The only certainty about the Isle of Man TT Races is their enduring unpredictability, and 2008 will be remembered as a year when ‘Lady Luck’ played a decisive role. Following an impressive sophomore campaign at the TT, Australian ace Cameron Donald fulfilled his early promise by securing victory in the Superbike TT – aided in part by the misfortunes that struck both John McGuinness and Guy Martin. Donald doubled his tally with a triumph in the Superstock TT, but his own good fortune would desert him during Friday’s Senior TT, when an oil leak dashed his hopes of a memorable hat-trick.

Up until that point, Donald had been locked in a titanic three-way battle with McGuinness and teammate Bruce Anstey, the latter ultimately falling victim to mechanical woes. This time, it was McGuinness who capitalised on his rivals' misfortunes to add another Senior win to his résumé – and he wasn’t the only beneficiary. Earlier in the week, Steve Plater was awarded his maiden TT victory after Bruce Anstey, who had crossed the line first in the Supersport race, was sensationally disqualified following post-race inspection.

Only Nick Crowe, in the Sidecar class, managed to enjoy a trouble-free TT, securing an impressive double victory.