Call for marshals for extra Manx Grand Prix sessions

More than 500 volunteers are needed to marshall the Mountain Course

The organisers of the Manx Grand Prix have issued an "urgent call" for marshals to sign on for extra qualifying sessions needed due to weather disruption.

Wet and windy conditions have led to the cancellation of three qualifying sessions at the 2024 event, and the start of racing has been pushed back by a day to Saturday.

Race organisers said a "large number of marshals" had signed on for the three contingency sessions, but each was still below minimum manning levels.

There was "particular concern" around Friday evening's session, which had seen about 60% of the numbers required sign up.

More than 500 marshals are needed to man the 37.73-mile (60km) Mountain Course for each qualifying and race session.

Gary Thompson said additional sessions were important to let competitors "get themselves up to speed"

Organisers previously confirmed that as a result of the “unseasonably bad weather”, all remaining contingency sessions would now be used, meaning additional road closures on both Thursday and Sunday afternoon, as well as Friday evening.

Clerk of the course Gary Thompson said: "We need marshals to come forward so the competitors can get all of their qualifying laps in ready for the weekend."

After a run of cancellations, organisers were "under cosh in terms of getting qualifying in" and it was important newcomers and experienced riders "get themselves up to speed", he said.

"We never put the riders out unless they've got enough practice or qualifying laps, which means the nearer we get to the end of the event we have to start reducing laps and races which takes away form the spectacle," Mr Thompson said.

It follows the Isle of Man TT Marshals Association's call for experienced volunteers at the beginning of the festival.

New marshals must complete two online training modules as part of the signing up process, and will be positioned on the course with experienced marshals.