Ian Bainbridge : Statement Issued from the Manx Grand Prix – 23/08/2023
Rest in Peace Ian Bainbridge
The Manx Grand Prix Races is deeply saddened by the passing of Ian Bainbridge, who lost his life in an accident in Tuesday evening’s qualifying session.
We would like to extend our profound sympathies to Ian’s wife, his two daughters, his loved ones, and friends.
Ian had competed regularly at the Manx Grand Prix since 2005, missing only two events since his debut. A stalwart of the classic racing scene, he had raced his Manx Norton around the UK, the Pre TT Classic at the Southern 100, and the Bob McIntyre Memorial Races at East Fortune over many years.
He was also a keen supporter of grass roots racing, helping new racers attain their licence as an active member of the North East Motorcycle Racing Club.
A racer of over 30 years who was supported by a close network of family and friends, Ian will be sorely missed.
Gary Vines : Statement Issued from the Manx Grand Prix – 21/08/2023
Rest in Peace Gary Vines.
It is with a heavy heart that the Manx Grand Prix can confirm the loss of Gary Vines, who succumbed to injuries sustained in an accident in the first qualifying session of the 2023 event.
Everyone involved in the organisation of the Manx Grand Prix would like to express their deepest sympathies to Gary’s family, his partner, his loved ones, and friends.
Gary had competed at the Manx Grand Prix since 2015 as well as the TT Races since 2022. He was a specialist on two-stroke 250cc machinery, making his debut in the 2015 Newcomers B Race on his own, immaculately prepared Yamaha TZ250. Against a field of Supertwin bikes, he took a commanding and popular victory.
Gary stood on the podium again in the 2018 Lightweight MGP, and earned a number of top-ten finishes in the 250cc class at the Classic TT.
Away from the Isle of Man he was a well-known and respected figure of the two-stroke and classic racing scene, and was a familiar face at the GP Originals championship and at the Goodwood Members’ Meetings. Gary was also a skilled off-road rider, and had contested the notorious Red Bull Romaniacs hard enduro rallye.
Gary was a well-loved and respected member of the paddock and his peers will fondly remember a skilled and stylish racer with an impressive racing CV. The loss of Gary will be felt deeply by all.
TAS Racing have announced that Davey Todd will finish off the 2023 BSB Season with them before moving onto the 2024 Racing Calendar.
TEAM NEWS – 2024 – Davey Todd Signs with TAS Racing
TAS Racing is pleased to announce the signing of leading international road racer Davey Todd for the 2024 season. Milwaukee will continue its involvement as title sponsor with support from BMW Motorrad. The team will again run under the Milwaukee BMW by TAS Racing banner.
The 27-year-old former National 1000cc Superstock champion, will also compete in the final two rounds of this season’s Bennetts British Superbike Championship aboard Milwaukee BMW M1000RR machinery.
The North Yorkshire rider has already established himself as one of pure road racing’s leading exponents and will be a major asset next season. Todd is also looking forward to opening his account with two BSB appearances on the Milwaukee BMW with TAS Racing.
Subscribe to the TBNI Motorcycle Road Racing Calendar here to stay up to date with all the timings and info for the Racing Season Ahead… TBNI Road Racing iCal Calendar – keep up with all the latest dates, times and info update to date on your iPhone, iPad, Mac & iCal compatible devices! (It’s OK, android devices are also supported.)
Motorcycling Ireland Update on Insurance (07/08/2023) :
Motorcycling Ireland have issued a statement in relation to the ongoing insurance issues plaguing motorcycling events in Ireland.
Update on Insurance 7-08-2023 for immediate release.
Motorcycling Ireland can now announce that we have set up a sub-committee within the new board of management, who’s main goal is to obtain insurance for MCI, its officials, events and competitors.
On the 2nd August 2023, the new sub committee, consisting of Daire Lowe, Nick Craigie, Graham Sheehan, Paul Power and Alex Sinclair (expert), held their first meeting to evaluate the insurance situation and what the next steps should be to progress with this issue.
Regarding our priorities
MCI’s main priority is to gain insurance to cover all of our disciplines.
