A dark shadow fell over the 2003 TT as news broke of the tragic death of its biggest star, David Jefferies, during practice. Honouring the wishes of the Jefferies family, TAS Suzuki chose to continue competing at that year’s event with their number two rider, Adrian Archibald. 'Archie,' who had arrived on the island in exceptional form, duly claimed victory in the opening Formula 1 race, dedicating his maiden TT win to his fallen teammate.

Just six days later – running with a number plate bearing a zero, a poignant tribute to the number one so often associated with DJ – the quietly spoken Ulsterman secured triumph in the Senior race, firmly establishing himself as one of the sport’s brightest talents. However, it would be second-place finisher John McGuinness – not Archibald – who would ultimately rise as the true successor to his friend, David Jefferies.