Manx Grand Prix

Venue	Snaefell Mountain Course
First race	1923
Previous names	Manx Amateur Road Races
Most wins (rider)	Bob Heath (11)

The Manx Grand Prix motorcycle races are held on the Isle of Man TT Course (or 'Mountain Circuit') annually, usually at the end of August and early September. Traditionally the event has been staged over a two week period but this was reduced in 2022 to nine days.^[1] 2023 saw the 100th Anniversary of the event.

The MGP or Manx (as it is more commonly known) is considered to be the amateur rider's alternative and a learning experience for the Isle of Man TT races held in May/June. The event differs from the TT in that it does not cater for sidecars. A 'Classic TT' race category for historic racing machines was added in 2013 as part of the Manx Government Department of Economic Development's expansion to create what is termed Festival of Motorcycling to breathe new life into the event. These new races also allowed for professional and experienced riders to compete.^[2]

The event consists of six three or four-lap races of the 60.70 km (37.72 mi) circuit^[3] which begins at the TT Grandstand in Douglas, the island's capital. The separate classes have varied year to year. The proposed schedule for 2024 consists of the Lightweight, Classic, Classic Junior, Junior, Senior and Classic Superbike races.

History

The MGP began in 1923 as the 'Manx Amateur Road Races' or MARC. The MARC continued until 1930 when renamed as the Manx Grand Prix. Problems were encountered initially over the definition of an 'Amateur' and the first rules were extensive and open to various interpretations. Nowadays, many riders who have achieved success in the MGP move on to race in the TT but regulations prevent them from re-entering 'The Manx' unless they wish to do so on Classic machinery. Chris Palmer (former British 125cc champion) and the late Richard Britton both followed this route in 2005 aboard Manx Nortons.

In 1989 Gloria Clark became the first woman to race in the MGP. In 1991 she gained an entry into the Guinness Book Of Records for being the fastest lady on the TT Circuit. Carolynn Sells was entered into the Guinness World Records as the first female winner on the Snaefell Mountain Course of the Ultra-Lightweight event at the 2009 Manx Grand Prix.

The MGP is organised by the Manx Motor Cycle Club (MMCC) based on the rules and regulations of the Auto-Cycle Union (ACU) which governs most British motorcycle events.

Classes

The Newcomers class caters for riders who have no previous experience of the Mountain Circuit. Such a class does not feature in the programme of the TT and is thus the only opportunity for newcomers to race the circuit in competition. Classes are usually over-subscribed as a result. Riders are limited to machinery with a capacity not exceeding 750cc and must wear coloured bibs over their leathers during 'Practice' (see below). Newcomers are also permitted to submit an application for any of the other classes but may or may not be granted a ride depending on their levels of experience.

A variety of makes and capacities of machines are grouped together in Classes.

For 2024 the Classes are:

Lightweight Manx Grand Prix (featuring 2-stroke machines).

Classic Senior Manx Grand Prix.

Classic Junior Manx Grand Prix (smaller capacity 350cc machines).Past winners include Michael Dunlop, Lee Johnston, Michael Rutter, Jamie Coward, and Dominic Herbertson.

Junior Manx Grand Prix (Supertwin machines).

Senior.

Classic Superbike.

CLUBMAN RACING

The Manx Motorcycle Club have also announced that amateur riders will compete in the Lightweight, Classic Junior, Classic Senior, and Classic Superbike Races.

Classified with either ‘TT’ or ‘Clubman’ status competitors who have entries accepted for the 2024 Isle of Man TT Races will be determined as TT, whilst those outside of that criteria will be classified as Clubman and will be presented with a specific set of awards.

As mentioned previously, newcomers must wear a coloured bib (usually orange or yellow) during practice sessions to distinguish themselves to other riders. Similarly, classic riders are obliged to wear white bibs.

Format of the races

The format varies from time to time but the first part of the event is devoted to 'Practice.' Riders are given the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the course and must complete a minimum number of laps at a satisfactory speed in order to qualify for the races held subsequently.

On the first evening of Practice, Newcomers are escorted around the course on a speed-controlled lap by the Traveling Marshals ( marshals on bikes who lap the course regularly to check for problems.) They are then at liberty to circulate at their desired pace.

*This is a Provisional schedule and is subject to consultation and road closure approval by the Department for Infrastructure, in accordance with the Road Races Act 2016. Specific timings will be announced in due course.^[4]

In the event of bad weather races can be delayed for later on the same days or even rescheduled for Tuesday or Thursday. In the past racing has extended beyond Friday and race distances can also be reduced by the organisers.

Famous MGP names

The Manx Grand Prix has been the stepping stone for many great riders who have gone on to become internationally famous. The likes of Martin Finnegan, Davy Morgan, Ray Porter and Kenneth McCrea are now well-established TT stars who also compete in road racing events elsewhere in the British Isles, especially the Irish road racing circuit.

Other famous names from bygone decades include Freddie Frith, Phil Read and the great Geoff Duke and the great Mike Casey winner of 1995, all of whom raced at the TT – Duke and Read went on to become multiple world champions.

'King of the Mountain' Joey Dunlop, the most successful TT rider of all time with 26 victories, also tried his hand at the MGP on a Classic Aermacchi and achieved a podium finish.

Awards

Various awards are given at the MGP each year. The Manx Motorcycle Club relies exclusively on entry fees and donations to fund the awards. Many trophies and cups have been donated in the past and range from 'Fastest Lap of the meeting' to "Most meritorious performance by a newcomer."

The winner of the Junior Manx Grand Prix receives the Douglas Pirie Trophy whilst the victor of the Senior Manx Grand Prix is awarded the A.B. Crookall Trophy. Convention however dictates that the A.B. Crookall Trophy can only be won once, as the winner of the Senior Manx Grand Prix is then obliged to enter the TT Races.^[5]

All riders completing a race receive a Finisher's Medal, and any who finish a race within a certain percentage of the winner's overall time are given a 'Replica.' Replicas are awarded to those finishing within 110% of the winners time. Team awards are also raced for although they are not always awarded every year. Such awards are not only aimed at riders competing for the same sponsor but also riders from the same motorcycle club. In total there are about 42 separate awards and the list will doubtless continue to grow.

Other MGP fortnight events

The MGP is popular with many motorcycle fans and is viewed as having a more relaxed atmosphere to that of the TT. Throughout the duration of the races there are various club meetings (particularly of classic machines) and there is also a Classic Parade on closed roads. Unlike the TT there is no funfair on Douglas Promenade but various entertainments include visiting and local music acts and the Manx 3-day Trial.

Total overall Manx Grand Prix race winners (including Manx Amateur Road Race winners)

Current Manx Grand Prix lap records

Awards

Race winner trophies

Sources