The decade between 2004 and 2014 was one of the most dramatic eras in the century-old history of the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy, which began with the races in decline, and many observers fearing that they would soon be killed off by a combination of rising costs, political correctness and logistical practicalities. But, just a few years later, the triumphant 2007 celebration of the races' centenary launched the TT into a whole new era of public and commercial success.
With growing public interest and awareness, road racing became established as a specialist sport in its own right. Media interest soared; a feature length documentary took cinemas by storm worldwide, and a new generation of technocrats hastened to the island to develop zero emissions motorbike racing.
All of these events unfolded under the gaze of Charlie Lambert, appointed TT Anchor Commentator by Manx Radio in 2004. In TT Talking, Charlie tells the story of the TT's sensational turn of fortune, whilst simultaneously lifting the lid on his role behind the microphone in this story. Revealing the pressures, the controversies, the laughs and the sadness that go with being at the heart of the world's most famous – and controversial – road races.
Arvustused
A well written tome that gives another insight into how the action is brought to fans and therefore adds another dimension to understanding the whole racing package. As a result it is a book worth reading by any race fan as well as TT devotee. Ian Kerr - Freelance compelling ... If you are a fan of the IOM TT and Manx GP, but probably will never make the trip to the Island, Lambert's book is an excellent way to get a behind-the-scenes look at the event that will make the other ways you follow it all the more interesting; if you are one of the lucky ones who goes or plans to go, it will enhance the experience. Ultimate MotorCycling
| Introduction & Acknowledgements |
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6 | (2) |
| Foreword |
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8 | (2) |
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2004 -- My previous visits had barely scratched the surface |
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10 | (3) |
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13 | (4) |
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2005 -- The chain's off the sprocket |
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Bloody-minded and unpredictable |
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17 | (2) |
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19 | (2) |
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The best commentary position in the world |
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21 | (3) |
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Good mates and absent friends |
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24 | (3) |
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27 | (2) |
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The Manx Motor Cycle Club regrets to announce |
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29 | (4) |
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2006 -- Under the baseball cap was the lap record holder |
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33 | (2) |
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Bad crashes and new talent |
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35 | (3) |
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The slowest and the fastest |
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38 | (3) |
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Three legs, three wheels, three wins! |
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41 | (3) |
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2007 -- Even the UK press gave the TT a pat on the back |
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44 | (2) |
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From Collier to McGuinness |
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46 | (3) |
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"Switch off your brain and go for it!" |
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49 | (2) |
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The land of high expectations |
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51 | (3) |
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54 | (2) |
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56 | (3) |
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2008 -- Manna from heaven for a live broadcaster |
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59 | (3) |
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62 | (3) |
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The flying Crowe and leathers round the ankles |
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65 | (3) |
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68 | (2) |
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70 | (3) |
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73 | (2) |
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2009 -- Rossi earned huge credit for revising his diary |
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75 | (3) |
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78 | (19) |
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97 | (2) |
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99 | (2) |
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101 | (5) |
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2010 -- The Honda coasted across the line and into Ian's own chapter of TT history |
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106 | (2) |
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108 | (5) |
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113 | (3) |
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116 | (1) |
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Sad days, strong characters |
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117 | (4) |
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2011 -- "If anyone thinks you should call it a day, that's ridiculous" |
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121 | (3) |
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Looking good, smelling great |
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124 | (4) |
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128 | (2) |
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130 | (4) |
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2012 -- We don't need the World Anti Doping Agency -- they really do go that fast |
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The end of the Manx Grand Prix? |
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134 | (3) |
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137 | (3) |
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Right people in right places |
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140 | (3) |
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143 | (3) |
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2013 -- A dream job for a sports broadcaster |
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146 | (3) |
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149 | (2) |
| And finally, my top-twenty Mountain Course moments |
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151 | (7) |
| Index |
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158 | |
Charlie Lambert was lead commentator for Manx Radios broadcasts of the Isle of Man TT races from 2004 to 2012. He began his career with the Liverpool Daily Post & Echo, before joining the BBC, where he worked as sports correspondent and producer in both radio and TV. He has reported sports events worldwide, winning two prestigious Sony Radio Awards, and being twice shortlisted for Royal Television Society Awards. Since 2001, Charlie has worked as a freelance broadcaster and writer; he is also senior lecturer in sports journalism at the University of Central Lancashire.
