Jake de Rosier poses aboard an Indian machine, 1911 TT (Tourist Trophy)
Date(s): 1911
Scope & Content: Jake de Rosier was the first American rider to compete in the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT) races. He was born in Quebec, but moved with his family to the United States aged four.
He set the fastest qualifying speed in the 1911 Senior TT and finished twelfth, only to be disqualified for outside assistance. After leading the first lap, he began losing his tools and spares on the rough course and was forced to borrow a spark plug to complete the race after crashing out. 1911 was first year the new Mountain course was used. Previous TT races had been held on the much shorter St John's course.
De Rosier won almost 900 races in his career but died aged just 33 in 1913, from complications following surgery for an injury sustained in racing.
Language: eng
Item name: photograph
Collection: Photographic Archive
Level: ITEM
ID number: PG/0363/43
Subject tags : #TT&MOTORSPORT