This year, following the successful recruitment policy and the growing interest in the Manx Grand Prix, we have attracted 50 newcomers to compete in this years races.

While this is good news for the event and the Island it will necessitate additional practice time to ensure that they gain sufficient experience of the Mountain Course. ACU regulations require that newcomers’ first experience of closed road conditions must be a speed controlled siting lap under the guidance of travelling marshals and ex-riders. In order to accommodate the large number of competitors who will be required to undertake the speed controlled lap, an additional hour to the practice schedule is needed for the first practice session only on Saturday 21 August, ie the TT Course would close at 1700hrs instead of 1800hrs as on the other practice sessions.

We believe that it would be preferential for all parties and residents if this additional hour was not during the working week to avoid disruption, particularly in Douglas. Further more, due to the deteriorating light conditions at this time of year we cannot extend the practice sessions after 8.00 pm.

We are therefore engaging in a consultation process with any party that we believe might be affected by this additional hour in order to gain feedback , ie Government Departments and their members, the Emergency services, the Chambers of Commerce & Trade, Sporting Bodies and local authorities. The general public will be informed through the media (websites, newspaper and radio interviews) and 'mail shots' to the residents living on the TT Course. We hope that you appreciate the requirement and are able to support us in our request.

We would be grateful if you would let us have your comments by Friday 6 August and if you have any concerns or would like to discuss any aspect of the above please contact the Manx Motor Cycle Club office by email (click here) or telephone (01624) 644649.

Yours sincerely

Phil Taubman
MGP Clerk of the Course