Isle of Man TT: Steve Plater – “The Record Will Go Again”

Back at Motorcycle Live in November I sat down with former Isle of Man TT winner-turned TV presenter Steve Plater, and got his thoughts ahead of an unmissable edition of the world’s oldest road race, in 2019.

The strength of the TT competition  

“In terms of pace, and the depth of the field, the TT has never been in a stronger place. It’s something that doesn’t often fully come across on the TV, but sheer number of competitors has risen dramatically over the last 10 years. I think there was around 50 entrants for both Superbike races, and nearly 70 for both Supersport races and the Superstock. The entry level is superb – there aren’t any riders today just out for a jolly. Everyone from the superstars at the front to the club riders at the back are all pushing their limits – and that’s not just for the big Superbike races but for every support race there like the Supersports, Stocks and the Sidecar field is experience something of a revival, growing each year. So right now the TT is without doubt the greatest spectacle in racing.”

After such a stunning edition in 2018, the question on everyone’s lips is will the record be bettered next time around?

“If you could guarantee the weather like we had last time (2018) we will see the boys go faster. At times it felt more like being on Ibiza than the Isle of Man! So, all being well, the record will go again. Obviously the weather in this part of the world can’t be guaranteed, but even if its bad, we can be sure that the likes of Michael Dunlop, Dean Harrison, Peter Hickman and Ian Hutchinson will still be pushing harder than ever. However, with the quality of the field we have now, we’d only need a few dry days for the leading guys to be on record pace. I’d love to see the first 136mph lap in 2019 for sure.”

Looking ahead then to the 2019 edition would it be fair to say that, after blitzing the lap records in every race, Peter Hickman and Dean Harrison are now firmly the ones to beat, dare we say the new ‘Kings of the Mountain’?

“This is definitely the time now for those two to cement their own legacies at this race. It was incredible to see those two do what they did, and it was for every race they entered. The challenge for them is can they pick up from where they left off, as they’ve set the bar extremely high.

McGuinness, like it or not, isn’t getting any younger – though you cannot write him off. If he’s back to full fitness, and the Norton keeps improving then he’ll definitely be back in the mix for podiums. How will Hutchy fair after another lengthy injury lay-off? We know he’ll be pushing as hard as he can, just there’s a big question mark over the performance capabilities of the Fireblade (Honda). We were also missing Bruce Anstey this year, through illness and we all wish him a full recovery, and on his day is one of the best road racers around. Then of course there’s Dunlop, who will ride whatever he’s on to the very edge. 2018 wasn’t a vintage year for him, and that will give him all the more motivation to come back and set the record straight. Worth also putting Conor Cummins in the mix. He has really gelled with Clive Padgett’s Honda team, and the Manx crowd would dearly love one of their own to be crowned King of the Mountain again.

So yes, Hickman and Harrison will head into 2019 as the favourites. They’re both at the top of their game, both with brilliant bikes and great people around them. The question really is who can step up and beat them?”

Finally, it’s fair to say a level of panic amongst fans was created when it was announced that an American broadcaster has secured ‘exclusive’ live streaming rights for the TT. What are your thoughts on that, and will this affect UK viewers?

“Fortunately it will not affect UK viewers. GreenlightTV picked up the UK rights in 2018, last minute, and did a great job and have brought some very good people on board. They will be continuing with it and have the TT contract for the next four years. Highlights packages will continue to be shared between ITV and Eurosport UK.

Regarding the live stream deal, I’m not sure if it would be something I would want to see – There would have to be a timing delay, which would defeat the point of live streaming. I’d be amazed if they got the budget sorted for it, as to put camera all the way around the course would cost millions – this isn’t a short grand-prix or superbike track after all! That being said, the more people who can watch the TT races – and the more publicity the event gets through that – can only be a good thing.”

The 2019 edition of the Isle of Man TT will be held from Saturday 25th May – Friday 7th June.