MGP officials release statement on 'unprecedented disruptions' in 2024

Organisers also address latest race plans and newer, shorter event format

Manx Grand Prix officials are thanking those who've supported this year's event during what they describe as 'unprecedented disruptions' in 2024.

A statement has been issued tonight by organisers ACU Events Ltd. and promoters the Manx Motor Cycle Club in the wake of what they call 'some of the worst August weather in 20 years' on Island.

Poor conditions have seen six possible qualifying sessions called off so far along with causing disruption to today's opening race day.

It's intended that a revised race schedule for Monday, 26 August will be released at 10.30am tomorrow (25 August) with the race organiser 'currently in the process of analysing all operational limitations and factors.'

Earlier today, road closures at first were delayed to allow roads to dry, and then a sewage maintenance team had to be dispatched to an issue in Union Mills.

The MGP Junior Race first got underway shortly after 2pm but was red-flagged during the second lap because of an incident at Ballacrye. 

The rider was reported as being conscious, talking and airmedded to Nobles Hospital.

Showers from Northern Ireland affected the West of the Island, meaning the restarted race was delayed.

At 5:20pm, the Clerk of the Course declared that the course was not fit for racing and the remainder of the session was cancelled.

All six races at the meeting - the Classic Junior MGP; Lightweight MGP; Classic Senior MGP; Junior MGP; Senior MGP and Classic Superbike MGP - are still to be completed.

The statement also goes on to address the shorter MGP schedule first introduced in 2022, commenting that 'it is not possible to implement enough marshal and medical cover, given the reliance on off Island volunteers' to carry out a second week of racing.

It adds had the programme from 2019 taken place in 2024 'set against the challenges faced this year, all qualifying sessions would have been cancelled, with no contingency sessions available.'

The statement in full is as follows:

The Manx Motor Cycle Club the Promoters of the Manx Grand Prix Races, and the Race Organiser ACU Events Ltd, wish to put on record their collective thanks to everyone who has so far supported this year's event, as they have navigated a series of unprecedented disruptions to the schedule.
 
The Isle of Man has seen some of the worst August weather in 20 years over the past week, with Storm Lilian bringing unseasonably high winds along with heavy and persistent rain. This unsettled weather system resulted in the cancellation of six possible qualifying sessions, in addition to causing further disruption during Saturday’s race schedule.
 
Aside from the challenges faced by the unsettled weather conditions, additional unforeseen circumstances have been encountered by the Race Organiser throughout;
 
The Race Organiser was required to halt proceedings with displayed Red Flags on Sunday and Saturday afternoon’s sessions due to incidents that occurred, this was to allow for the incidents to be managed safely.
 
A burst sewer in Union Mills also saw Saturday’s racing significantly delayed, with water and waste covering the roads in that area, requiring works to take place before racing could be started. 
 
The delays continued on Saturday due to a course-wide technical issue with the radio communication that had to be rectified before racing could begin, without this racing could not take place. 
 
John McBride, Chairman of the Manx Motor Cycle Club commented:  “I feel for the riders and fans of the Manx Grand Prix, who have had to endure such unprecedented disruption this week. I would like to thank them all for their co-operation and understanding during this difficult period. The Manx Motor Cycle Club are very grateful to our colleagues at ACU Events, for their skill and professionalism in managing these issues, and we thank them for ensuring that everyone impacted by the necessary delays has been kept up to date in a clear and timely manner.”  
 
Gary Thompson MBE, BEM, Clerk of the Course, ACU Events added: “The past week has thrown us a vast number of challenges, and it has been incredibly frustrating to not be able to give everyone the time on the TT Mountain Course that they deserve. Above everything though, our priority as Race Organiser is always the safety of riders, marshals and spectators, and we have regularly been left with no option but to delay or cancel proceedings.
 
I would like to put on record my thanks to everyone involved in the Race Organisation as well as our colleagues at The TT Marshals and Manx Motorsport Medical Services for their outstanding commitment over the past week, in often trying conditions.”
 
The shorter Manx Grand Prix schedule introduced in 2022, means that there are less scheduled days for racing. However the Manx Motor Cycle Club and ACU Events wish to reconfirm that at the current time, it is not possible to implement enough medical and marshal cover, given the reliance on off island volunteers, to enable a full second week of racing.
 
If the schedule from 2019 had been in place for 2024, set against the challenges faced this year, all qualifying sessions would have been cancelled, with no contingency sessions available. The new schedule with additional flexibility during Thursday and Friday ensured two additional longer qualifying sessions could be staged, in addition to the increased opening session scheduled on the opening Sunday afternoon.
 
John McBride, added: “What makes the Manx Grand Prix so special is the unwavering passion for the event that is shared amongst its competitors, spectators along with all those involved. And, whilst the volume of races that will be scheduled for Monday will not be without its challenges, I do believe that together we will be able to bring the 2024 Manx Grand Prix to a conclusion with the delivery of a spectacular programme of racing for all to enjoy”
 
The Race Organiser is currently in the process of analysing all operational limitations and factors and intends to issue a revised schedule for Monday at 10:30 on Sunday 25th August.