Classic TT to return in expanded MGP format next year

DfE announces 12-day combined schedule for 2025 event

The Classic TT is set to return as part of an expanded 12-day Manx Grand Prix schedule next year.

The Department for Enterprise has announced the 2025 event will run from Sunday, 17 August to Friday, 29 August with both the Classic TT and MGP running alongside each other.

Four MGP races are planned for modern machinery whilst five races would be held under the classic banner.

Furthermore, DfE adds it has committed to continue its support of the Manx Grand Prix which it says 'remains an integral part of the Island's rich road racing heritage.'

It comes after the meeting has been run on a reduced nine-day format first introduced in 2022 whereas the Classic TT last ran between 2013 and 2019. 

The first three days of the new-look schedule (17-19 August) will involve Manx Grand qualifying before the first Classic TT qualifying session on Wednesday, 20 August.

The following two days on 21-22 August will be combined MGP and Classic TT qualifying sessions.

Race day one will be held on Saturday, 23 August with two races planned - the Supertwin Manx Grand Prix, Supersport Manx Grand Prix - along with another Classic TT qualifying slot.

Two days later (25 August) the final two MGP races of the Junior Manx Grand Prix and Senior Manx Grand Prix are penned in to take place as well as another qualifying period for Classic TT machinery.

After that, the five Classic TT races are planned to take place over the course of three days.

On Wednesday, 27 August will be the Formula 1 TT Race, Lightweight TT Race and Historic Junior TT Race; this is followed by a rest day before another racing double-header involving the Historic Senior TT Race and Classic Senior TT Race on the last day of Friday, 29 August.

As well as two races, Friday 29 August is also due to include a Classic TT Parade.

Outside of the regular schedule, there are several contingency sessions across the two weeks in the event of disruption.

During qualifying week these will be on the afternoon of Wednesday, 20 August; afternoon of Thursday, 21 August and evening of Friday, 22 August.

Race day contingency slots are set to be available on Sunday, 24 August; Tuesday, 26 August and Thursday, 28 August.

The schedule is subject to necessary road closure orders being approved.

A Department for Enterprise further comments: "The decision for this strategic intervention comes following an internal review with key stakeholders around ensuring that a second Mountain Course event each year can be financially sustainable set against increasing costs and decreasing visitor numbers. 

"This position is a clear juxtaposition to the increasing number of visitors that are attending the Isle of Man TT Races. With the TT’s significant increase in global interest, the Department will seek to leverage this momentum through the reintroduction of the Classic TT.

"The new programme of motorcycle racing is designed to encourage additional visitors to the latter part of the event using Classic TT as a vehicle to drive visitors to attend where there remains capacity within the Island’s tourism sector. 

"The primary ambition is that the Classic TT will initially support visitor numbers returning to a pre-covid position and generate a significant increase in the exchequer benefit derived from staging the event as well as increasing the visitor spend within the Island’s economy for the event period.

"The Department will also be able to capitalise on the TT’s increased exposure and generate further income through licensing and sponsorship opportunities for the Classic TT."

You can view the proposed 2025 MGP/Classic TT schedule below:

Proposed 2025 Manx Grand Prix/Classic TT schedule

Sunday, 17 August

Afternoon Qualifying: Manx Grand Prix

Monday, 18 August

Evening Qualifying: Manx Grand Prix

Tuesday, 19 August

Evening Qualifying: Manx Grand Prix

Wednesday, 20 August

Afternoon Qualifying: Contingency Session
Evening Qualifying: Classic TT

Thursday, 21 August

Afternoon Qualifying: Contingency Session
Evening Qualifying: Manx Grand Prix & Classic TT

Friday, 22 August

Afternoon Qualifying: Manx Grand Prix & Classic TT
Evening Qualifying: Contingency Session

Saturday, 23 August (Race Day)

Supertwin Manx Grand Prix
Supersport Manx Grand Prix

Classic TT Qualifying

Sunday, 24 August

Race Day: Contingency Session

Monday, 25 August

Junior Manx Grand Prix
Senior Manx Grand Prix

Classic TT Qualifying

Tuesday, 26 August

Race Day: Contingency Session

Wednesday, 27 August

Formula 1 TT Race
Lightweight TT Race
Historic Junior TT Race

Thursday, 28 August

Race Day: Contingency Session

Friday, 29 August

Historic Senior TT Race
Classic Senior TT Race
Classic TT Parade