The call has been made by TT Marshals Association chairman Terry Holmes who said they were some 45 short of the 500 marshals they needed for the first practice session on Saturday.

He said: ‘We could always do with more for the Manx. But normally we are a bit closer with numbers at this stage. It’s looking sketchy to say the least for the first practice on Saturday and the early part of next week. Even with the TT we struggle on the first Saturday.’

Mr Holmes blamed the economic climate for the shortage of experienced marshals signing up for the MGP.

He explained: ‘People can’t afford to travel to two events (the TT and the MGP).’

Some 40 per cent of marshals are local – and the call has gone out to experienced marshals resident here to fill the shortfall.

Mr Holmes said there was a mistaken perception that volunteers have to commit themselves to the whole fortnight but this wasn’t the case, and even doing just one session would be a help.

The Steam Packet has announced that the number of motorcycles booked to visit the island for this year’s TT is up 16 per cent.

Practices for the 2012 Manx Grand Prix start on Saturday evening when roads will close at the early time of 5pm (for the Manx) to enable newcomers to properly acquaint themselves with the course prior to mingling in with the rest of the classes.

A speed-controlled lap for newcomers is scheduled to get away at 5.20pm, followed at 5.45 by Senior, Junior and Supertwin machines. All the Classic classes, plus Lightweight and Newcomers will then form up the grid for the final part of the elongated session at 7pm.

All classes will be untimed for this practice only.

The practice format for next week will then follow a slightly different format, with roads closing each evening at 6pm with the intention that bikes will be on the course from 6.20 until no later than 9pm.

• Anyone interested in marshalling can get in touch with the TTMA on 618191, or visit the website at www.iomttma.com/.



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