To assist with the inevitable "my TT numbers are rubbish and these people don't know what they are doing" debate which appears on social media about this time each year, I think it is a good idea to share some of the information given to the TT Competitors earlier today on this subject.

It's based on some logic and not just plucked out of the fresh air. And remember folks... outside of the top 20 (10 in Sidecars) you qualify for your starting spot during practice anyway.

This is what all the TT Teams and Competitors have been sent, which I am sure is of interest to some of the fans as well. It's a fabulous entry for this years event and something to be quite excited about!

Dear Teams and Competitors

The entry period for the 2015 Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy came to a close last Friday and today the Race Management Team met to consider the entries received.

Continuing the trend from recent years, this year’s entry is very strong in terms of both quantity and quality, with the Superbike, Superstock, Supersport and Senior classes in particular being significantly oversubscribed. It was also very pleasing to see such a large sidecar entry, the largest in 8 years.

If you are receiving this e-mail it means you have an accepted entry for at least one TT Race in 2015 and your riding number(s) has/have been allocated. To obtain your riding number(s) please access your account on the TT Entry System where they have been assigned to your entries in each individual class.

The entries and the allocation of riding numbers is based upon data compiled from each riders fastest lap speed, per class, set in racing conditions, in either of the past two years. Where a rider has entered a class for the first time or the first time in more than two years, an estimated speed has been allocated using data from other previous performances.

A number of important changes to the regulations were also agreed during this morning’s Race Management Meeting which impact upon you all. They are as follows:

1. The maximum number of starters for the Superbike, Superstock and Senior TT will be 72.
2. The maximum number of starters for all other classes will be 78.
3. The qualification criteria for all classes will change from 115% of the third fastest qualifier to 112%.

An updated version of the regulations will be sent to you in the near future showing these amendments.

In the Superbike, Superstock, Supersport and Senior classes, significantly more entries than are allowed to start the races, have been accepted for qualifying. The fastest qualifiers (72 or 78 as above) in each class will start the races which may mean that a rider will meet the qualification standards but not get to race.

Newcomers with an accepted entry are guaranteed a race start provided they meet the qualification criteria in each class.

I trust the above is clear. However if you require any further information, please contact Sophie Lowney or Bruce Baker at Sophie.lowney@gov.im and bruce.baker@gov.im respectively who will be happy to assist you.

Best wishes

Paul Phillips