Paul Phillips Wrote:Reading through some of these postings, I am guessing that some of you aren't really sure as to what the format of the TT is at present.

Morning Practices ended around the same time as the smaller classes were withdrawn from the TT. Whilst I have been blamed for the demise of both, I can confirm I had nothing to do with the TT other than being a supporter at the time, but then I sometimes seem to get the blame for everything!

At the TT right now, riders are enjoying a lot of practice time. Several solo riders managed over 25 laps practice ahead of the first race in 2007, split between a maximum of three machines. So there is perhaps as much practice time per machine as there has ever been, despite the demise of the morning practices, which is the point Colin was trying to make I think.

The MGP situation is different and given the differing classes, there is a lot less practice than there was once per machine available, and also in comparison to the TT. I don't know what the answer to that problem is right now, but I should also point out, that it isn't one for me to try and work out either.

As for the debate regarding newcomers coming straight to the TT, it is easy to say all newcomers should go to the MGP first, but if a rider enters the TT, has a good CV which may include pure road race experience and has a decent team and infrastructure behind him, there should be room in the TT for him or her.

At TT 2007, six of the newcomers taking part lapped at over 120mph by the end of the fortnight. Two of them lapped at over 124mph. Three lapped at over 121mph in the 600cc class, one of which is the fifth fastest rider on a Supersport machine EVER around the Mountain Circuit.

Safety has been used in the argument so far, but can you tell me it would have been safe to have these riders out in the MGP, where they would have to have practiced at the beginning of the week with T20 Suzuki's and the like lapping at 80mph? Steve Plater in 07 and Guy Martin in 04 both lapped at over 110mph in their first ever practice sessions on the Mountain Course.

In recent years riders with debatable racing CV's and zero road race experience were encouraged to come to the TT en mass. They were rarely able to perform at a level acceptable for the TT. That is no longer the case. Any newcomer having his or her entry accepted into the TT, will have to have been riding regularly at a relatively high level, will have to commit to significant pre-event preparation in conjunction with the TT Rider Liaison Team and have a solid team around him or her.

Paul

Thanks for your constructive reply Paul - as you no doubt surmised my personal involvement has been with the MGP where as you say the lack of practice is a serious issue, especially where safety is concerned. If you feel that issue has been addressed at the TT perhaps the MGP organisers should be adopting the same system. You say it isn't your rresponsibility to sort it out. OK then, whose is it? This inquest seems to be littered with people saying "but it wasn't my responsibility" and my view of the organisers right to the top seems to be one of inadequate allocation of responsibility and monitoring of performance.

My suggestion about making the MGP a possible qualifying event for the TT does have issues, you are right in that too. However I don't think your point about the practice speeds of some of the 'newcomer' top riders stands, as they wouildn't be out with T20 Suzukis (the classics go out after the modern bikes are being brought back in) and there are plenty of people at the MGP lapping at the speeds you stated. I remain concerned at the fundamental issue of people jumping straight in the deep end, at the TT, with no prior experience racing in the Island. As I said before I have some background in risk assessments, and this one thing jumps out at me. Secondary safety (during/post crash) is one thing the organisers are very good at as a rule, but perhaps more thought should be given to primary safety (preventing the crash).