Race of Titans | TT racer launches book on 1992 TT clash between Carl Fogarty and Steve Hislop

Pikes Peak International Hillclimb lap record holder and Isle of Man TT racer, Rennie Scaysbrook, has written a 62-page hardcover book, filled with over 100 illustrations to recount the story of the incredible battle between Steve Hislop and Carl Fogarty at the 1992 Isle of Man TT. 

Scaysbrook is no stranger to authorship, having written his first book, The Big Book of Motorbikes, in 2021. Nor is he unfamiliar with the Isle of Man, making his debut at the Tourist Trophy in 2022, following in his father – Jim Scaysbrook’s footsteps, who tackled the mountain in 1978, 1980 and 1984. 

Following Rennie’s 116mph Supersport outing in 2022, the Aussie racer went on to compete again in 2023, racing aboard a BMW S1000RR on which he achieved 31^st position in the Superstock race. 

Race of Titans delves into the immense duel between the two motorcycling greats at the ‘92 Senior race, a tale steeped in legend and remaining today among the most iconic moments in Manx racing history.  

Carl Fogarty had vowed never to compete on the island again, but financial needs to fund his own privateer World Superbike efforts compelled a signing with Yamaha for one last go.  

Following a breakdown in relations with Yamaha, Steve ‘The Flying Haggis’ Hislop was without a ride until Norton stepped in at the last minute to sign the Scotsman. The likelihood of the team making the start, let alone surviving the rigorous course with their flighty 588cc racer seemed slim at best. 

After a frantic fundraising effort, including £10,000 from the Isle of Man tourist board, it was deemed the team could compete. Battling against overheating issues throughout the week, the Norton team binned the front mudguard, among other rudimentary changes to provide precious cooling airflow for their highly strung rotary ‘White Charger.’   

The race was intense from the get-go, with the two Brits battling back and forth, but by lap four, ‘Hizzy’ had pulled out a 7.4 second lead. After a blundered pitstop however, this was quickly eroded down to just one second.  

Fogarty capitalised on the mistake and on the final lap, he shocked onlookers by smashing Hislop’s previous lap record by three seconds, despite his over-stressed Yamaha OW01 leaking fluids and blowing from the exhaust.  

After almost two hours and 228 miles of white-knuckle racing, Hislop crossed the finish line on Glencrutchery Road. When the clock stopped, he had beaten his adversary by a mere 4.4 seconds, bagging him the first Senior TT victory aboard a British bike since Mike Hailwood in 1961. 

The book is available to purchase now for £20. Visit raceofthetitans.com to get yours now.