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What the TT means to those who have braved it

OPINION: The Isle of Man TT is an event like few others in motorsport - and it has a reputation for being incredibly dangerous. But to those involved in the competition, it has a completely different standing

Lewis Duncan Jun 11, 2019, 1:27 PM

On June 3 2019, during the third lap of the first Isle of Man TT Superbike race, 27-year-old Daley Mathison crashed at the Snugborough section of the course. He tragically died, leaving behind a young family, and his name was added to a sobering list of 258 riders killed since racing started on the island in 1907.

In the immediate aftermath of the ACU-issued statement confirming Mathison's death on that Monday afternoon, there were calls to ban the TT.

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Author Lewis Duncan

Lewis Duncan is Autosport's International Editor and primary motorcycle racing reporter. A motorsport fan from a young age, Lewis became interested in journalism when he won the star letter competition in the February 2012 issue of F1 Racing Magazine. A member of the Autosport Academy from 2017, Lewis became a freelance motorcycle racing correspondent for Autosport in 2019 before becoming a full-time staffer in 2020 as International Editor.

While MotoGP coverage is his priority, Lewis also covers World Superbikes and road racing across the Motorsport Network, and hosts the Tank Slappers Podcast. He has also occasionally commentated on 750 Motor Club meetings. Away from motorsport, Lewis is a keen record collector with a collection unashamedly largely featuring Iron Maiden and Rush and an avid guitar player.