Jim Hunter is one of seven traveling marshals at the Isle of Man TT, and a former rider in both the TT and Manx Grand Prix. His role is vital for racing to go ahead. It’s well known that the Mountain Course isn’t your average racetrack, so a normal marshalling system isn’t enough.
The TT introduced travelling marshals in 1935, when the lap record stood at 86mph, roughly 50mph slower than today. TT 2024: Philip McCallen takes hybrid Kawasaki for lap round Mountain Course Isle of Man TT 2024: Weather - Friday, June 7 Isle of Man TT 2024: Conor Cummins withdraws from TT Ex-Top Gear host Chris Harris spotted soaking up the atmosphere at Isle of Man TT That year there were only two Travelling Marshals, one based at the start, the other in Ramsey. Their primary duty was to search for missing riders – this was long before there were radio links around the course.
Now there’s seven, and they all ride Honda’s latest CBR1000RR-R Fireblade, which are equipped with trauma-treatment medical kits, tracking devices, two-way radios, for communicating with Race Control, and warning lights linked to the red and yellow warning boards around the circuit. We spoke to Jim Hunter, traveling marshal number two, who in his own words gave us his top five spots to watch the racing when he’s not busy working hard. The Railway Inn, Union Mills Easy access via the Lhergy Crypperty from Douglas and south of the island when roads are closed.
The best view is from the pub's beer garden. This se.
