One problem with Road Racing is that at the TT or the MGP they do not charge to get in and TV does not cover it. From the start there is little income available for redistribution to organisers and for prize money. I cannot speak for the Irish races.
It seems to me that, it is like Madonna, the more exposure - the more popular you become.
If we could only get an IMAX film on the TT or convince a TV company to do a massive coverage one year then it may take off.
You all know what it is like, once you have been to one event, you are hooked for life.
How many people would know about Valentino if the Moto GP were not on TV?