Thanks to the marvels of modern technology and internet communications, mcnews.com.au is going to attempt to bring you live 2000 Isle Of Man TT coverage throughout TT fortnight.

Well, not exactly live, but pretty darn close to live, that’s for sure !

From Saturday 27th May 2000, our TT coverage begins with the first practice report, while we’re aiming to bring lap by lap coverage of the opening event - the TT Formula 1 - on June 3rd.

So be sure to bookmark mcnews.com.au.

Entries for the 2000 TT have been so high that organisers were faced with the daunting task of deciding who to accept and who to reject.

Entries have been received from European countries such as France, Germany, Austria and Portugal, while two Argentinians want a go as well as a batch of New Zealanders.

Only one Aussie has been spied in the entry list thus far - Adam Donovan who will ride an RSV 1000 Mille Aprillia.  (Go here for more info' on Donovan)

Of course, the races will be dominated by that elite group of Irish and English ‘Pure’ road racing specialists.

Undoubtedly, Michael Rutter on the V & M R1 Yamaha would have to start as THE favourite for the F1 and Senior events, following his recent treble at the NW 200 in Ulster.

The annual NW 200 is regarded as the annual preparation meeting for the TT, with performances at the blindingly fast Northern Ireland roads circuit used as a form guide for the Isle Of Man - even if most riders agree that both circuits require a different approach and attitude.

Rutter certainly seems to be following in the footsteps of his father Tony, who was a legend on the Irish pure road racing scene in the 70s and early 80s.

It seems somehow ironic, that Michael’s performances in the British Superbike Championship and even World GP Championship in ‘99 were nothing short of lack lustre - yet he adapts to real road racing like a fish to water.

Rutter was the star of the NW 200 in ‘97 and ‘98 and led the ‘98 Senior TT convincingly before a flat tyre destroyed his chances of glory.

Mind you, Rutter’s V & M team mate, David Jeffries - himself a treble NW 200 winner and a treble winner at last year’s IOM TT, will be out to prove a point around the famous Manx circuit.

Jeffries certainly won’t be content to finsih second behind Rutter this time.  But what about the greatest TT rider of all time, 48-year old Joey Dunlop ?

Dunlop struggled with tyre problems at the NW 200, but it has now been announced that Joey will be given a full factory HRC VTR superbike engine for this year’s Isle of Man TT races.

Now rumoured to be seriously considering retirement, Dunlop will certainly want to add to his present tally of 23 IOM TT Wins.

Dunlop, Rutter and Jeffries are undoubtedly leading contenders for the 600cc Supersport based Junior TT, but the danger man here is likely to be Honda mounted Jim Moodie.

John McGuiness, Honda's 250cc GP expert, would be our tip for the 250cc GP lightweight TT, following his win in the class at last year’s TT and his 250cc GP win at the 2000 NW 200.  Still, Ian LOUGHER (Honda) , Callum Ramsay (Yamaha) and Alan Patterson (Yamaha) should keep the pressure well and truly applied.

And for the ultra-lightweight TT, don’t ever discount either of the Honda mounted Dunlop brothers, Joey or Robert, although Ian Lougher (Honda) would have to start favourite.

Stay tuned for more ..............