The World's Deadliest Race

May 29, 2003. Every year, a little island off the English coast is home to the world’s most dangerous race: the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy. Motorcyclists zip through the course going more than 200 miles per hour, navigating hairpin turns — all on public roads.

Today, one of the greatest racers in Isle of Man TT history passes away, when nine-time champion David Jefferies becomes the event’s 206th casualty. How does the TT become such a deadly competition? And how can a race be held every year where it’s almost expected that someone will die?

Special thanks to our guests: Neil Collier, filmmaker of a short series about the Isle of Man for the New York Times; Mat Oxley, a journalist, author, and Isle of Man TT winner; and Paul Phillips, head of motorsport for the Isle of Man government's Department for Enterprise, which delivers the Isle of Man TT race.

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