Just 24 hours after the confirmed cancellation of the Southern 100 the final events on the Manx Road Racing 2021 Calendar have also been cancelled – the 2021 Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT. Covid-19 has now ensured that it will be 2022 at the earliest before we see any racing back on the Isle of Man.
ISLE OF MAN GOVERNMENT CONFIRMS CLASSIC TT AND MANX GRAND PRIX 2021 CANCELLED
Following extensive consultation with representatives from key operational groups, the Isle of Man Government has taken the decision to cancel this year’s Classic TT and Manx Grand Prix. The races were due to run from Sunday 22nd August to Friday 3rd September.
Laurence Skelly, Minister for the Department for Enterprise, Isle of Man Government confirmed the decision today, saying:
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?
2020 Manx GP Cancelled
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 :
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/
The 2020 Isle of Man TT Schedule has been released and we have all the important dates and times to help you plan your trip, or if you can’t make it to the island at least you will know what time to tune into Manx Radio to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Peter Hickman at the Isle of Man TT Races
Two things of note though. The first may actually benefit you if you are heading over for practice week from Dublin – the first scheduled practices are now on the Sunday of Practice week. Traditionally the first day of practice was Saturday, however the first 2020 session will now be on Sunday 31st May afternoon – so if you are on that Dublin sailing think sharp – get off the boat and you will hopefully catch some Sunday qualifying.
Secondly – and sadly – there will be no TT Zero qualifying or racing in 2020 and 2021. The class has been dropped for two years, allegedly to ‘allow development’. TT Zero has been running for a decade and the electric machines from Mugen are responsible for a 121.824mph lap. I get that the entry is low and also that the Mugen will win, but still, TT Zero showed innovation and look at that lap time! I fully understand that many argue passionately that a TT Zero win shouldn’t really be counted as a TT win. I am all for opinions, but that opinion is one I’ll just have to disagree with. It may ‘only‘ be 1 lap – but that one lap is potentially 120+mph and considering the lap size of 37 miles then it really isn’t to be sniffed at. That one lap is still more than most full length Irish and Northern Irish National races. Hopefully come 2022 more teams will be in the field, on the track and ready to race!
Finally – this schedule is subject to change and given the weather we have had over the last couple of years this schedule will change. At the time make sure to follow :
And of course don’t forget the TBNI Road Racing Calendar – that will keep you up to date with all the Irish / Northern Ireland and Manx Road Racing Schedules.
The 2019 Road Racing Season is now over (with the exception of Macau).
You will notice a bit of a change in the site content over the coming winter months – with more ‘tech’ content. Just go with it, you might even like it – and be safe in the knowledge that when the bikes are back on the roads all the important info will still be here.
If you have no interest in anything that else that the site has to offer I won’t hold that against you either – just bookmark or save the site to your favourites and I will see you again in April 2020!
In the meantime make sure you subscribe to the TBNI Road Racing Calendar – as always it is free, keep up to date and already is starting to get the 2020 dates added to it. If you haven’t already subscribed have a read and get that sorted.
Just like for the 2019 TT Races the weather did its upmost to put a dampener on things for the Classic TT and Manx Grand Prix over the 2019 Festival of Motorcycling.
Just like for the 2019 TT Races the weather did its upmost to put a dampener on things for the Classic TT and Manx Grand Prix over the 2019 Festival of Motorcycling.
The Bruce Anstey comeback is complete as the Flying Kiwi takes the Lightweight Classic TT #TeamPagetts#LoveTT – I keep on saying but honestly, what a guy. Inspirational. ? pic.twitter.com/AP7jwpnhyS
Please note the schedules may change at very short notice. Stay up to date using the links above.
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