TT organisers have taken the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of today's two most successful competitors, John McGuinness and Dave Molyneux by naming locations on the Mountain Course after each of them.

The pair will be following some of the most illustrious names in TT history by having corners named after them. The newly named course points come as the Isle of Man Government has redesigned and replaced the existing directional boards and mile markers around the 37¾ mile course.

John McGuinness first competed on the Isle of Man in 1996 and to date has 19 race victories to his name, including two last year. He is also the outright lap record holder with a lap of (131.578mph) which he set in the 2009 meeting.


Isle of Man born Dave Molyneux has won sixteen sidecar races including winning both sidecar races in 2012 with his current passenger Patrick Farrance. He first competed in 1985, winning his first race in 1989.

The illustrious duo will be following in the wheel-tracks of some of the greatest names in motorcycling history to have sections of the course named after them including Giacomo Agostini, Geoff Duke, Jimmy Guthrie, Mike Hailwood and Joey Dunlop. The new signs that are named after famous TT riders also feature some individual artwork that reflects the rider's iconography.


John's point of the course, which will now be known as 'McGuinness's' is at 'Shoughlaigue' which is the fast run down from Handley's Corner before the top of Barregarrow. It is his favourite part of the course and one where he believes he can gain time on his rivals. 'McGuinness's' will feature John's infamous voodoo artwork that has adorned his helmets for many years. Dave's corner is the fast right-hander at the end of Cronk-y-Voddy straight and will now be called 'Molyneux's'. As the most successful local competitor by some distance, Molyneux's will be also be represented by the Island's three legs.

The new directional signs retain the now iconic orange background but importantly include some new features. Fans will immediately spot the large TT logo that tops all the signs, and the new versions also incorporate the famous Mountain Course name along with a retro-inspired chequered board pattern that reflects the event's long heritage. In addition, each section of course featured is now a more accurate depiction of the road ahead, thanks to assistance provided by the Isle of Man Government's Department of Infrastructure.


Fans will have an interesting time spotting those signs that have been radically re-designed, and there are even a few additional signs to be found in more than one popular vantage point. Meanwhile, the original signs that have now been replaced will be available on the auction site ebay together with other memorabilia including the iconic mile markers and the instantly recognisable yellow Shell fuel fillers used up until the mid 1980's. All funds raised from the sale of the items are invested back into the costs associated with running the event.

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Yet another cheapening of a TT tradition...........these guys are great riders but they are still currently competing

This is nothing but a vile marketing ploy more to do with milking yet more money from TT fans and supporters and NOTHING to do with honouring greatness.


Both of them should have done the decent thing and declined this and TT organisers should NEVER have suggested it in the first place.


There are many former TT competitors who would be far more appropriate candidates for such an honour but sadly there's no money to be made from them.

To my regret, I cannot claim authorship of this opinion, but I wish to hell that I could . . . . . .

(10-04-2013, 08:15 PM)larryd Wrote: Yet another cheapening of a TT tradition...........these guys are great riders but they are still currently competing

This is nothing but a vile marketing ploy more to do with milking yet more money from TT fans and supporters and NOTHING to do with honouring greatness.


Both of them should have done the decent thing and declined this and TT organisers should NEVER have suggested it in the first place.


There are many former TT competitors who would be far more appropriate candidates for such an honour but sadly there's no money to be made from them.

To my regret, I cannot claim authorship of this opinion, but I wish to hell that I could . . . . . .

So who can claim authorship of this opinion ?
They may be many former TT competitors who may deserve the same, but where do you start?
If they chose riders from say the 1950's then people would complain they should have started with riders before that!
Damed if they do, damed if they dont.

Larry,

Whay shouldn't John and Dave have something named after them? Because they are not dead?

John is the 2nd most successful rider in TT History in terms of wins and could well close in on Joey and Dave is the most successful Sidecar Driver in TT history.

Dave has done more in three decades to promote Sidecar Racing, pioneered new outfits, built outfits for others and almost paid with his life once at least, so why shouldn't be be recognised now?

And how is this milking money form fans? Are the steam packet and hotels adding a premium to their charges for payment of these signs?

I totally disagree that they should have turned this honour down. Had it been called Fitzgeralds for my achievement of finishing a TT in 40th place I would have agreed with you but to suggest these two greats should not be given recognition is bang out of order.