IOM TT 2018: Martin Jessop talks LS2 lids and the Lightweight TT

Martin Jessop is a man on a mission. The 33-year old from Yeovil has been racing on track since 1999, but more recently he’s been making a name for himself on the roads circuit. And this week his sights are set on the top step of the podium at the Isle of Man TT… 

Jessop said: “In the TT this year, we want to be looking to win the Lightweight race. I was third in 2016 and second last year, so hopefully there’s a pattern emerging. In the big bikes I’m now in the 130mph club [that’s average speed over the 37.73 mile course] but I’m only doing it on the final lap and need to be doing it from the first!”

Helmet choice is particularity important for road racing, where riders can be covering huge distances in conditions that can vary wildly. Jessop switched to an LS2 lid a couple of years ago – selecting its full-carbon Arrow C Evo.

Talking about the lid, Jessop said: “The vision you get is unbelievable. In my previous helmet it was like looking through a letterbox. Now I can see as far as my eyes look up – all I can see is the track – which is awesome at the TT, especially when you get the strobe effect as you go through the trees. And if you’re in an accident and the medics or marshals need to get the helmet off you, they just pull these two pads, which stay on my head, so the helmet slides off”.

Best part of the TT Mountain Course? “First seven miles through Greeba, fast and undulating”

Favourite circuit? “Thruxton, no poxy chicanes”

Circuit on your bucket list? “Nurburgring – I thrashed a rental car round there but would love to race a bike on the track.”

For more information on Martin Jessop’s Arrow C Evo helmet, visit www.ls2helmets.com