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Revised Manx GP Festival plans announced

The move is being considered due to the current difficult economic climate, as the event is running with a £369,000 a year loss.

After a four-month consultation that included focus groups and online surveys, the plans, that also include a potential name change, would see the revised, renamed event run from August 17-26 next year, ending on the August Bank Holiday weekend. The event would continue to focus on competitive racing around the world famous TT Mountain Course, including three classic races and a further two races for modern machinery.

The 2013 event would also see a return for the Clubman’s TT titles, which would be applied to two races for amateur riders on modern machinery. Designed as a more focused feeding ground for the current TT, the Clubman’s TT classes would incorporate a rider development structure with the opportunity for riders to receive sponsor funded TT scholarships and guaranteed entry into the TT.

The racing programme would be supported by a festival of motorsport nostalgia, including parade laps featuring legendary riders and machines from TT history, off-road events including the Manx Classic Weekend Trial and exhibitions of exotic motorcycles and memorabilia. The event would also include the Isle of Man Vintage Motor Cycle Club activities including the popular Festival of Jurby event that attracted over 15,000 visitors last year.