More Than A Race: The Isle Of Man Experience

Motorcycle racing, to the enthusiast, is a wide-ranging spectrum of activities that can include everything from tight, technical trail riding, circuit riding, and all-out top-speed pursuits. Regardless of how you want to race, there are also the friendships we form while in the pursuit of those experiences. To non-riders, motorcycles, and especially racing them, punches you a one-way ticket to an early grave.

Although mortality is constantly present in our lives, active participation that seems to bring us closer—such as motorcycles, action sports, or extreme physical pursuits—are seemingly looked down upon by culture at large. However, everyday things that will statistically kill you more efficiently go largely ignored. I’ve had plenty of people tell me at gas stations how I’m going to die. However, I haven’t had anyone run up to me while eating to tell me about their uncle died of congestive heart failure.

If there is one event that crystallizes this relationship between the glory, consequences, and community of motorcycle racing—and baffles the population at large—it's the Isle of Man TT.

The Isle of Man is one of the last unfiltered motorsports experiences. Where FIM-designed circuits have designed courses to decrease the chance of injury and death with wider runoffs and safer barriers, the Isle of Man still puts riders on the very edge.

The AT&T's Audience Network original documentary series Religion of Sports explores the relationship between danger and glory at the TT in the first episode of their third season. The series is co-produced by Patriots QB Tom Brady, former NY Giants defensive end Michael Strahan, and filmmaker Gotham Chopra. The series highlights various cultural and historical experiences in sports across the globe, from famous rivalries to unforgettable hardships.

Where many series focus on the individual racers of the Isle of Man TT, this episode takes a larger look at the community that surrounds the race as well. Racers are still present, such as privateer Dominic Herbertson, but so are family members of riders, a local priest, and general enthusiasts.

Although the risk is discussed and shown, riders get to give their honest opinion of why they choose to run the race, and why the danger keeps bringing them back. Of course the thrill is a part of it, but so is continuing on the tradition of riders who have come before, and the ability to challenge their own abilities at the absolute edge.

Beyond the dangers of the racers, the episode also gives time to highlight the community of riders who support and engage with the event, and hold racers’ efforts with both admiration and respect.

It's a comprehensive look at the motivations of riders and fans. It doesn't glorify, but it also doesn't condemn. It's an honest portrayal of the risks and rewards, and celebration of the community that supports the race. Many Isle of Man TT pieces lean on the specter of mortality as a crux, but Religion of Sports challenges the viewer to understand rider's motivations, and maybe get outside of their own comfort zone as well.

You can see the Religion of Sports episode "Push" on Wednesday, November 21, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on the ATT Audience Network.