After a short hiatus, the TT roared back into action in 2002. While Joey's absence was deeply felt, David Jefferies emerged as the new star of the event, securing an impressive third consecutive hat-trick of victories in what would prove to be the beginning of a golden era for his team, TAS Suzuki. Teammate Ian Lougher also tasted success, while Jim Moodie claimed his eighth victory with a dominant performance in the Junior 600.

In a moment of local pride, Manxman Richard 'Milky' Quayle triumphed in the Lightweight 400, marking the first victory by a Manx rider in the solo classes since 1967, a milestone that remains unbroken to this day. Over on three-wheels, Molyneux and Fisher continued their remarkable ten-year-old rivalry, with the Cumbrian twice emerging victorious to deny further local success.