Behind the scenes at the Isle of Man TT races

I've been collecting various 'behind the scenes' IOM TT images over the past few months and have finally had the time to put a post together. Featuring several well known faces - plus some not so well known, the images provide a look at the famous TT races form a different perspective. Racing was done on a shoestring budget and many local garages and stable blocks were transformed into both privateer and works garages for the duration of the TT races.

Geoff Tanner

Geoff Tanner Norton 350 Inter video

I decided to have some fun with this weekend with my video camera.. A bit shaky to start with but watch this space!

Geoff Tanner 1954 Norton 350 International

A bright afternoon in late October provided one last photo shoot opportunity before the Clubmans Inter is wrapped up for winter. Restored by Bernie Allen, the bike featured in Classic Racer several years ago. Click here to read the full story.

1954 Norton International 350 Clubmans

A recent photo taken of the 350 Clubmans TT bike featured in Classic Racer last year. For more on the reunion with original rider Geoff Tanner and this highly original machine visit the full article on Mr Motor Tweeter.

1954 Clubman's TT Norton 350 International

These images show Isle of Man road racer Geoff Tanner re-united with his 1954 Clubman's TT Norton 350 for the feature in issue 138 of Classic Racer magazine in the Summer of 2009. Geoff finished 5th at a race speed of 81.54 mph for four laps of the 37 mile TT Mountain course with a fastest lap of 83mph. The first Norton home, Geoffs lap was the fastest set by a 350cc Norton in the entire Clubman's races.

He was delighted to see the bike in all its former glory, having not seen it in over 50 years! Accurately restored by Bernie Allen, the bike now runs beautifully and sounds fantastic through it's open pipe. Once sat on the bike, Geoff looked totally at home. Sporting a fixed grin whilst blipping the throttle and sounding like a true racer, he commented that he remembered it to be "Bloody slow!".

Essentially road bikes the Clubman's specification allowed only very minor race upgrades. Lights, silencer and centre stand were deleted whilst the addition of a fly screen, a set of Manx mudguards and seat were added. Rear-set foot rests completed the transformation from road bike to racer.

The following year in 1955 Geoff went on to win the Manx Grand Prix in both 350 and 500 classes cementing his talent as a racer. He also competed as part of the Continental Circus in Europe.