Manx Grand Prix, Isle of Man

The Manx Grand Prix (MGP) motorcycle races are organized by the Manx Motorcycle Club (MCC) based on the rules and regulations of the Auto-Cycle Union (ACU) which govern most British Motorsport Events. They are held at TT Course also called the Mountain Circuit every year usually in August-September on Isle of Man.

The MGP or Manx, as it is more commonly known, are the best for amateur riders, which of six four-lap races of the 37.73 mile circuit. The race begins at the Grandstand in Douglas. The separate classes for the race are the Newcomers Class, Lightweight/Ultra Lightweight Class, Junior Class, Senior Class, Junior/Lightweight and Senior Classic races for older machines Classics. The MGP began in 1923 as the Manx Amateur Road Races or MARC. In 1930, it was renamed as the Manx Grand Prix.

The Newcomers class is for the riders with machinery of not more than 600cc capacity and without previous experience of the Mountain Circuit. This does not feature in the TT schedule and is thus the only opportunity for newcomers to race the circuit in competition. The Lightweight/Ultra Lightweight class is represented by machinery of 125cc, 250cc and 400cc capacity. The Junior Class features machines whose capacity must not exceed 750cc. The Senior Class is the final race of MGP fortnight and allows for motorcycles with an engine capacity not exceeding 1000cc. The Senior Classic race features the most diverse range of marques and is very popular.

The first week of MGP fortnight is devoted to Practice. Riders are given the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the course. They must complete a minimum number of laps at a satisfactory speed in order to qualify for the races held in the second week. Practicing always begins on a Saturday evening.

It is continued the following Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Marshals around the course close the roads at 6.00 pm so that practice can begin at 6.15 pm with roads re-opening to the public at around 8.15pm.

The Race Programme is identical every year with two races held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday of Race Week to make up the six classes. All classes cover a race distance of 150.92 miles, which are 4 laps of the course. In the event of bad weather, races can be delayed for the same days or even re-scheduled for Tuesday or Thursday. In the past, racing has extended beyond Friday and race distances can also be reduced by the organizers. This year the MGP is scheduled from 19^th August to 1^st September 2007.

By: Shuchita Bist

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