PeterCourtney Wrote:I loved the races, and although never threatening the category of 'great' did my utmost in different conditions to rise to the challenge the course presented, but I had the opportunity each year as someone else said so well to "tune myself in" to road racing from short circuits, doing as many laps as I could in the dawn, afternoon and evening practice sessions. If the Island will not tolerate the essential disturbance to its routine, then it is forcing inexperienced riders trying to race way beyond their limits. I don't think there was a single year when I did less than 12 laps, and often did 20, spread across the different classes, and this after 2 MGPs to start the learning process.

Actually this is one of my favourite soapbox items as well, though strictly speaking maybe less relevant to the events under discussion. When I started racing on the IoM you had both a morning and evening practice session, plus an extra long one on Thursday afternoon. Now you just get the 6 brief evening sessions, usually less than that in fact if they mysteriously find oil or stray cows on the course, or if there is a wisp of mist over the mountain, a sprinkling of rain in Ramsey, etc. The effect is to put A LOT of extra pressure on qualifying and A LOT of bikes out on track together. I know from bitter experience that you need (especially if out with more than one bike) to get your fast laps in more or less straight away since any cancellations or mechanical problems mean you may struggle at the end of the week otherwise, and an appeal will only work if you've proved you still have the speed.

Additionally, this has reduced the amount of practice available to Newcomers, and believe me no amount of driving round on open roads can provide the feel of the course at full chat. I'm not saying this may have been a factor in any particular crashes, and I appreciate the inconvenience it causes to residents, but given the emphasis we have had on safety and reducing acidents and fatalities it amazes me that progress in this area has gone in exactly the WRONG way.