2023 TT Schedule :
The Provisional Schedule for the 2023 TT Races have been announced.
MORE RACING COMING FOR 2023!
The most far-reaching set of changes in recent memory is set to come into effect at the 2023 Isle of Man TT Races with the introduction of an expanded race programme that promises to deliver real value for money for fans and competitors alike. The new festival format is also designed to create further opportunities for fans to visit the world’s most famous road race by alleviating the pressures on the Island’s infrastructure and better aligning travel and accommodation options.
Whilst TT fans always have an eye on travel options, the headline news is undoubtedly the expanded race programme, which sees the number of race days increase from four to six, and the number of races increase from eight to ten. The 2023 race programme is also set to increase from seven days to eight, with three sets of back-to-back race days split now by just two rest days. As well as injecting a large dose of extra energy into what is already a thrilling week, it is a schedule that guarantees more return, with the majority of fans getting to enjoy more TT racing when comparing the schedule to the current iteration.
THE TEN-RACE PROGRAMME :
2023’s ten-race programme sees the introduction of a second race for Superstocks and a second race for Supertwins, not only ensuring all five classes have parity with two races each, but delivering real value for money for teams and competitors who, of course, now gain more track time and a second chance of glory in those classes.
To accommodate the newly expanded race schedule, the TT will surprisingly start a day later than is usual, beginning on the Bank Holiday Monday (UK) and featuring not one, but two, separate qualifying sessions – one in the afternoon and one in the evening. The remaining qualifying sessions will then run as expected, utilising the evenings until competitors arrive at Friday’s lengthier afternoon session (introduced for 2022), which will remain part of the schedule moving forward.
It is when competitors reach the first weekend of racing that things start to look really different, with the incredibly popular middle weekend now boasting three races instead of just two. Starting with a tantalising double-header of Supersport and Sidecar, fans then only have to wait 24 hours before the first of the ‘six-lappers’, with the headline-grabbing Superbike TT moving to a Sunday in line with many global events.
Traditionally, Monday sees the first tranche of visitors heading home to work or family, so it is here that we now see the first of two rest days. However, for visiting fans going deeper into the week, there is only a short hiatus before the next set of back-to-back race days – this time stacked with four races.
Tuesday will host the first races for the Superstock and Supertwin classes, while there’s more Supersport action just 24 hours later – again scheduled alongside the Sidecars. With the two Sidecar races moving closer to each other on the calendar, superfans of that class will more easily be able to catch both races – while the teams and competitors in the sidecar paddock will also then be free to travel home.
Now deep into race week – and with renewed capacity – it is hoped and expected that the Island will better accommodate a greater number of fans for what is set to be a scintillating climax to the festival. That big finish is set in motion with a new-look end to race week – one that follows Thursday’s rest day.
With the Island’s popular TT bank holiday remaining in place, Friday will now play host to the Superstock and Supertwin machines, with teams and riders in those classes gaining a second race in 2023. But the big one – the Senior TT – moves to a Saturday, creating another set of back-to-back race-days and, for the first time, a second long-weekend for TT fans to choose or target.
