Thought that as a former MGP Classic competitor during the period 1989 to 2008 I might as well add my tuppeny worth. For myself the thrill of competing on the TT course was sufficient reward for riding at the Manx. I was never in any danger of winning a replica nor would I ever have expected to be in with a shout of winning one, so all the talk of Patons and MV's etc did not and would not affect my decision. What sealed the deal for me was the TT course mountain licence, I just could not and am still unable to afford to compete in another 5 or 6 events as well as the Manx, If you add it up the extra costs involved with the licence requirements mean extra expenditure in excess of £1500, an amount I can ill afford as being totally reliant on my own earnings. My dream as a slightly younger man than I am now, was to compete on the TT course, and I'll never forget the feeling of the first time I set off down Bray Hill with the roads closed, nor will I forget the countless friends I have made during the course of my career.
I was surprised not to be contacted by the club as they most certainly have my contact details, but perhaps they know that the one thing they are unable to change is the course licence requirements.
Anyway, best of luck to everybody competing or intending to compete at the 2011 event.

Mark Gant