sold to the public called touring machines — such as those with lights and mudguards, rather than stripped-down racing bikes. As with many competitions, a trophy was awarded the winner.

The first use of the name TT was for a car race on Douglas in 1905, known as the RAC Tourist Trophy.

Hosting an international race such as the Isle of Man TT brought visitors, press and revenue, which helped to grow the island's tourism industry. Over time, the race has grown into one of the world's most prestigious and dangerous sports.

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