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TT 2007: SAME SCHEDULE AS LAST YEAR |
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Saturday, 26 August 2006 |
TT 2007: SAME SCHEDULE AS LAST YEAR
IT'S the same format as this year! Just like earlier this year four solo races and two
for sidecars will make-up the Isle of Man TT Centenary celebrations
next June.
Some riders had been hoping for a return of the 125 class while others
were banking on a second Supersport race, but that isn't the case.
However,
the Isle of Man Department of Tourism and Leisure has confirmed the
dates for TT 2007 and, at the same time, announced a packed calendar
which includes a number of special events to celebrate 100 years of
racing on the island.
The race schedule kicks off with the six-lap Superbike Race on Saturday June 2 followed by the Sidecar A Race on the same day.
The
four-lap Superstock Race takes place on Monday June 4 followed by the
Junior Supersport Race for 600cc machines on the Wednesday.
That same afternoon there's the second Sidecar Race while 'Race Week' will close with the Senior Race on Friday June 8.
The
fortnight begins on Saturday May 26 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 and MondayMay 27-28. A further
change to the previous schedule has seen the practice session on
Thursday May 31 move from the afternoon to the evening.
David
Cretney, the Isle of Man Minster for Tourism and Leisure said: "We have
consulted with the competitors and taken their comments on board in
devising next year's calendar.
"We have moved the first Sidecar Race
back to the opening 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.
"We have extended the signing on time
by allowing riders to register on Sunday 27 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 May 28, 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 on the middle
Saturday morning (June 2), 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.
A 'TT Day of
Champions' is also planned for Thursday June 7 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 June 8 with special guests and former TT riders
invited to complete a parade lap on closed roads.
David Cretney
added: "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."
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