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.
About the Author: Chester G. Hearn is an American military veteran and historian. He is the author of more than twenty books, including Six Years of Hell: Harpers Ferry During the Civil War and George Washington's Schooners: The First American Navy. Three of his books have been History Book Club selections. He lives in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Kit Bonner is a naval historian and photographer. He has authored or co-authored numerous books on naval history, including USS Iowa at War, Modern Warships, Great Ship Disasters, Warship Boneyards, Cold War at Sea, and Great Naval Disasters. Kit was the naval consultant for the 1997 blockbuster film, Titanic. He lives in Ione, California.
