Manx Grand Prix Visitors Guide : (Updated for 2026)
TBNI.Blog have compiled the most useful and popular posts in relation to the Manx Grand Prix in order to bring you a basic MGP Visitor’s Guide. Hopefully this guide will give you an idea and some knowledge of the course, as well as scheduled race times and other useful information.
History :
The race began in 1923, as a replacement if the TT Races were moved off the Island. Started by the Manx Motorcycle Club, the race was originally named the ‘Amateur TT’ and used the TT Mountain Course over 5 laps. Raced by non professionals, but the term ‘Amateur’ really meant that the rider and stock machine had no manufacture support or reward. The first race had 33 entries each playing an entry fee less then a quarter the price for the TT. The winner of the Seniors Race received a trophy donated by the Mayor of Douglas, Ald. A.B. Crookall, MHK. This trophy is still presented to the winner today. The Motor Cycle Club donated the trophy for the 350cc.
Regulation changes in 1925 allowed any machine type to compete in the races. Donated the same year was the York Trophy awarded for outstanding merit. The Amateur TT was renamed to the Manx Grand Prix in 1930 and from then on it would only take competitors domiciled in the British Isles, which had not taken part in other international races. In 1967, the Manx Grand Prix became a National event, but it would not get a race of its own till 1999.
Manx Grand Prix Course :
The event will be held on the Isle of Man TT Mountain Circuit, which is 60.70km (37.73 miles) in length, on highways, which are closed to the public during practice and race periods. The ACU Course Licence Number is TT001.
Learn more about the TT Mountain Circuit here :
2026 Manx Grand Prix Schedule : (including 2026 Classic TT Schedule)
https://tbni.blog/2025/08/17/2025-manx-grand-prix-schedule/
The CURRENT schedule for the MGP 2026 and 2026 Classic TT is listed as below. This is subject to change as the event progresses, responding to weather delays, cancellations and the use of potential contingency days.
| QUALIFYING WEEK (inc. MGP Racing on 22/08/2026) | |
| Qualifying Sunday 16 August | 12:45 – All Roads close 13:30 – Newcomers speed controlled laps 13:45 – Junior MGP / Sportbike MGP 14:30 – Senior MGP / Supersport MGP 15:15 – Junior MGP / Sportbike MGP 16:05 – Senior MGP / Supersport MGP 18:00 – Roads re-open no later than. |
| Qualifying Monday 17 August | 18:00 – All Roads close 18:30 – Senior MGP / Supersport MGP 19:15 – Junior MGP / Sportbike MGP 19:50 – Classic TT – [1 lap] 21:00 – Roads re-open no later than. |
| Qualifying Tuesday 18 August | 18:00 – All Roads close 18:30 – 19:10 Senior MGP / Supersport MGP 19:15 – Junior MGP / Sportbike MGP 19:50 – Classic TT – [1 lap] 21:00 – Roads re-open no later than. |
| Qualifying Wednesday 19 August | 18:00 – All Roads close 18:30 – Formula One / Junior 600 / Senior MGP / Supersport MGP 19:15 – Lightweight / Ultra Lightweight / Junior MGP / Sportbike MGP 19:50 – Historic Senior / Historic Junior 21:00 – Roads re-open no later than. |
| Qualifying Thursday 20 August | 18:00 – All Roads close 18:30 – Formula One / Junior 600 / Senior MGP / Supersport MGP 19:15 – Lightweight / Ultra Lightweight / Junior MGP / Sportbike MGP 19:50 – Historic Senior / Historic Junior 21:00 – Roads re-open no later than. |
| Qualifying Friday 21 August | 09:30 – All Roads close 10:15 – Historic Senior / Historic Junior 11:45 – Lightweight / Ultra Lightweight / Junior MGP / Sportbike MGP 13:15 – Formula One / Junior 600 / Senior MGP / Supersport MGP 16:30 – Roads re-open no later than. |
| Qualifying & Races Saturday 22 August | 09:30 – All Roads close 10:15 – Sportbike Manx Grand Prix – [3 laps] 12:15 – Lightweight / Ultra Lightweight / Historic Senior / Historic Junior Qualifying 14:15 – Supersport Manx Grand Prix – [4 laps] 16:15 – Formula One / Junior 600 Qualifying 21:00 – Roads re-open no later than. |
| RACE WEEK | |
| Race Day Monday 24 August | 09:30 – All Roads close 10:15 – Junior Manx Grand Prix – [3 laps] 12:45 – Senior Manx Grand Prix – [4 laps] 15:00 – Historic Junior Classic TT – [3 laps] 17:00 – Roads re-open no later than. |
| Race Day Wednesday 26 August | 09:30 – All Roads close 10:15 – Formula One Classic TT – [3 laps] 12:15 – TT Rewind / Classic Sidecar Parade – [1 lap] 13:15 – Lightweight Classic TT & Ultra Lightweight Classic TT – [3 laps] 15:00 – Junior 600 Classic TT – [3 laps] 17:00 – Roads re-open no later than. Then if necessary Roads Closed 18:00pm to 21:00pm |
| Race Day Friday 28 August | 09:30 – All Roads close 10:15 – Historic Senior Classic TT – [3 laps] 13:00 – Senior Classic TT – [4 laps] 15:30 – John McGuinness MBE Parade – [1 lap] 17:00 – Roads re-open no later than. Then if necessary Roads Closed 18:00pm to 21:00pm |
| CONTINGENCY PERIODS | |
| (Schedule to be confirmed on event) | |
| Wednesday 19 August | Afternoon session. Roads close 12:30pm, until no later than 16:30pm. |
| Thursday 20 August | Afternoon session. Roads close 12:30pm, until no later than 16:30pm. |
| Friday 21 August | Evening session. Roads close 6:00pm, until no later than 21:00pm. |
| Sunday 23 August | Roads Close 12:45pm, until no later than 18:00pm. |
| Tuesday 25 August | Roads Close at 09:30am, until no later than 17:00pm and then if necessary 18:00pm to 21:00pm. |
| Thursday 27 August | Roads Close at 09:30am, until no later than 17:00pm and then if necessary 18:00pm to 21:00pm. |
The following image can be saved to your device as an easy reference card for the 2025 Manx Grand Prix Schedule : (right click and ‘save as’ or long press – ‘Save Image’) :
2026 Manx GP Schedule :
Image to follow
Manx Grand Prix Tickets :
The Isle of Man Manx Grand Prix is a free event. Spectators can visit and find any number of superb vantage spots (for free) around the 37.37 miles of the circuit. A number of private seating areas are often offered, from Churches and pubs to front gardens, some are free and some with charge for a seat and use of facilities – often for the occupants chosen charity. Take an enjoyable lap of the circuit and keep your eyes open for the offerings available around the course.
