Paddock Pass Podcast

Episode 567: TT26 Preview - More questions than answers...

40 min

The episode previews the 2026 Isle of Man TT (TT26), discussing schedule changes, rider lineups, and key storylines. The hosts highlight the absence of top rider David Todd, the potential for a sub-16:30 lap (137 mph average), and the new Sport Bike class replacing the Super Twins. They also examine the form of favorites Michael Dunlop and Dean Harrison, while questioning Peter Hickman's current edge. The conversation covers course viewing spots, the importance of the TT Live Plus video pass, and the evolving media landscape including Radio TT.

Summarized by Podsumo

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✨ Key Takeaways

1

The TT26 schedule introduces three full-day practice/qualifying sessions (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) and a designated rest day on Thursday of race week, aimed at reducing fatigue for teams and riders.
2

Peter Hickman faces unusual scrutiny as the outright lap record holder (136.358 mph) after crashes in 2024 and at Daytona, while Dean Harrison, with two Superstock wins in 2024, emerges as a top contender on the factory Honda.
3

Michael Dunlop, despite switching back to the Hawk Racing Honda Fireblade after shelving V4R plans, remains the favorite in the Super Sport class with 8 consecutive wins, but faces a challenge from Dean Harrison who rode strongly at the North West 200.
4

The sidecar class continues to be dominated by the Crowe brothers, drawing comparisons to the Birchall brothers' historic run, with 120 mph laps setting a new benchmark.
5

A new Sport Bike class debuts, aiming to provide a more affordable entry point for riders, though development of some machines may lag behind the existing Super Twins in the first year.

💬 Notable Quotes

"It's my favorite two weeks of the year. There's nothing quite like the Isle of Man TT."
"The TT is just filled with, I don't know, there's probably 40-50 places that you can tell people to go to and they'll never run out of places."
"He shouldn't have a question mark over him but I can't help but have that little bit of a doubt in my mind right now."