2008 Isle of Man TT - One of the Best (23/06/2008)  One of the Isle of Man TT’s most dedicated fans believes this year’s event was one of the best. Ian Huntly first visited the TT in 1947, and, due to the cancellation of the 2001 event, TT2008 marked his 60th trip. His devotion has earned Ian the name “TTFan” and his website charts his long-time dedication to the event. After such an incredible Centenary TT in 2007, many were concerned about whether 2008 would be as exciting. There were also concerns about whether steps to improve safety for spectators, competitors and officials would spoil the experience for some fans. However, after attending the whole fortnight, Ian is in no doubt about whether TT2008 was a success. He said: ‘I feel it was the best TT for some time. I was there for the full period and it FLEW over!!’ ‘There was the feeling that the pressure of the run- up to the Centenary was off, and it was obvious that there had been a lot of work done before TT 2008 to revamp the fortnight and get it right.’ ‘I thought at first the lack of viewable vantage spots would be a big downer, but after perusing the areas where we were allowed in 2008, I managed to go back to places I had been to, years ago, and going to them found out how good they were.’  He added: ‘Of course there were some vantage spots I missed because they were closed to the public, but now that the whole thing has been appraised and checked in 2008, perhaps there will be a few places which were banned this year, that will be freed for spectating again.’ For Ian, as for many, it was the incredible quality of the racing – which saw first-time wins for Cameron Donald and Steve Plater, a well-deserved victory for Bruce Anstey, a dramatic win for John McGuinness in the Senior TT and the Nick Crowe-Dave Molyneux showdown fans had eagerly anticipated – which will be remembered. ‘The racing really was good and had us all biting our nails from beginning to end. I think now that after seeing TTs since 1947, I have now entered a new era where I feel it is necessary to look at the TT through the eyes of the new group of fans and not sit there reminiscing.’ ‘You can’t bring back the old days. I spent a great deal of time talking to people at Bushy’s one evening and was interested to see how first-timers have already pledged their support for future TTs, so the fan-base appears to be very healthy.’ ‘Unfortunately, some of my older colleagues who tried to compare the TT of today with the so-called golden days have fallen out and say they won't be back...a great shame since, if they looked at it all as I have this year, I feel they would have continued to come.’ Ian added: ‘My opinion of the present TT is excellent and I look forward to continuing as a TTFan as long as I can, showing the new lot what to do and see, and taking pleasure in hearing what they think of it all.’ ‘There was something for everybody and it was just like a huge family gathering. Mr Paul Phillips and his team can be proud that they have brought the TT up to date and long may it continue.’ Tomorrow, Ian tells the story of his 61-year love affair with the Isle of Man TT. To find out more about his story visit TTFan’s website.
  This year marked the 60th visit to the Isle of Man TT for one of the most dedicated fans of the world famous races. Ian Huntly first visited the TT 61 years ago, but TT2008 was his 60th time at the races due to the foot-and-mouth disease cancellation in 2001. Here, the man who goes by the name “TTFan” tells the story of his devotion to the TT. “I have been attending the annual Isle of Man TT Races since being well and truly introduced to it by my parents in 1947 who had been TT fans from 1928. Having suffered from Bronchitis and Asthma over the winter of 1946, I was advised to take the sea air so where better than the Isle of Man!” |
