We’re just 100 days away from the 2022 Isle of Man TT races and they’ve announced exciting new plans that will take the TT global.
TT+ is an all new digital platform that puts the greatest road race on the planet in the pockets of anyone that’s a fan. Users can expect year round content including behind the scenes interviews, explainer pieces and a feature length documentary. There’s a podcast series that’s already launched it’s way into the top 100 UK podcasts in just three episodes, an expanded broadcast team of TV and Radio presenters and the cherry on the cake will be the chance to watch every practice and race session live with no adverts.
A 200 strong production team will bring fans closer to the racing than ever thanks to two Heli-tellys, a stack of extra cameras around the circuit, a purpose built broadcast centre with a studio in the new fan park area and a pack of roving reporters bringing you up to date details as they happen.
Leading the expanded broadcast team is the trio of Matt Roberts, Jennie Gow and Amy Williams MBE. BBC Sports Correspondent Rick Faragher will bring a host of experience and link the main presenters to the paddock.
The commentary team will consist of Dave Moore and Andrew Coley, supported by TT winners Steve Plater and Cameron Donald. The radio anchorman is Steve Day, who brings a wealth of experience from MotoGP and WSBK to the table. TT statistics expert and analyst Chris Boyde joins Steve in the tower and they’ll be supported by TT Radio regular Chris Kinley and Beth Espey in pit lane.
Supporting both TV and Radio are a host of TT specialist pundits with a wealth of TT related experience to offer. Former TT racers Jennie Tinmouth, Patrick Farrance, Mark Miller and Horst Saiger join current racer Maria Costello MBE and motorcycle journalist John Hogan.
I asked myself what I thought of joining the broadcast team at my favourite motorcycle event on the planet, here’s what I said:
“What an amazing opportunity, to be involved with an exciting new project in year one. I think I’m the only pundit in the team that hasn’t raced the TT (or anywhere else really) and it’s a genuine privilege to have been included. In journo terms, this is a factory ride and I’ll do my best to add value to TT+. For all this to have come together after a two-year layoff at the TT, in the same year that John McGuinness makes his 100th start is about as good as it gets for a TT fanboy like me”.
Jennie Gow brings masses of broadcast experience from both F1 and MotoGP to the TT, along with genuine passion for the event.
“It’s an exciting time for the Isle of Man TT Races as the introduction of live coverage brings international recognition to the greatest road race of all time. It’s been on my bucket list for a long time as a motorsport presenter and I can’t wait to join up with the team on site and bring you all the action. We all know how exciting the TT is and that’s why we all love it. To be able to share that with so many more people is incredible. We’ll be presenting more than just racing; we’ll be introducing all the incredible personalities, showcasing their talents and unique mind-set as they take on the challenging mountain course.
I’m genuinely thrilled to be part of the TT’s live broadcast team. I can’t wait to be on the Island and part of the action as the anticipation for the return of the legendary road racing event builds.”
Matt Roberts is a familiar face and voice to two-wheeled racing fans – “This isn’t the first time I’ve been part of the broadcasting team for the TT; however, thanks to the introduction of TT+, I would say it’s the most exciting year, with by far the most potential. The important thing for me is that we can come together as a broadcasting team and really immerse the viewers in the action and convey the raw energy and emotion that’s synonymous with the spectacular Isle of Man TT Races.
I’m confident there’ll be some real edge of your seat moments that will really grip the viewers. The use of heli-cam and curb-side cameras alone are going to drive the experience to a new level, and for motorsport fans around the world that haven’t yet experienced the TT. It’s going to blow their minds. It’s a huge prospect and I’m really looking forward to it.
So what will all this cost you?
The year round content on TT+ will be completely free, this will include an archive of race footage and all of the content rich feature material. The only thing you’ll have to pay for is (in my opinion) completely worth the asking price. For £14.99 (GBP) / €21.99 (EUR) / $24.99 (USD) / $31.99 (CAD) / $34.99 (AUD) you’ll get live access to all practice sessions and races for the entire TT. That’s over 40 hours of road racing, as it happens. When you think that the average ITV highlights show is usually at least 24 hours out of date and only really includes about 25 minutes of the good stuff over an hour, TT+ offers value for money and unparalleled road racing insights.
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Words: John Hogan Images: Various