A brief guide to Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT

A sign reads MGP in green on a black background; the three legs of man form part of the logo on the top right of the sign.
Image caption,

Qualifying events are set to begin on Sunday

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The Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT is set to get under way from Sunday.

The event will see riders compete in a number of classes, including the Supertwin, Supersport, Sidecar, Lightweight, Formula 1, and Senior on the 37.7mile (60.7km) Isle of Man TT course.

Launched in 1923, the Manx Grand Prix marks the second major motorsport event on the island and was originally created as an amateur alternative to the Isle of Man TT, held in the early summer.

This year's 13-day event, which runs until 29 August, marks the return of the Classic TT which will be held concurrently with the Manx Grand Prix.

Why is Classic TT back?

The Classic TT was last held in August in 2019, but was withdrawn when road racing returned in 2022 following the pandemic.

This year the event has been brought back, in conjunction with the Manx Grand Prix, which it had previously run alongside between 2013 and 2019.

The government has previously said Classic TT was being re-introduced in an effort to attract more visitors to the motorsport event.

Where can I get race updates?

The race schedule can be found online, external and will be updated throughout the race period.

Similarly to this year's TT event, an infoline has been launched on Whatsapp which will share updates on road closures and changes to racing schedules.

When will the roads close?

The events will see the course close to traffic for periods of qualifying and racing.

As it stands, qualifying for Manx Grand Prix (MGP) will start on Sunday, with the roads set to close between 12:30 and 18:00 BST.

Evening sessions will then be held on Monday and Tuesday, with the course closed to traffic between 18:00 and 21:00 for MGP qualifying.

Wednesday sees the start of Classic TT qualifying in the same evening timeslot, with the classic machines scheduled to go out alongside the MGP competitors on Thursday.

Both days have afternoon contingency sessions earmarked for between 2:30 until 17:00.

Friday 22 August will see afternoon qualifying for both MGP and Classic TT competitors, with the course closing at 12:30 until 17:00, and the evening set aside as a contingency.

Saturday will see the first day of MGP racing following the continuation of classic qualifying, meaning the course will be closed to traffic from 09:30 until 21:00.

The following day, 24 August, could be used as a contingency between 12:30 and 18:00.

On Monday 25 August, MGP racing will again take place along course with Classic TT qualifying to follow, which sees roads closed from 09:30 until 21:00.

Classic racing is set to take place throughout the day on 27 and 29 August, with the route shut off from 09:30 until 17:00, and the evening set aside as contingency.

Contingency days for those races will be 26 and 28 August.

What are the crossing points?

During the events, the Clerk of the Course may allow traffic over the course at specific crossing points.

The location of the crossing points can be found online, external.

Health services

Manx Care has said the Emergency Department at Noble's Hospital will be operating as normal throughout the racing fortnight.

The Manx Emergency Doctor Service (Meds) will be running from 18:00 until 00:00 each evening during the 13-day period.

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