What makes an Isle of Man TT winner?

What makes an Isle of Man TT winner?Image source, PacemakerImage caption, Peter Hickman, Davey Todd, Dean Harrison and Michael Dunlop have been regular TT winners in recent yearsByRichard PetrieBBC Sport NI JournalistPublished21 minutes agoThe Isle of Man TT is widely regarded as one of the most iconic events in motorsport, staged on one of the most demanding and perilous race courses in the world.Every rider who takes up the challenge of racing on the 37.73-mile Mountain Course, with all the inherent hazards of a public roads circuit, attracts the admiration of fans of motorcycle competition.Those who manage to win races receive special adulation and rank among the legendary figures of the sport.Names such as record 33-time winner Michael Dunlop, his uncle Joey, 26 times a victor, and John McGuinness, with 23 wins, resonate with followers across the globe.As this year's event revs into action, BBC Sport examines what are the special qualities that make a TT winner at road racing's ultimate test of man and machine.Course knowledge and experienceWhile competitors can become familiar with some motorsport tracks relatively quickly, it takes time and dedication to learn the TT course and gain sufficient track knowledge to be in a position to challenge for wins.Experience is key to incrementally improving lap times and attaining to high placings, given that the circuit includes more than 200 corners.Then there are the numerous bends, changes in road surfaces, thousands of gear changes and learning the racing lines involved in negotiating each lap of the course.The commitment required to make progress towards achieving success means TT racing must be a priority for potential winners, such as has been the case with Michael Dunlop, 14-time winner Peter Hickman, Dean Harrison (five wins) and Davey Todd (three victories) over recent years.Joey Dunlop and Steve Plater are two who have bucked the trend somewhat, winning a race in only their second year of participatio...