Huge news announced for 2026 – the Grandstand remains FREE!
https://www.iomttraces.com/classic/classic-news/ctt-mgp-free-grandstand-access
ENJOY FREE GRANDSTAND ACCESS AT THIS YEAR’S CLASSIC TT AND MANX GRAND PRIX
Looking for the perfect vantage point? Grandstand access at this year’s Classic TT and Manx Grand Prix is completely free – every day, including all race days.
No tickets. No hassle. Just turn up and take your seat. Available from one hour before road closures, strictly on a first-come, first-served basis.
From the roar of the start line to high-stakes pit stops and the best views of exclusive parade and demonstration laps, you’ll enjoy a front-row seat to all the action. Facilities at the Main Grandstand access included free Wi‑Fi and live race commentary. And with the paddock and fan zone just steps away, you’re perfectly placed to take in the full sights, sounds, and stories of this year’s Classic TT.
Isle of Man Manx Grand Prix Bike / Car Parking :
Given the size of the circuit is it simply impossible to list all available parking spots, however there are a few tips to be aware of.
- Parking is available near to Nobel’s Park (The Grandstand / Paddock area) – just follow the signs. You can leave this area during sessions.
- If you park ‘inside’ circuit it is unlikely that you will be able to leave or move around with the vehicle until roads reopen.
- If you park ‘outside’ the circuit you will be able to move around from point to point by taking routes outside the circuit.
Many of the private grandstands / pubs will offer parking facilities, as above, if access or exiting from these facilities requires using the circuit or crossing it you will be parked there for the duration of the session. Don’t let that put you off though, these settings often offer toilets, food, drink etc and it can lead to a very enjoyable and comfortable day.
Manx Grand Prix Entertainment :
To follow.
Post Qualifying / Race Session Entertainment :
If you are once again looking forward to more evening entertainment, there will be acoustic acts performing each evening, with sets taking place just before evening qualifying and just after day time racing.
Daytime Entertainment :
Spending a day at the races is easy, as there will be a number of food and drink vendors located between the grandstand and the paddock for you to refuel from. Whether visiting all day and wanting breakfast, lunch and dinner, or just popping in for a drink, there is something to satisfy all tastes and desires.
When visiting over lunchtime, you can enjoy an outdoor cinema atmosphere, as there will be a motorbike or racing film showed each day that the entertainment space is open. You can look forward to Closer to the Edge, Tourist Trophy and other favourites.
Entertainment : At A Glance :
- Open Daily from 9am – 9pm
- 11 Food and Drink Vendors
- 9 Daily On-Stage Chat Shows
- 9 Daily Outdoor Film Showings
- 13 Acoustic Acts Playing Across 9 Evenings
- 4 Man of Steel Competitions
2026 Manx Grand Prix Prizes :
https://tbni.blog/2023/08/10/manx-grand-prix-prizes/
- Download the full 2026 Regulations Book Here : https://manxgrandprix.co.uk/assets/files/ctt-2026-supplementary-regulations-260119.pdf
Road Racing Flags and Their Meanings :
https://tbni.blog/2022/05/18/road-racing-flags/
Manx Grand Prix WhatsApp Information Line :
Stay up to date with everything happening at the MGP and Classic TT with the WhatsApp InfoLine. This is absolutely the best way to make sure you have all the latest information at the earliest opportunity. And it is free.
https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029VajCIP70VycEJkGBqX2g
2026 Manx Grand Prix Live Stream :
The Manx Motor Cycle Club is proud to confirm that there will be a live stream of 2026 Manx Grand Prix race days—completely FREE, available on Facebook, YouTube, and our official website: manxgrandprix.co.uk.
Manx Radio 1368 :
Manx Grand Prix Official Sites :
- Manx Grand Prix Official Site
- Manx Grand Prix Official Facebook Feed
- Manx Grand Prix Official Twitter Feed
- Isle of Man Constabulary Roads Policing Unit Official Facebook Feed
- Isle of Man Constabulary Official Twitter Feed
- Manx Radio
