The Manx Grand Prix is returning to its traditional two-week format, after it was reduced to a single week, post-Covid. Race goers, hoteliers and licenced victuallers were not best pleased, with the historic event cut to five days of practice sessions followed by a single weekend of racing. Add in the Isle of Man’s notoriously fickle weather, and it looked like the MGP was destined to shrink – 14,229 spectators turned up last year (down from just over 16,000 in 2019).

But for 2025, the fortnight-long MGP is back, with all four races taking place over the late August Bank Holiday weekend, followed by five Classic TT races and a parade lap. The extended timetable should also give more flexibility to reschedule races in case of bad weather. According to the Manx government, the aim is to, “re-establish the Manx GP as a feeder for the TT, providing a platform for emerging talent to showcase and develop their skills.”

At the BMF, chair Jim Freeman welcomed the MGP’s return to its long-established fortnight format. “I remember being pit crew for Tony Ainslie, riding a mate’s T150V Proddie racer, a great experience, at a Manx GP. I hope they replaced those quick filler refuelling devices; we had to prop the lid ajar with some pliers to avoid air locks. All good fun, two weeks sounds great, with space for the weather.”

Written by Peter Henshaw

Top image courtesy of Philip Magowan/Double Red – picture of  Shaun Anderson