The 2026 Classic TT has delivered four races across five classes as of Monday, August 24, with Michael Dunlop and John McGuinness adding further chapters to their remarkable Mountain Course records.
McGuinness took victory in Monday’s Historic Senior Classic TT, scoring his fourth win in the class and a landmark triumph 30 years after his Mountain Course debut. Riding the Winfield Paton, McGuinness won by 26.8 seconds from Shaun Anderson on the Beugger Racing Paton, while Mike Browne completed the podium aboard the Peter Lodge Racing Norton ES2.
Dunlop was the dominant force in Sunday’s Lightweight Classic TT, taking his second consecutive class victory on the Milenco by Padgetts Motorcycles Honda. He won by more than three minutes from Michael Sweeney aboard the IMS/CSC Racing Yamaha, with Rhys Hardisty third on the GATC/Phil Anslow Yamaha.
The concurrently run Ultra-Lightweight Classic TT saw Joe Loughlin take victory on the G2 Technical Services Ltd Kawasaki, his record-breaking final lap of 113.524 mph setting a new benchmark for a 400cc machine around the Mountain Course. Owen Monaghan finished second on the DB Telecom/RLT Transport Kawasaki, while Paul Cassidy took third aboard the Green Racing/Island Fuels Yamaha.
Dunlop doubled up in the Formula One Classic TT, setting both lap and race records aboard the Team Classic Suzuki. His final lap of 129.078 mph broke Bruce Anstey’s long-standing record as he won by 20.5 seconds from Jamie Coward on the Greenall Racing Kawasaki, with Mike Browne third aboard the Electric Van Company Kawasaki.
Saturday’s Historic Junior Classic TT was one of the most dramatic races of the meeting. Paul Jordan retained his crown aboard the Davies Motorsport Honda, ultimately winning by 1:37 after early leader Mike Browne suffered a puncture and several other front-runners retired. Dominic Herbertson finished second on the Nigel Haith Racing machine, while McGuinness completed the podium aboard the Steadplan Racing Honda.
As Cycle News closed for publication, there was still the Junior Manx Grand Prix, Junior 600 Classic TT and the Senior Classic TT to be run.CN
Historic Senior Classic TT (Top 5)
- John McGuinness MBE (Paton 500)
- Shaun Anderson (Paton 500)
- Mike Browne (Norton ES2)
- Barry Furber (Honda CB500)
- Will Loder (Matchless)
