An online petition expressing concern about proposed changes to the Manx Grand Prix topped 1,000 signatures in less than 24 hours after it appeared.

Race organisers the Manx Motor Cycle Club are also holding a meeting tonight (Tuesday).

The petition, started by former travelling marshal John McBride, chairman of the Manx Grand Prix Riders’ Association, asks the government to reconsider its proposals for revamping the event.

The government plans, released last week, are for a 10-day event with the race programme for the modern bikes slashed in half.

More emphasis is to be put on the classic bikes. Just two modern classes would remain for 600-fours and 650 twins. The proposal would see the senior and newcomers’ races axed and grids for all races limited to 50.

Last week, chief executive of the Department of Economic Development Colin Kniveton said that implementing the proposals would give the island a chance to increase the number of visitors and commercial income.

Economic Development Minister John Shimmin said: ‘We have a responsibility to maximise returns from the significant investment required to run events of this nature.’

In response, Mr McBride told the Examiner: ‘The reality is the TT has been in decline for some time whereas visitor numbers for the MGP are on the increase – 10 per cent year on year.’

Mr McBride added: ‘Broadly I agree with making some changes.’ But he added he thought the proposals were flawed. ‘I don’t have an issue with classics being the main part of the event. The average supporter is broadly in favour of change. It’s just the changes that are being proposed are too radical and untested.’

He questioned some of the figures produced by the government.

Last night, the Department of Economic Development responded. It said a Treasury survey into the MGP in 2009 estimated 8,915 visitors attended. The 2010 TT races attracted 30,787.

It said the Steam Packet confirmed that it carried 10,886 motorcycles to the island for the TT festival in 2011, the highest figure since 2002, apart from the centenary year in 2007.

The 2011 MGP attracted 2,641 motorcycles, up 1.2 per cent from 2009.

As no detailed survey for the MGP was undertaken in 2011, the figures used to provide estimates of income were based upon overall increases in sea and air traffic that were recorded during the relevant period. These were used to calculate the figure of £5,992,077 of visitor spend for the MGP.

The department said that visitor spend should not be confused with income to government. Actual income to government arising from visitor spend was estimated to be £750,000.

If the TT was not to take place, it is estimated that £600,000 of additional expenditure would have to be borne by the racing element of the MGP.

Due to this allocation of expenditure, the TT appears significantly more costly than the MGP.

In 2011 the TT races generated a total commercial gross income from sponsorship, licensing, television, ticket sales and hospitality of £1,280,417 with £1,484,500 projected for 2012.

The MGP generated a gross income of £52,069 in 2011 with a projected £57,050 for 2012.

Mr Kniveton said: ‘It is clear when comparing the return on investment from the TT races and Manx Grand Prix festival that the MGP currently doesn’t deliver the required level of visitor numbers, media profile or commercial revenue.

‘We hope to be able to work with the Manx Motor Cycle Club to create an event that meets these objectives and delivers the return on the investment necessary to stage the event.

‘Given the responses received, there is every reason to believe that by responding positively to the market research undertaken, income can be generated from this event that will initially balance the books and then go on to make a positive contribution to the challenges now facing the economy.’

Manx Motor Cycle Club treasurer and director Ned Bowers said the matter would be discussed at Tuesday’s meeting. He said the club wanted to present its own proposals for the event, which had been ignored by the DED, and also find out people’s views.

Under the MMCC’s proposals the event would st ill be shorter. Practices would take place nightly from Friday to Thursday and off-road events could take place on the first weekend.

The existing races would be preserved – both classics and modern – running over three days, Friday, Saturday and Monday with the Festival of Jurby taking place on Sunday. Tuesday would be an ‘over-run’ day in the event of bad weather.

Douglas North MHK John Houghton is to raise the matter in Tynwald on Tuesday.

He said: ‘The sheer spirit of the MGP could be lost.’

The petition is at www.change.org/petitions/Isle-of-Man-government

The meeting is at the Mount Murray Hotel, Santon, starting at 7.30pm.

It is open to members, friends and supporters of the club.



By John Turner

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