10 good reasons why this year's TT is going to be a belter

The 2012 Isle of Man TT kicks off with the first practice session tomorrow afternoon (May 26) and it looks set to be a good year.

Here’s 10 reasons why this year’s TT is set to be berilliant.

1. Ian Hutchinson back from serious injury with a WSB-spec factory Swan Yamaha superbike.
2. Michael Dunlop doing his own thing with three different makes of bike, built by himself in his garage at home.
3. Gary Johnson with Padgetts Honda for the superbikes races – the most successful privateer team in recent TT history.
4. Cameron Donald, possibly in his final year at the TT, back with a rejuvenated Wilson Craig Honda team.
5. William Dunlop saying he’s ready to run up front in the superbike races.
   Conor Cummins now fully fit and raring to go with Tyco TAS Suzuki – one of the most experienced teams at the TT.
6. Conor Cummins now fully fit and raring to go with Tyco TAS Suzuki, one of the most experienced teams at the TT.
7. Guy Martin coming into the TT with a whole new philosophy about how to try and claim that elusive first win.
8. Bruce Anstey, well, just being Bruce Anstey, the omnipresent threat on the Padgetts Hondas.
9. John McGuinness, as cool as ever, just chipping away with his TT prep by riding as many motorcycles, in as many different disciplines as he can as he bids to defend his position as King of the Mountain.
10. And Norton. Norton making a TT comeback with an all-new V4 motorcycle.

If that’s not enough to get you excited about the TT, then pick up a copy of this week’s MCN, which includes a free 32-page TT preview.

We speak to all the top riders – Ian Hutchinson, John McGuinness, Guy Martin, Bruce Anstey and more about their hopes, fears and dreams for this year’s TT.

Here’s what 17-time race winner John McGuinness has to say about the start of a TT race: “You see the helicopter going off to take up position on the course and then you know it’s happening. Then everything goes blank. It’s a weird feeling.

“I give my missus a kiss. She kisses me. I look up to the Grandstand to spot my kids. I kiss the voodoo doll on the back of my helmet and then I get on my bike and go through that little gate that leads up to the start line.

“Matey on the start line grabs your arm. You cross your fingers and it’s 30 seconds to go. Then 10. Into gear and watch the man with the flag. All the noise is gone.

“You just concentrate on the bike and you feel the rpm rather than look at the rev-counter. That flag moves half a millimeter and I’m gone. Second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and you are at St Ninian’s Crossroads.”