Following a week of practice and qualifying, the race programme will get underway with the Bennetts 500cc Classic TT Race on Saturday 23rd August. The second and final day of racing takes place on Bank Holiday Monday 25th August with the Okells 350cc Classic TT Race being followed by the combined Motorsport Merchandise Formula 1 and Formula 2 Classic TT Races.

The Classic TT Races form part of a four day festival of motorcycle nostalgia from the 22nd to 25th August which also includes a Paddock Carnival, classic racing machinery displays, photographic exhibitions, the Festival of Jurby and a whole host of social events. The Classic TT is one of the events which make up the Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling between August 16 and August 31.

The festival also includes the Manx Grand Prix, Manx 2-Day Trial, Manx Classic Trial and the VMCC rally.

Following the success of the inaugural Classic TT, the Department has reviewed all aspects of the event and carried out consultation with teams, competitors, commercial partners and race fans with a view to refining and building upon the 2013 activity.

This review has led to a number of racing specific changes for 2014 including the withdrawal of the 250cc and Formula Classic TT Races.

Whilst machines from these races will still be allowed to compete (in the 350cc and Formula 1 Classic TT Races respectively) the limited numbers of entries and finishers in 2013 has led to the decision to remove them from the programme.

A number of new awards have been added for 2014 to recognise the achievements of different specifications of machinery in the races.

These awards will be presented in a tribute to some of the greatest names in TT history, and will feature these legendary riders helmet iconography in the trophy design.

The competitor sub class categories have also been redefined for 2014. The ‘GP Rider’ and ‘Privateer Rider’ competitor sub classes were introduced to ensure competitors of all abilities and experience could compete in the Classic TT Races in an environment that promotes equality and sportsmanship. The sub classes were used to determine the awarding of trophies, replicas and qualification times.

Changes for 2014 will see the qualification for the ‘GP Rider’ sub class be defined as follows:

Work is ongoing in co-operation with the Classic TT Race Organisers, the Manx Motor Cycle Club, to identify improvements to practice and qualification track time allocation as well as logistical issues relating to technical inspections and the Parc Ferme ahead of next year’s event.

The technical regulations for the Classic TT Races are also currently under review, and whilst some minor amendments are likely to be made, there are currently no plans to make any significant alterations to the key technical specifications.

The full regulations for the Classic TT will be released along with those for the Manx Grand Prix Races in early 2014.