The Manx Motor Cycle Club would like to thank all those who helped make the 2011 Manx Grand Prix a successful event, including marshals, officials, government departments, and most importantly, the riders who gave us some thrilling racing.
The final days racing saw one of the closest finishes ever with Junior Manx Grand Prix winner, Andrew Brady, winning the Senior Manx Grand Prix race by a mere 3 seconds from Grant Wagstaff.
The revised Super Twin / Lightweight race also proved to be a success with a full grid and close racing. The MMCC recognises the commitment of riders, who despite the difficult economic conditions, make the Manx Grand Prix the focal point of their racing season.
The Newcomers race received 55 entries, the largest for many years, with a further 5 newcomers entering the Classic races and the MMCC would like to extend their thanks to the Mike Hailwood Foundation who were instrumental in bringing many of these riders to the island over the winter months. It is expected that many will now become annual visitors to the island, adding lasting strength and quality of those competing on the Mountain Course.
Entries for the Classic Races showed only marginal increases over recent years and the MMCC remains committed to promoting these races as part of the 2012 programme. Reassuringly for our Classic competitors, the revised criteria for awarding replicas resulted in a marked increase in the number awarded for 2011. Whilst the MMCC welcomes and acknowledges the significant contribution of the Classic and Post Classic races to the event, the Senior, Junior, Lightweight and Super Twins will remain at it’s heart.
Promotion of the Manx Grand Prix Festival by the Department of Economic Development has seen an increase in visitor numbers in 2011.
Chief Executive of the Department, Colin Kniveton, has written to the President of the MMCC, Barry Skillicorn, this week informing him that visitor numbers for the Manx Grand Prix 2011 are up 10% on last year.
The intention of the MMCC is to build on this success of this year’s event with a similar race programme for 2012.
Thank you all.
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