Manx Grand Prix
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The Manx Grand Prix motorcycle races are held on the Isle of Man TT Course (or 'Mountain Circuit') every year for a two-week period usually spanning the end of August and early September. The 'MGP' or 'Manx' (as it is more commonly known) is considered to be the amateur rider's alternative to the Isle of Man TT Races held in May and June. The event also differs from the TT in that it does not cater for sidecars.
The event consists of six four-lap races of the 37.73 mile circuit which begins at the 'Grandstand' in Douglas, the Island's capital. The separate classes are the Newcomer's Class, Lightweight/Ultra Lightweight Class, Junior Class, Senior Class and the Junior/Lightweight and Senior Classic races for older machines ('Classics.')
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[edit] History
The MGP began in 1923 as the 'Manx Amateur Road Races' or MARC. The MARC was held until 1930 when it was renamed the Manx Grand Prix. Problems were encountered initially over the definition of an 'Amateur' and indeed the first rules were extensive and open to various interpretations. Nowadays, many riders who have achieved success in the MGP move on the race 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.
The MGP is organised by the Manx Motorcycle Club (MCC) based on the rules and regulations of the Auto-Cycle Union (ACU) who govern most British Motorsport Events.
[edit] 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 as such 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 600cc 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.
The Lightweight/Ultra Lightweight class is represented by machinery of 125cc, 250cc and 400cc capacity. This class featured at the TT until 2004 but is now destitute, so like the Newcomers' class is extremely popular. 'Lightweight' refers to the 250cc 2-stroke machines whilst Ultra-Lightweight is the 125 2-strokes and 400cc 4-stroke bikes. This class is run as two separate races on Race Days (see below) but all the machines leave the start line in the same 'Session' (see below.)
The Junior Class features machines whose capacity must not exceed 750cc. Machines of any engine capacity between 200 and 750cc are permitted but the vast majority of entrants opt to race four-stroke 4-cylinder 600cc bikes. Some 2-stroke 250cc machines are entered and there is a separate award for the highest-placed 2-stroke finisher (see 'Awards' below.)
The Senior Class is the final race of MGP fortnight and allows for motorcycles with an engine capacity not exceeding 1000cc. Again 600cc bikes are more popular than any other but a number of 750s are sprinkled in the start list.
The Senior Classic race features the most diverse range of marques and is very popular, with a full quota of 105 entrants accepted in 2005. Entrants must field a machine with an engine capacity between 350 and 500cc. Most riders choose machines with a capacity of between 450 and 500cc and common marques include Norton, Honda, Seeley and Matchless with the odd BSA and Ducati.
The Junior/Lightweight Classic is open to machines of 350cc capacity or lower. Run as separate races for machines between 250-350cc (Junior) and under 250cc (Lightweight) all bikes are on-circuit at the same time during the race, but are released at separate class intervals. (This procedure also applies to the Lightweight/Ultra Lightweight.)
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. This does not apply during races as all the riders are obviously in the same class.
[edit] Format of the Races
The first week of MGP fortnight 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 in week 2.
Practicing always begins on a Saturday evening (19th August in 2006) and is held the following Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Marshals around the course 'Close the Roads' at 6pm and practising begins at 6.15pm, with roads re-opening to the public at around 8.15pm. Practice is split into two 'groups' - 'All classes except Classic and Ultra Lightweight' and 'Classic and Ultra Lightweight only.' Session times are 6.15pm to 7.10pm and 7.15pm to 8.10pm and throughout the course of the week these groups interchange between the sessions, so for example Classic/Ultra L'Weight may start at 6.15 on Monday and 7.15 on Tuesday.
On the first evening of Practice, Newcomers are escorted around the course on a speed-controlled lap by the Travelling Marshals (8 marshals on bikes who lap the course regularly to check for problems.) They are then at liberty to circulate at their desired pace.
Racing then begins 2 days later on the Monday (28th August in 2006.) Practices are NEVER held on Sundays but continue into 'Race Week' for some of the later classes in the 'Race Programme' (see immediately below.)
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 is 4 laps of the course.
Monday: Newcomers Race 10.15am and Senior Classic 1.15pm
Wednesday: Junior/Lightweight Classic 10.15am and Junior 1.15pm
Friday: Lightweight/Ultra Lightweight 10.15am and Senior 1.15pm
In the event of bad weather races can be delayed for later on 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 organisers.
[edit] 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 - indeed Duke and Read went on to become multiple world champions.
'King of the Mountian' 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.
2006 should be as exciting a meeting as ever. Names to watch out for will include Andy and Alan Jackson (not related) Maurice Hogg and local Rider Rob Sells. In the Classic Races the big news is that TT regular Ian Lougher will be competing again after his last outing 7 years ago, along with Martin Finnegan and Ryan Farquahar. They will however face stiff competition from established names like Alan Oversby, John Goodall, Steve Linsdell and Chris Palmer.
[edit] Awards
Various awards are given at the MGP each year. They are too numerous to mention here but it should be noted that the Manx Motorcycle Club rely exclusively on entry fees and donations in order 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.'
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 either silver or bronze depending on how far behind the winner each rider finishes. 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.
[edit] 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.
