ISLE OF MAN TT 2007 - DATES ANNOUNCED
The Isle of Man Department
of Tourism and Leisure have announced the dates for TT 2007.The packed calendar includes a number of events to
celebrate 100 years of motor cycle racing on the Isle of Man as well as
a world class competitive racing programme.
The actual race
schedule kicks off with the 6 lap Superbike Race on Saturday 2nd June
2007 followed by the Sidecar A Race on the same day. The four lap
Superstock Race will be on Monday 4th June, with the Junior Supersport
Race for 600cc machines on Wednesday 6th June. The Sidecar Race B will
also take place on Wednesday. ‘Race Week’ will close with the Senior
Race on Friday 8th June.
The fortnight begins on Saturday 26th
May with the first practice session. Unlike previous years this will be
a ‘free practice’ session and although the laps will count towards
qualifying they will not be timed. Competitor signing on has been
extended to Sunday 27th and Monday 28th May. A further change to the
previous schedule has seen the practice session on Thursday 31st May
move from the afternoon to the evening.
David Cretney MHK,
Minster for Tourism and Leisure, Isle of Man commented: “We have
consulted with the competitors and taken their comments on board in
devising this year’s calendar. We have moved the Sidecar A Race back to
the first Saturday to give those competitors extra time to work on
their machines after their first race. By moving the practice on
Thursday to the evening we are able to give the riders an extra 15
minutes practice time, as well as alleviating traffic congestion at 5pm
in Douglas.He continued: “We have extended the signing on time
by allowing riders to register on Sunday 28th and Monday 28th. This
will allow those riders who wish to come over slightly later and reduce
their costs to do so.”The TT 2007 calendar also sees a number
of unique events created to celebrate 100 years of racing on the Isle
of Man.
To commemorate the exact 100th anniversary, on 28th May 2007,
machines from that era will ride one lap around the original St Johns
Circuit. The event will see a rolling road closure in place around the
circuit, followed by a concours display and other activities on the
closed road in St Johns.The hugely popular TT ‘Paddock
Walkabout’ where fans can meet their TT heroes will again take place at
TT 2007 on the morning of Saturday 2nd June, ahead of the Superbike
race and Monday afternoon will see the ‘TT Centenary Lap of Honour’
featuring many legendary riders and machines from TT history.‘TT
Day of Champions’ is also planned for Thursday 7th June with auctions,
chat shows, music and other entertainment featuring world famous motor
cycle stars. Most of the activity will be centred around the Grandstand
and the TT paddock. The day will culminate with a black tie TT
Centenary Dinner at the Villa Marina.
Both events will raise money for
the Joey Dunlop Foundation and the ACU Benevolent Fund.The race
fortnight will close with the ‘TT Centenary Legends Lap’ after the
Senior TT on Friday 8th June with special guests and former TT riders
invited to complete a parade lap on closed roads.David Cretney
MHK, Minster for Tourism and Leisure, Isle of Man commented: “We have
been planning the centenary activity for a long time and believe that
the programme that we are putting together will appeal to race fans and
riders worldwide. We believe that we have put together a fitting
tribute to the birthplace of motorsport and look forward to welcoming
our guests from all over the world.
There are still many exciting
announcements still to come about the rest of our plans for TT 2007,
and we are certain that it is going to be an event not to be missed.”Fans
wishing to come to this year’s races are advised to book ahead as
bookings have already exceeded total number of visitors to last year’s
races. Steam Packet, the Isle of Man ferry company, has launched a
special feature on their website to show fans which sailings are still
available.
Mr Cretney continued: “We are doing everything we
can to get people to the Island and to find them somewhere to stay.
Fans who cannot get onto the ferries are advised to check local
airlines to the Island. We are also promoting our homestay programme to
Manx residents who wish to get away during the races and rent their
homes out and we are adding a number of new camp sites for TT 2007. We
hope to cater for as many people as possible.”
|
