Improving communication has been one of the key themes since Gary Thompson took over last year as clerk of the course for the TT races.

An avid fan of the bike racing, he has competed in grass track racing and did the odd trial but most of his energy is now taken up as general secretary of the ACU, TT clerk of the course and he’s also course clerk for the club meetings at Darley Moor circuit near Ashbourne in Derbyshire.

‘It’s a nice contrast with the glitz of the TT. In fact I’m there just after the TT so I’ve got the two ends of the spectrum really,’ he said.

Though he visited the TT whenever work commitments allowed, as a soldier who served in the Falklands, Bosnia and the Gulf, this was not on a yearly basis.

‘I don’t worry about my responsibilities at the TT,’ he said.

‘But I am anxious for it to go well and be a good event. And I’m hugely looking forward to it. It’s really exciting and I can’t wait. I’m counting the days.’


The island’s notoriously unpredictable weather has meant in previous years racers, officials, marshals and the public have sometimes been left in limbo awaiting a decision on road closures. Because of this, he is anxious to improve communication and retain good will.

‘If there are delays the policy is to keep the roads open as long as possible to minimise disruption to the public and minimise the amount of hanging around for everyone. I want to keep that going and make use of all the social media like Facebook and Twitter as well as traditional media to make sure the message gets out.’

He understands the importance of good will from the many volunteers behind the event. To that end he marshalled during the Manx Grand Prix last year and for the TT has set up a forum to hear the views of deputy sector marshals.

He also commends the role of the DED in promoting the event: ‘It’s commercialised and more professional now. There are star names being attracted. I can only see it getting stronger,’ he said.

‘Television has given the event a big lift. And after all it is the oldest and most famous road race event in the world.’




John Turner
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