The Department of Economic Development has begun working with local organisations to develop an integrated Manx Grand Prix Festival.. The move follows an agreement made in May between the Department and the Manx Motor Cycle Club for the Department to take responsibility for the infrastructure, promotional and commercial aspects of the Manx Grand Prix Festival and Races.

The programme includes a comprehensive review of the events and activities available for visitors and local residents as well as a complete overhaul of the commercial and promotional programme. The Official Festival programme will include all of the Manx Grand Prix qualifying and races as well as the Manx Two Day Trial, Classic Two Day Trial, Ramsey Sprint and Vintage Motor Cycle Club activity.

Improvements have already begun at the TT Grandstand and Paddock and will be further progressed by the 2010 Manx Grand Prix improving the experience for both visitors and competitors.

The paddock will be developed to include more traders and caterers. The paddock will feature a marquee displaying the world’s leading collection of Suzuki race bikes of the 1970’s and 1980’s courtesy of collector Steve Wheatman. Classic race bikes featuring in the MGP Classic and Post Classic races will also be displayed prominently throughout the fortnight.

The Getty Collection – “100 years on the Roads” – a collection of stunning photography of racing on the Mountain Course that was shown in London in 2008 will be displayed in the purpose built Grandstand Retail Units throughout the festival.

The Grandstand seating will be free of charge during both practice and race week in a move designed to encourage visitors and build a larger spectator audience for the event.

The competitors paddock will benefit from a redesigned layout, site management and security by G4S Isle of Man as well as infrastructure improvements including new roads, power supplies and maintenance to the existing toilet and shower block plus the instillation of two new temporary toilet blocks.

Other developments include the extension of Regency Travel’s remit as the Official Travel and Ticketing partner of the TT to include the Manx Grand Prix Festival.

The popular Suzuki 50thanniversary exhibition will also remain open throughout the festival fortnight at the Manx Museum.

The Department of Economic Development will use their tourism brand – visitisleofman.com – as principle sponsor of the event to showcase the opportunity to leading Isle of Man and non Isle of Man based companies with a view to generating independent commercial revenue for the event by 2011. A new Manx Grand Prix Festival dedicated festival website is also planned for this year’s races which will include live on-line timing for all MGP Races.

A prominent visit from TT history maker Ian Hutchinson is also planned. Hutchy made his Mountain Course debut at the 2003 Manx Grand Prix and he will return seven years on to take part in a celebratory parade lap prior to the Senior Manx Grand Prix. Ian will also be available to meet fans and sign memorabilia during the day and his five TT winning trophies will also be on display.

Geoff Corkish, MBE, MHK, the political member for Isle of Man Tourism, commented:

“We are looking to build a stronger, integrated identity for the Manx Grand Prix Festival to maximise the economic and reputational benefits derived from the event.”

He continued:

“The research that we carried out last year showed that the event has great resonance with fans and we are keen to create a greater experience for visitors and residents as well as generating revenue that can offset the cost of running the event.”