Plans unveiled for TT 2022 & 2023

Races set to return after two years

Plans for the next two TT's - 2022 and 2023 - have been unveiled.

It comes on what would have been Senior Race Day on the second year the races have been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The proposed changes are subject to a formal consultation process but are set to include the following:

Introduction of TT Channel

The first new change announced today is the introduction of live TV coverage of the races.

A dedicated TT channel will be introduced in March next year to capture, and live-stream, every moment from every race during TT fortnight.

This will be accessible via a live pass.

Throughout the rest of the year the digital channel is set to broadcast 'original content that includes an eight-part docuseries and a feature-length documentary film in the vein of fan favourite 'Closer to the Edge.'

The Department for Enterprise claims it will be able to reach up to four billion internet users.

TT Schedule 2022

Next year's races are due to take place between Sunday 29 May and Friday 10 June.

Qualifying will take place over six days, as usual, starting with an 'expanded' session on Sunday afternoon and continuing through the weekday evenings.

Meanwhile the final qualifying race will take place on Friday (3 June) instead of Thursday - this is to allow riders more time to prepare.

The most significant change to next year's event is the 're-vamped' race-day programme which will see a single warm-up lap for competitors taking place each morning before racing gets underway.

Organisers say this will allow for a 'more streamlined daily schedule with roads opening earlier'.

TT 2023: 'more race days, more races'

In what's said to be the biggest changes to the Isle of Man TT races in 'recent memory' TT 2023 is set to bring with it 'more race days, more races, and more opportunities to see those races.'

The 2023 schedule is set to increase the number of race days from four to six, and the number of races from eight to 10 - with the introduction of a second race for the Superstock and Supertwin classes.

The changes follow consultations with 'thousands' of TT fans according to the Department for Enterprise.

Whilst the number of events is set to increase organisers say that will not prolong the TT fortnight itself.

Instead the event will start and finish a day later than usual to include two weekends and two bank holidays – one in the UK and another here in the Isle of Man.

Arrival of the Manxman

The Department for Enterprise says the plans for TT 2023 have been drafted with the Island's infrastructure in mind.

Specifically the arrival of the Steam Packet's new vessel Manxman which is set to increase travel capacity between the Island and the UK - allowing more fans to visit.

New name for Lightweight TT: Supertwin TT

The Lightweight TT will get a new name, and a new rulebook, for the 2022 races.

New rules will allow both Yamaha and Aprilia to compete in the category for the first time in the modern era.

The regulations for the newly badged Bennetts Supertwin TT will permit twin-cylinder machines up to 700cc such as the Aprilia RS660 and the Yamaha MT-07 and YZF-R7.

New engines for the sidecar class

For the first time the sidecar class will be permitted to use 900cc parallel twin-cylinder engines such as those found in the KTM 890 DUKE and the BMW F900R.

In what is said to be the 'biggest shake-up in the class for three decades', the newly eligible powerplants will run alongside the 600cc four-cylinder and 675cc three-cylinder outfits that have long been the staple of sidecar racing at the TT.

TT Fan Park

For those who enjoy the 'festival experience' of TT fortnight, as much as the races, the 'TT Fan Park' is set to make its first appearance in 2022.

It promises greater access to the riders, full and uninterrupted live coverage on the big screen and two weeks of entertainment including live music, signing sessions, games, competitions and more.