If a situation arises where the only option is to cover some of our disciplines, all options will be discussed and we will continue as a unified union.
Regarding our current situation
Time must be taken for the new committee to locate and familiarise themselves with all documentation from the previous management, of the insurance situation to date.
All previous documentation must be reviewed including emails, letters, paper documents, and other correspondences.
Claims history to be extended to the past 20 years and reviewed by the sub committee.
All committee members now feel like they have a better understanding of the difficulty facing the centre, and remain committed to moving forward as soon as possible.
The sub committee will now move forward with proceeding, and aim to conclude its report on or before 31-10-2023. Further action will be announced at that time.
Regarding communication
New website is currently under construction along with social media which will soon be the official platform for all new information coming directly from Motorcycling Ireland.
Manx Grand Prix Visitors Guide : (Updated for 2025)
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.
The Manx Grand Prix generally runs in August annually and features many of the competitors from the TT Event. It also features a much more diverse bike range and offers a path for new comers to get themselves a step closer to racing at the TT Event.
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.
The Manx Grand Prix isn’t contested for the money. It may be a stepping stone to the TT however as an event it is full of history and prestige. The 2023 event marks the Centenary of the Manx Grand Prix and it is globally recognised as a pure road racing standalone event.
There are a number of prizes and trophies up for grabs between the competitors and teams…
The Schedule for thee 2023 Manx Grand Prix has been released.
Please note that this schedule is subject to change and often does. Be sure to check relevant live updates and social media sites for up to date changes.
I was unlucky, in that I was only able to visit on the Sunday, but the overall set up was excellent. I have also heard and read only positive things for the live entertainment on the Friday and Saturday evenings and on may arrival on Sunday I couldn’t help but feel a little jealous of all the campers and campervans that were parked up for the weekend and had had the opportunity to enjoy the previous evenings’ entertainment.
As for the Sunday event. It was great. From things getting underway at around 09:30 am there was rarely a time that there was not bikes on the circuit, and there is the secret to a good biking event – get bikes out there and keep things moving.
The only noticeable break, was for lunch, and I am a big fan of how Bishopscourt plans a lunch break, it means you don’t have to decide what session you are going to miss.
Paddock, parade laps and racing…
A quick walk through the paddock early on Sunday morning was a mixture of bikes getting prepped and bacon baps getting made. Bacon, brown sauce and fumes… What more do you want on a Sunday morning?
Shaun Wynne and his instantly recognisable and always immaculate but it lime green 777 bike has announced his retirement from racing.
All the best to Shaun for the future.
The announcement was made on a Facebook Post on 1st August 2023 :
This post is heart-wrenching for me to post, But due to my off at Armoy last weekend I have had to make the correct decision to call it a day with motorbike & track and road racing,
I was hoping to complete one more season before the accident at Armoy it’s the right decision for me my family and my Business,
I have been racing for many many years, I have had and still have met fantastic friends,
I have had so much support from so many over these 20-30 years NG Road racing where it all started and its ended doing my dream of being a Northern & southern Ireland Road racer, which has been just amazing the support both North & south has been mind-blowing I will cherish in my heart forever,every one and all i have meet due to racing , I know a lot will say you be back but I 100 percent know this is the right decision for me,
my body has taken some hits over these long years and needs a Break excuse the pun LOL, LOL,
I like to thank all my Past & present Teams & who all then and up to now have always given me all and more – you all know who you are, ive had some great team mates and had some fantastic battles with fellow racers Track & road ,
ive also lost as all over the years some fellow racers which has and will always be in my thoughts , i dont want to go on to much as this is hard to do , as i will in time put a better write up about my years once i have two hands to type better lol,
i just needed to get this out there as i have had lots of messages about what i will do once recoverys over ,
Time to give more time Tracy Wynne my poor wife who has been and still is my Everthing & Rock & with family & friends and enjoy next chapters in my life ,
Love to all good luck to all Shaun Wynne 7 and 777 Potatoes Spuds xxxxxxxxx signing of
Shaun Wynne Retires from Racing
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