IoM TT Practice Day
Photographing the IoM TT
28 May 2025
Photographing the IoM TT is an event I look forward to every year. This year is no exception. Two of us traveled to the Isle of Man to cover this event. To say it is a logistical nightmare is an understatement.
To get the ferry travel dates you want means booking the year before. This is the same for accommodation and can come at a premium. However, as a motorsport photographer, there are few events that can hold a candle to the IoM TT, so it’s worth the effort.
IoM TT Practice Day
Split into practice week and race week the TT gives you plenty of time to get out and take pictures. We arrived on day two of the practice week. We hadn’t missed much as the weather had disrupted the timetable.
This is standard for the TT; the organisers have programmed contingency days into the schedule to cover abandoned days. The first runs around the 37 3/4-mile course were for the newcomers. These are speed-controlled laps, so we were not missing much arriving a day late.
It should come as no surprise if you are a motorsport fan, but for those not up to speed on the TT, it is held on public roads. These road closures are quite disruptive for the local population. To mitigate this, practice is held in the evenings; the roads close around 17:00 – 18:00, opening no later than 21:00. For the motorsport photographer, light is everything, so late evening can be a blessing or a disappointment.
Ballaugh Bridge
Traditionally, we start our photographic journey on the island at Ballaugh Bridge. For no other reason than it is within walking distance of our digs and it’s what we do. Our first experience of TT 2025 would be a free practice. Waiting for the riders to appear, I chatted with my fellow spectators. Two from Germany, one New Zealander, and a cockney, well, he was from London. This small group is a snapshot of the international traveller that makes the pilgrimage to the TT every year.
We didn’t have to wait long for the Sidecars, who were first out to come flying over the bridge. The three wheelers would lay some rubber on the course and help with any damp patches from the rain that had been falling for most of the day.
Next the two wheel riders were given two set times to take out their bikes. Twins and Supersport followed by the faster Stock ad Superbikes.
Unsung Heroes
All to soon the clock ran down and the traveling Marshalls appeared.
The roads opened and the crowds disappeared. In previous years we have followed two riders, Jack Russell and Matt Stevenson in our Unsung Heroes series of race reports. This year we will be doing the same.
One other rider we will follow is Gary Johnson. Debuting in 2007 Gary has 2 wins to his name and is in the 130mph club with a fastest laps of 130.945mph. We will bring you news of these and all of the other riders as the TT progresses.
Thanks to RPW Photography for the images included in this report. You can find out more about PistonClick at the IoM TT here. All of the 2025 IoM TT PistonClick reports can be found below.
