The 1911 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy races took place for the first time over the '' Isle of Man TT Mountain Course''. The whole organisation of the races was given over to the Auto-Cycle Union (ACU), which announced the use of the longer mountain course with a four lap (150 mile) Junior race on Friday 30 June, and five laps (189 mile) for the Senior race on Monday 3 July. In only five years the TT races had matured and commercialism had set-in.

Grandstand A grandstand is a normally permanent structure for seating spectators. This includes both auto racing and horse racing. The grandstand is in essence like a single section of a stadium, but differs from a stadium in that it does not wrap al ...

s were built by the Douglas Corporation in what had been popular and free vantage points in Douglas, to the displeasure of the public. Preparations for this new, challenging course that meant an eight-mile (13 km) uphill climb from Ramsey to Brandywell prompted the manufacturers to devise methods of modifying their mainly single-gear machines to cope with the Snaefell mountain road not once, but several times. Harry Collier, on the single-cylinder

Matchless Matchless is one of the oldest marques of British motorcycles, manufactured in Plumstead, London, between 1899 and 1966. A wide range of models were produced under the Matchless name, ranging from small two-strokes to 750 cc four-stroke tw ...

, and Percy J. Evans fought for first place in the Junior event. In the Senior event, British pride and prestige was dented when the

Indians Indian or Indians may refer to: Peoples South Asia * Indian people, people of Indian nationality, or people who have an Indian ancestor ** Non-resident Indian, a citizen of India who has temporarily emigrated to another country * South Asia ...

took the first three places. Charlie Collier crossed the finish line second on his Matchless, but was disqualified for refuelling outside of the designated area. On Friday, June 27, 1911, the first fatal accident in connection with the Tourist Trophy races happened. While practicing for the forthcoming race,

Victor Surridge Victor John Surridge (1892 Chipping Ongar, Essex, UK – 27 June 1911 Glen Helen, Isle of Man) was an English motor-cycle racer who raced for the Rudge team. After the works Rudge factory team visited the Isle of Man TT Races for the fir ...

was taking a difficult corner on Cregwilly’s Hill near Glen Helen section of the course, dashing into a hedge and breaking his neck. He was nineteen years of age.

Junior TT final standings

Friday 30 June 1911 – 4 laps (150 miles) Four Inch Course/ Isle of Man TT Mountain Course

Senior TT final standings

Monday 3 July 1911 – 5 laps (187 miles 4 furlongs) Four Inch Course/ Isle of Man TT Mountain Course''Isle of Man Weekly Times'' page 2 Isle of Man Times and General Advertiser 8 July 1911

References

External links

1911 Isle of Man TT results

Isle An isle is an island, land surrounded by water. The term is very common in British English. However, there is no clear agreement on what makes an island an isle or its difference, so they are considered synonyms. Isle may refer to: Geography * Is ...

1911 in motorsport #1911 {{motorcycle-racing-stub