One of the world’s most prestigious motorcycle events on the international circuit – with some great results for their rider Steve Mercer.

Team owner and Prodigy front-man Keith Flint had gone to this event knowing how tough the challenge ahead was going to be:

“The Isle of man TT is one of the greatest races on the planet, if not the greatest,” said Keith. “The riders are a breed apart from everyone else. The bravery and skill required to take on this course is unbelievable.”

Before the start of the Isle of Man TT, the team stood together poised as the 2014 action was about to commence. However the TT hadn’t read the script… The two week long event started with confirmation of just how tough this race can be: the TT is not the most famous race in the world because it’s easy.

With blown engines and even a blackbird hit smashing his windshield Steve Mercer would go into the first Superbike race with nowhere near the track time he’d usually expect. The team had worked through the night to replace the blown engine so making the start line was an achievement in itself.

Four laps into the Superbike race and unfortunately Steve has to retire. Undeniably a disappointing result but this is what the TT is all about and the team were not going to be beaten so easily. All the months of hard work creating this team has created a strong resolve and confidence and this event was always going to be a huge milestone and moment in the TTC world.

“Nobody said it would be easy,” said Team Principal Paul Bolwell, “The TT is the hardest Tarmac race on the planet. So we looked forward to Supersport and Superstock races with confidence and excitement.”

The very next day TTC showed what they are all about. Not only was Keith the official starter for the race – a great honour – but all the team were ready to make amends for the tough first week. Steve Mercer didn’t disappoint either and came back with a hard fought result in the Supersport race. With quick enough lap times to earn him one of the coveted replica Silver Lady Trophies delivering a great boost for the all the team.


The next day’s racing was incredibly tough. A delayed start time due to a serious race incident added pressure but Steve went out and put in a great account of himself. Again earning a Silver lady for being in the top bracket of lap times.

“We have had a tough start to the week but it isn’t through lack of trying or skill,” said Steve Mercer. “We’ve just had some bad luck and that’s racing. It was great to get some laps in and finish the race.”

As the week rolled on the real triumph for Team Traction Control made itself clear: massive support from the fans combined with respect from fellow teams in the paddock. The enthusiasm for TTC is a really great surprise for all involved. Obviously Keith is such a recognisable figure and tons of fans grabbed the opportunities to have their photos taken with the man himself. To be racing at the TT was very exciting, but to get such a fantastic response from fans was obviously driving the team on tremendously.

“This is our first year here and we already feel like a recognisable team in the paddock,” said Keith. “All our fans are loving the look and atmosphere around the team. It feels awesome to have their support already. We want to give them something back in our race results. The support for TTC is really incredible.”

Team Traction Control now move back to the hustle and bustle of British SuperBikes action. This time at Snetterton where both Steve Mercer and American AMA Champion James Rispoli will again compete in the Supersport race series aboard their GSXR Suzukis.

Everyone at Team Traction Control are true lovers of the Isle of Man TT. We all understand the incredible skill and bravery it requires to compete. Our thoughts and love go out to the families of both the riders who tragically lost their lives doing something they love, as do we.

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