The increasing profile of racing in the Isle of Man meant there was again an international flavour with two visitors coming from Holland and one from France.

The 20-odd visitors spent a full weekend completing familiarisation laps of the course by minibus thanks to a number of experienced volunteers who offered commentary and advice on how to tackle the challenging 37 and three-quarter mile distance.

Visitors also received advice from experienced scrutineers on motorcycle preparation before the event.

In the conference centre at the grandstand, Manx Motor Cycle Club chairman Harvey Garton told them:

‘Your heads will be spinning now after your circuits of the course. We want you to enjoy your time here then come back again next year. the advantage is, this trip gives you the chance to decide whether or not this is for you.’

Yvan Cardona, aged 51 from France hopes to ride a Triumph 675 and enjoyed the visit: ‘Being here is like a dream for me,’ he said.

Friends Dennis Hoffer, 42, and Sjak Van Dijk, 43, came together from Holland and both plan to ride CBR600s. Both have visited the TT in the past and ridden round the course: ‘It’s so long and fast it will be a challenge,’ Sjak said.

The trips are run by the Manx Motor Cycle Club in conjunction with the Hailwood Foundation and thanks were given to all the volunteers who gave up their time to help out.

Some of the 2015 Manx Grand Prix Newcomers pictured at the scrutineering bay
at the Grandstand getting some advice on machine set-up.
Picture: Dave Kneen