In recent weeks I've been going through all my TT review DVD's as I enjoy watched the transition over the years and one bit which made me laugh with the 2004 one was following the final 125cc race the commentator said that "that's the last time we'll see a Dunlop on the podium" LOL but anyway here is my question to all the TT experts on here, why were the Formula One and Senior races shortened to 4 laps just for that year? I know before and since races have been reduced in length as a result of something which has happened on the day but in 2004 those two races were shortened before the TT started.

only something i've garnered from google, there's mention of the Formula 1 / Superbike reg and spec changes in 2004 and this - "2004 saw the ACU sign a 20 year agreement to hand over control of the TT to the Isle of Man Government and for the Manx Motor Cycle Club, which runs the popular Manx Grand Prix, to organise the TT Races".

It was all to do with the sad events from the previous year when DJ sadly lost his life, a lot changed after that and there was talk of Superbikes being too powerful for 6 lap races, thankfully common sense prevailed and 6 lappers were reinstated the following year. RIP DJ.

Aha - well done, i've never quite understood the reduced lap race thing in other circumstances, if the race is "safe" to start for 4 laps and there's time/conditions available then it's safe for 6 laps as far as I can see it unless there's some insurance or written safety regulation that controls the reduction.

Just thinking out loud really, but if the race is stopped after, say, 2 laps and a re-started race still has time/conditions for 6 laps perhaps the potential for rider fatigue comes into it - they would race 8 laps if a full race was re-started. Hard work mentally and physically I'd have thought but I've never been a racer don't really know.

Thanks guys for your answers, was just wondering why. Cheers