Guthrie's Memorial

Guthrie's Memorial

The racing marshal's signal booth on the A18 mountain road heading north with the Guthries monument on the left

Track layout

Guthrie's Memorial denotes both a curve of the race track of the Snaefell Mountain Course , on which the motorcycle races of the Isle of Man TT and the Manx Grand Prix are held, as well as a memorial at the same place that commemorates the eponymous racing driver.

background

Andrew James "Jimmie" Guthrie was a successful British motorcycle racer in the 1930s who won several European Championships, Grands Prix, North West 200 and TT races. In 1937 he had a fatal accident at the German Grand Prix at the Sachsenring . A memorial was erected in 1939 at the point where he retired in the fifth round of the Senior TT class on a Norton when he last participated in the Tourist Trophy in the year he died.

The Snaefell Mountain Course has over 200 curves, around 60 of which have their own names and of which 30 are officially designated by the race management. The remaining hairpin bends were named by the fans of the Tourist Trophy, and their use has become established.

Curve

The S-curve is between the 26th and 27th milestones of the racetrack just after the village of Ramsey on the A18. The previous turn is known as the gooseneck ; the next one is called East Snaefell Gate . A shelter for the route marshals has been set up at the entrance to the curve . The fastest parts of the route follow Guthrie's Memorial. Correct driving through these bends is seen by many pilots as a guarantee of a good lap time. There are many motorcycling visitors attracted by the racing driver's monument. Not least because of this there are always serious accidents outside the TT or the Manx Grand Prix at Guthrie's Memorial. During the race, Guthrie's Memorial has so far not had any serious accidents. On this section of the route, these tend to occur on the Gooseneck.

monument

On a small walled square a man-high round hill is built from stones from the island bonded with mortar. A single stone stele protrudes from the top. A plaque is set into the hill with the inscription:

James Guthrie, 1897-1937. Erected to the memory of Jimmy Guthrie, of Hawick, a brilliant Motor Cycle Rider, famous on the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy Course for his wonderful riding and great sportsmanship. He won the race six times. Beat many world's records and was first in numerous foreign races. He died while upholding the honor of his country in the German Grand Prix, August, 1937.

(In German roughly: Erected in memory of Jimmy Guthrie from Hawick, a brilliant motorcycle racer who successfully competed in the Tourist Trophy. In memory of his wonderful driving style and a sporting spirit. He won the race six times, set many world records and was successful at numerous international races. He died, contesting the honor of his country, at the German Grand Prix in 1937 )

Every year since 1961 there has been an excursion of around 80 km in length in memory of Guthrie, but not on the Isle of Man, but in Scotland. This meeting was brought into being for the 50th anniversary of the Hawick & Border Motorcycle club from Hawick - the birthplace of Guthrie, who was himself a member of this motorcycle club. The event is known as the Jimmie Guthrie Memorial Run and is not a race, but a motorcycle meeting with a shared ride. Participation is open to everyone. Even if this commemorative trip does not take place at Guthrie's Memorial, many two-wheelers come to this place, not least because of the mentions in many (motorcycle) travel guides.