2025 Senior TT Preview :

Senior TT Showdown: Who Will Conquer the Mountain in 2025?

The Isle of Man TT Festival has been a rollercoaster of emotions, high speeds, and unforgettable moments, all building to the finale of the Milwaukee Senior TT Superbike race. As we stand on the brink of this ultimate challenge, the atmosphere on the Island is electric, despite the weather playing its usual mischievous hand throughout the week.

We’ve seen practice sessions and races delayed by rain and oil spillages, making the schedule a constant dance. Notably, the start of racing itself was pushed back by two days, and even Tuesday’s Supertwin and Superstock races were moved to the evening due to wet roads. This has meant less track time than usual for some, adding an extra layer of challenge to an already formidable and notoriously difficult course.

Unfortunately, the festival also saw a major incident that ruled out one of the road racing’s top riders. Fourteen-time TT winner Peter Hickman sustained chest, back, shoulder, and facial injuries in a fall at Kerrowmoar during a qualifying session. While thankfully his condition wasdescribed as “comfortable” and “in good spirits,” it means we won’t see him on the grid for the Senior TT, a huge blow for the fans and his 8Ten Racing BMW team. His absence undeniably reshapes the competitive landscape.

Hickman however is back in the paddock, although battered and bruised he has been there throughout supporting his team mate and friend, Davey Todd.

A Look Back at the Week’s Action :

Qualifying was intense. With the weather being at best, difficult, the riders really have had to put the work in to secure their best chance and best setup for race week. In Superbike qualifying, Dean Harrison initially held the top spot with a 133.069mph lap, but Davey Todd showed his intentions by setting the fastest outright lap of the week on his Superstock machine at 133.155mph. Michael Dunlop also put in a scorching 132.003mph lap on his Superbike, showing he’s very much in the hunt. Conor Cummins also impressed in Superstock qualifying with a 129.835mph lap.

The Superbike and Superstock classes have already delivered some incredible racing, giving us a taste of what to expect in the Senior.

The RST & D3O Superbike Race, though shortened to four laps due to delays, was a spectacular opener. Davey Todd on his 8Ten Racing BMW, running a Superstock chassis with a Superbike engine, claimed his third TT win, leading every split. It wasn’t a runaway victory, however, as Michael Dunlop on his MD Racing BMW was a mere 1.2 seconds behind at the flag, having battled back from a pitstop error that cost him six seconds. Dean Harrison took a strong third, demonstrating consistent pace on his Honda. Dunlop also set the fastest lap of that race at an incredible 135.416mph.

In the RL360 Superstock TT Race 1, it was Dean Harrison who seized his first TT win since 2019, clocking a blistering 135.692mph lap – his quickest ever. He held off a hard-charging Davey Todd, who finished second, with Michael Dunlop rounding out the podium in third, equaling John McGuinness’s record of 47 TT podiums.

Superstock Race 2 saw Dean Harrison double up, securing his fifth career TT victory and making it a clean sweep of the Superstock class. He commanded the race, leading by 16 seconds over Davey Todd, who again faced pitstop drama when his bike wouldn’t fire, costing him valuable time. Michael Dunlop finished third, battling an electronic issue and overshooting at Braddan Bridge on the opening lap, but still fighting his way back to the rostrum.

Michael Dunlop has been his usual dominant self in the smaller capacity classes, racking up wins in the Supersport and Supertwin races. He secured his 30th TT win in the first Supersport race on his Ducati, a first for the manufacturer since 1995, narrowly beating Dean Harrison after a crucial pitstop strategy. He then claimed his 31st TT win in commanding fashion in the first Supertwin race. His dominance continued in Supersport Race 2, where he took his eighth consecutive class win, and 32nd overall TT victory, finishing 26 seconds clear of Dean Harrison, with Davey Todd in third.

The Senior TT: The Ultimate Test :

Now, today, we face the ultimate test: the six-lap Milwaukee Senior TT. This race demands everything from rider and motorcycle – They need it all, speed, total concentration, physical endurance, and a touch of luck. With Peter Hickman out, the battle for the top three stepa has opened up, and the many on the field is ripe are hungry for one of those podium steps.

Davey Todd has shown incredible form this week, with his Superbike win and strong Superstock performances. His pace is undeniable, and he’s hungry for more big-bike glory. The question will be whether his 8Ten Racing BMW can hold it together for the full six laps.

Michael Dunlop is a force of nature. Despite a few issues in the big bike races so far, his ability to adapt and his sheer will to win are legendary. With 32 TT wins under his belt and a strong BMW package, he’s always a threat, especially when it matters most. He’s also free of the pressure of chasing Joey Dunlop’s win tally, which might just unleash him further.

Dean Harrison has had a fantastic week, bagging two Superstock wins and consistently being at the sharp end of the Superbike times. His Honda is performing well, and he’s riding with confidence and precision. A Senior TT victory would be a fitting cap to his strong festival.

Other riders who could upset the apple cart include local hero Conor Cummins on his Burrows Engineering/RK Racing BMW. He’s been consistently quick and will have the crowd roaring him on. Josh Brookes on the Jackson Racing Honda, who stunned with a second-place finish in last year’s Senior, is also a serious contender. And let’s not forget the experienced John McGuinness MBE, who despite being 15th fastest in qualifying, can never be counted out over six laps on the factory Honda.

Predicted Top 5 Finishers :

Davey Todd – Fresh off his Superbike win, Todd’s confidence and skill make him a strong contender for the podium, maybe even a second top spot in the Superbike Class?

Michael Dunlop – With unparalleled experience and momentum from recent victories, Dunlop is determined to claim the top spot.

Dean Harrison – His dominance in the Superstock races positions him as a formidable challenger in the Senior TT and would seal a superb TT for Deano!

Nathan Harrison – Consistent performances and a hunger for success could see him break into the top ranks.

James Hillier – A seasoned rider with a wealth of experience, Hillier’s determination could earn him a spot among the leaders.

Stay tuned for what promises to be an unforgettable conclusion to the 2025 Isle of Man TT. The Senior TT Superbike race is set to deliver high-octane action, showcasing the pinnacle of road racing talent.

Check out the highlights from the Superbike Race 1 in 2025 :

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