The Manx Grand Prix Explained
What is the Manx Grand Prix?
The Manx Grand Prix, formerly know as the Isle of Man Classic TT, is an annual motorcycle event hosted by the Manx Motor Cycle Club as part of the Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling, held on the world famous 37.73 mile Isle of Man TT Mountain Course.
The event is a natural spin-off from the notorious Isle of Man TT. An encore of sorts, billed as a spectacle for classic motorcycle enthusiasts, with a more subdued atmosphere in comparison to the highly-charge and often dangerous TT. While the challenging terrain of mountainous bends and cobblestone streets remains the same, the overall spectacle focuses on the rare, vintage and exotic racing and touring bikes from around the globe that fans and riders love to see on the Mountain Course.
But ‘the Manx’ is got a new look in 2022…
What’s new for the Manx Grand Prix?
A new look event in 2022 brought an end to the Classic TT designation and ensure the long-term sustainability of the Manx Grand Prix, which will celebrate its 100th year in 2023.
The new five-race programme features a range of classes for both classic and more modern machines.
Reserve your spot at the 100 years celebrations in 2023 today!
The modern races will be more closely aligned to the Isle of Man TT Senior and Junior races in similar Supersport and Supertwin classes. This will give leading and upcoming TT competitors the opportunity to achieve their goals around the Mountain Course – as well as providing optimal entertainment for the diehard fans.
But, rest assured, classic motorcycle racing of the highest profile will still be the primary focus of the Manx Grand Prix! The Classic Manx Grand Prix races will build on the Island’s impeccable reputation for high profile classic motorcycle racing, with the world’s best teams and many of the leading TT competitors taking part – including the likes of McGuinness, Dunlop, Rutter, Johnson and Hillier set to lock-horns on beautiful classic bikes.
Expect single cylinders, twin cylinders, triples, and four cylinders, and even a rotary in the Classic Senior race which allows 500cc 4-strokes that were manufactured before 1973, or 2-strokes manufactured before 1968. The Classic Superbike class has moved the cutoff date from pre-1993 machinery to pre-1997, opening the race to an exciting range of new classic bikes in 2022.
The Manx Grand Prix has also reduced from 14 days to 9 days of racing, ensuring sufficient marshalling, improved spectator experience and lessen impact on local roads.
Where to watch the Manx Grand Prix
While it’s not always easy to secure one of the 1000 seats in the permanent main grandstand, it has a brilliant view of the start line and gives a bird’s eye view of ‘pit lane’, where the riders stop every two laps to re-fuel and fit fresh tires. TT Grandstand access is included in Sportsnet travel packages!
Perhaps the most famous vantage point, this iconic pub is the ideal spot to watch the bike appear from Kate’s Cottage and leap over the jump as they speed toward the grandstand. Our packages include a Creg-Ny-Baa Grandstand ticket, which offers unrivalled views, public conveniences, live commentary and food and drink available to purchase
Always a very popular spot, from here you can truly appreciate just how steep the gradient is as riders approach Bray Hill dip. Bikes leave scrape mark on the tarmac here as they touch down at around 280km/h!
For those who can’t make the pilgrimage, this year’s Manx Grand Prix will have more coverage than ever before! Fans can enjoy extensive broadcast coverage before, during and after the event, with TV broadcast on ITV4, uninterrupted live radio coverage and plenty more across Manx Grand Prix’s YouTube and social channels!
Best restaurants and bars on the Isle of Man
Speaking of Creg-Ny-Baa… the island is littered with great spots for a drink and a meal, and the team at Sportsnet take their on-site research very seriously in this department! Here are some of our top suggestions.
Fibley’s Bistro
Located in the quaint province of Peel, Fibley’s surpasses all others when it comes to first class food. A welcoming establishment that provides diners with superb meals. This is the numero uno restaurant in the area, hence bookings are essential. Excellent seafood dishes, with a broad mix of European flavours.
Jak’s Bar & Steakhouse
Situated in the centre of Douglas town, Jak’s is a favourite spot for a refreshing pint and a premium rib eye. It’s by far the Isle of Man’s premier live sport and music venue and an award winning one at that. Suitable for larger groups and families wanting to enjoy home cooked food at affordable prices. Hot Tip; avid sports fans will love the downstairs bar. It’s the only place on the island that has multiple screens showing a comprehensive list of live sporting events.
Just Pizza & Pasta
A slightly misleading name being that this popular Douglas eatery does in fact serve the ‘best’ Italian on the island. Rustically inspired fresh pasta dishes to satisfy the greatest of appetites. The passionate chef’s make traditional wood fired pizza right before your eyes. A family friendly warehouse styled restaurant with a cheery vibe.
Ginger Hall Hotel
A classic, charming old-fashioned pub with solid pub food, freshy frothy pints and plenty of banter about. A short walk from the centre of Sulby, Ginger Hall is a popular watering hole for racing fans.
Did we miss your favourite viewing and/or eating spot?
What to do when visiting the Isle of Man
Other than watching motorbikes?! Well, with its rugged coastlines, medieval castles, and scenic landscape that rises to a mountainous centre, visitors are never short on things to do on the Isle of Man. Here’s a condensed list of popular things to do in the area.
Wildlife watching
Bring your camera and binoculars and aim high, for the Isle of Man is a haven for birdwatchers. Being an island destination there’s plenty of inquisitive marine life abound too.
Museums
There are plenty of museums scattered around the island, most of which revolve around motorbikes or transport. Make sure you visit Isle of Man Motor Museum, Murray’s Motorcycle Museum, Manx Museum, just to name a few! There are also a bunch of classic exhibitions that pop-up during the Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling… you can’t miss them!
Historical landmarks
There’s no shortage of ancient castles, unique museums and historic railway stations dotted throughout the island. All within close radius of the famous Snaefell Mountain Course.
Fairy Bridge
Ask any local on the Isle of Man and they’ll tell you that they greet the fairies as they pass over the bridge because it’s considered back luck if you don’t. Visitors write notes and tie them on the trees next to the bridge in the hope for a little fairy magic. Taxi and bus drivers will usually tell visitors to say hello, and if you’re on board a bus then you will hear an announcement as you pass the bridge. The Fairy Bridge is located on the A5 Douglas to Ballasalla Road.
Keen to visit the famous Mecca of motorcycle racing?
Sportsnet have been organising tours of the Manx Grand Prix and Isle of Man TT for over 10 year, and consider the Isle of Man as somewhat of a spiritual home for our company. See our Isle of Man road racing travel packages here, and get in touch to book your next Manx adventure!
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The Manx Grand Prix, formerly know as the Isle of Man Classic TT, is an annual motorcycle event hosted by the Manx Motor Cycle Club.
