2020 Classic TT & 2020 Manx GP Cancelled :
The final road racing events* of 2020 left to announce their status have both confirmed today that they are cancelled. (*Macau is still on the calendar)
The 2020 Classic TT and 2020 Manx GP have been cancelled.
There is now no confirmed racing on the Island of Ireland or the Isle of Man in 2020.
Cookstown and the North West 200 are still holding out a little hope to reschedule their events for later in the year but that is a hope I do not share. It is now extremely likely that the only racing that we will see this year will be Macau. If even Macau?
Press Release from the Classic TT and Manx GP :
The Isle of Man Government and the Manx Motor Cycle Club, the race organisers of the Classic TT and Manx Grand Prix, have taken the joint decision to cancel this year’s Classic TT presented by Bennetts and Manx Grand Prix, which were due to take place between the 22nd August and the 4th September on the Isle of Man.
The decision to cancel both events has been taken following consultation between the Department for Enterprise and race organisers, the Manx Motor Cycle Club, taking into account the emergency measures including current border controls and travel restrictions caused by the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Laurence Skelly MHK, Minister for Enterprise, announced the decision today, saying: ‘This is obviously a conclusion that we didn’t want to reach but unfortunately when all the factors and advice are considered we felt that it was important to make an early decision to provide clarity and certainty to race officials, fans and sponsors, as well as competitors themselves. Although we cannot predict at this stage exactly what the Island’s or the global position will be in four months’ time, there is sufficient uncertainty and therefore making an early decision is the only responsible thing to do.
‘We also want to reassure the Island’s residents that their health and wellbeing remains our number one priority and focus in this ongoing situation and furthermore it isn’t appropriate to potentially place additional demands onto our hard-working hospital and medical staff by running the events this year.’
Peter Maddocks, Manx Motor Cycle Club Chairman, commented: ‘We were asked, as race organisers, by the Government whether we were confident that the event could take place purely from a logistical and operational point of view this year. Although we were confident that we could provide the officials, the situation around other key personnel, such as marshals and medical personnel could not be guaranteed. Additionally, the availability of event critical contractors and whether the infrastructure and equipment could even reach the Isle of Man in time is also an area of great uncertainty
‘We also took into account the levels of pre-event practice the riders would have had to enable them to effectively take on the unique challenge that racing on the Mountain Course represents. All of these factors were considered and ultimately formed the basis of the decision that, from an operational point of view, the event had to be cancelled this year. Even though we are all in uncertain times the Club is looking forward to planning a return to the mountain course in 2021.’
Keep up with all the latest News both the Classic TT and Manx GP through the following links :
Classic TT :
Manx GP :
As this situation evolves and affects more events TBNI.Blog will endeavour to keep you up to date.
The TBNI Road Racing Calendar will be updated as soon as new information comes to light so make sure you are subscribed to that : https://tbni.blog/road-racing-calendar/
You will also find new information as soon as it is available through the TBNI Facebook Page and TBNI Twitter Feed. So Follow those also.
