In the fast lane – Phillip McCallen’s road to racing royalty

With 11 Isle of Man TT victories to his name, Phillip McCallen stands out as one of the all-time greats on the roads. Today, as the proud owner of a thriving motorcycle dealership, he continues to inspire a new generation of racers, proving that the thrill of the ride never fades.

What does it take to be on the exclusive list of all-time Isle of Man TT winners? Some racers may highlight experience, machine, or familiarity with the course, while others may emphasise skill as the major factor for a winner – there is perhaps no singular right answer. When asked by the BBC after his last win in 1997, 11-time champion Phillip McCallen discussed commitment, determination, machine preparation and a good team as being the key ingredients for success. A seemingly benign but crucial combination that speaks to the simple grit and passion McCallen has come to be known for – a true standout in an era defined by speed and spectacle. Brought up in the traditions of Irish road racing, McCallen – who was born within mere yards of the famed Tandragee road racing circuit – had always regarded it as an ultimate ambition to race and win at the Isle of Man. His breakthrough moment came about in the late 1980s when he burst on to the scene with his first race at the 1988 Manx Grand Prix, becoming the first rider to win a Newcomers race and a Manx race in the same year. In 1992, he won his first TT race with a finish in the Formula 1 and the Supersport 600 title. Barely a decade after his debut, Phillip would stun the racing world with a historic sweep of four wins – the Formula 1, Junior, Senior and Production races – in a single week at the 1996 TT. A feat that stood unbroken until Ian Hutchinson won all five races in 2010. The TT is renowned for its treacherous course and unforgiving conditions, demanding the utmost skill, courage, and resilience from its competitors. Yet, McCallen thrived in this challenging environment, racing against other greats like Steve Hislop and Carl Fogarty. He clinched an impressive 11 victories throughout his career, tying as the ninth racer with the most TT wins. But his success was not limited to the Isle of Man, with his achievements spanning five victories at the NW 200, an astonishing five wins at the Ulster GP, and several British Supersport championships. Phillip also made his mark on the international stage, competing in events across Europe and beyond. From the legendary circuits of Brands Hatch and Silverstone to the iconic road races of Ulster and the North West 200, he left an indelible impression wherever he went, including competing in the old Formula 1 series, the Thunderbike series and the Macau GP. After nearly two decades of thrills, triumphs and tenacity on the track, Phillip decided to hang up his helmet and head into the business side of motorcycles. He had worked on research and development while riding with Honda during his racing years, but he decided to open his own motorcycle dealership not far from his hometown of Tandragee. It’s grown and grown over the years and is now regarded as one of the top showrooms in the area, specialising in the Triumph, Kawasaki and KTM brands. In addition to running his own dealership, Phillip has dedicated himself to supporting young riders and promoting road safety awareness, ensuring that his legacy extends far beyond his racing achievements.