A petition calling on people to oppose plans to launch a TT World Series has been shelved after it failed to attract supporters.

The online petition, which had publicity in Bikesport News after it was launched in April, aimed to collect 1,000 signatures but closed after just 194 people had signed up in just over a month.

The petition called on the government to cancel any plans for the TT World Series, run by an external promoter, on the grounds that it would ‘irreparably damage it’.

The document went on to say:

‘Under the current system where the Manx government runs the TT there is some accountability to the taxpayer and by extension the racegoer. 

‘If a private promoter were to take over, this would be lost as they may only be interested in keeping their shareholders happy, rather than the public on whom the event depends. Increased costs, eg. forced seating that attendees will have to pay for, overly expensive food and drink, pay-per-view, etc, are likely to result.’

It said such ventures have a history of failure, citing a series called King of the Roads, in 1989, of which the TT formed one round, which failed after just a season despite interest from other countries wanting to host rounds.

Moreover, costs could be prohibitive to many riders and teams and privateers could be squeezed out, the petitioners said. Concerns were also expressed about the unique appeal of the Isle of Man TT being lost and a possible fall in visitor numbers if people opt to visit another TT round closer to home instead.

However, a new post on the petition now reads:

‘Due to the stop-start progress of this petition and the disappointingly small number of signatures received, it is with sadness that I’ve decided to close it down. It will not be sent to Tynwald and will be deleted from this site. Thank you to everyone who took the time to read, sign and share it.’

A government spokesman dismissed the petition.

A spokesman said:

‘The Department of Economic Development has a responsibility to the Isle of Man public to ensure that the event operates to the best practices which includes researching all options to reduce operating costs, maximise commercial revenue and grow the worldwide audience. The department is currently reviewing external promoters who could be best placed to deliver this subject to Tynwald approval. No decisions will be taken without comeprehensive due diligence and analysis to identify the best long term solution for the event.’

In January the Isle of Man Examiner reported proposals for a TT World Series comprising some test events in 2017, then six rounds in 2018 culminating in the TT proper in the Isle of Man in June. The proposal from the DED came after a similar proposal in 2011 and following a near £200,000 investment in research to assess the plan’s viability. Tynwald approval for the scheme is to be sought this autumn.