The first Isle of Man TT motorcycle race took place in 1907.
The event was created after motorcycle racing on public roads became difficult to stage in Britain under early motor-racing restrictions. The Isle of Man offered closed public roads and a government willing to support the new competition.
The inaugural race used the St John’s Short Course. Rem Fowler won the twin-cylinder class on a Norton, while the event quickly developed a reputation for speed and technical difficulty. The famous Mountain Course was introduced for the TT in 1911, so it was not the route used by the first race.
The TT is distinct from ordinary circuit racing because competitors race on roads that pass through villages and countryside. Its history includes changing classes, manufacturers, and course layouts, but 1907 remains the foundational date.