THE THANK-YOU(S)

It’s only now we are all back home and the dust has settled that we can appreciate the magnitude of what has happened. It’s one thing taking a production bike out for a magazine test, but to make that test happen on the world’s biggest and fastest road race is something else. It simply wouldn’t have been possible without the goodwill and support of a lot of amazing people. Without wishing to turn this into an Oscars-style speech, complete with fake tears and the odd slap, myself and all at Fast Bikes want to express our eternal gratitude to those who made this happen... not least of all the TT organisers themselves, who could have slammed the door in our faces right from the get-go. Gary Thompson and Lizzie from the ACU gave us that green light, and with the support of the TT’s liaison officers, Milky Quayle and John Barton, this show well and truly got on the road. Of course, it wouldn’t have got anywhere had KTM not rolled the dice in our favour, allowing us to put its awesome 1290 SuperDuke R Evo through its paces without a hint of hesitation. And then there’s Metzeler, which shod the bike out in its capable and credible Racetec rubber – proving to be the perfect sparring partner for the beast. To the marshals, the medics, and the dozens of you who took the time to shoot Rutter as he blasted around, a massive thank-you. And, of course, a big thanks to Michael himself. At his age, he should know better than to hop on a motorcycle, blind, and blast off down Bray Hill, but thankfully he’s about as sensible as us, and all the better for it. In fact, not only did he step up and do the hard bit, he and his team, Bathams Racing, looked after and prepped this bike, nestling it away in their camp for the full TT fortnight. To say they went above and beyond is an understatement. But what they also did was make history. The next time anyone questions what a supernaked could do if let loose around the TT, point them this way.