Manx Grand Prix facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Manx Grand Prix

Venue	Snaefell Mountain Course
First race	1923
Previous names	Manx Amateur Road Races
Most wins (rider)	Bob Heath (11)

The Manx Grand Prix is an exciting motorcycle race held every year on the Isle of Man. It takes place on a famous track called the Mountain Circuit. This event usually happens in late August and early September. In 2022, the race period was shortened to nine days. The year 2023 was special because it marked the 100th birthday of this amazing race!

People often call it the MGP or just Manx. It's seen as a great place for amateur riders to gain experience. Many riders who do well here later compete in the more famous Isle of Man TT races. Unlike the TT, the Manx Grand Prix does not include sidecar races. In 2013, a 'Classic TT' race was added for older, historic motorcycles. This change allowed professional riders to join in too, making the event even more exciting.

The Manx Grand Prix usually has six races. Each race involves three or four laps of the 60.70 km (37.72 mi) circuit. The race starts at the TT Grandstand in Douglas, which is the capital city of the island. The types of races change a bit each year. For example, in 2024, there were races for Lightweight, Classic, Classic Junior, Junior, Senior, and Classic Superbike motorcycles.

Discovering the History of the Manx Grand Prix

The Manx Grand Prix started way back in 1923. It was first known as the 'Manx Amateur Road Races' or MARC. This name lasted until 1930 when it officially became the Manx Grand Prix. In the early days, it was sometimes tricky to decide who counted as an 'amateur' rider.

Today, many riders who succeed at the MGP go on to race in the TT. However, rules prevent them from racing modern motorcycles in the MGP again. They can only compete in the vintage (older) motorcycle classes. Famous riders like Chris Palmer and Richard Britton did this in 2005, riding classic Manx Nortons.

The official logo of the Manx Grand Prix

The Manx Grand Prix has also seen some amazing female riders. In 1989, Gloria Clark became the first woman to race in the MGP. She even made it into the Guinness Book of Records in 1991 for being the fastest woman on the TT Circuit! Later, Carolynn Sells made history in 2009. She became the first female winner on the Snaefell Mountain Course in the Ultra-Lightweight event at the 2009 Manx Grand Prix.

The Manx Grand Prix is organized by the Manx Motor Cycle Club (MMCC). They follow the rules set by the Auto-Cycle Union (ACU), which oversees most motorcycle events in Britain.

Understanding Race Classes

The Manx Grand Prix has different classes for various types of motorcycles and riders.

Newcomers Class

The Newcomers class is special. It's for riders who have never raced on the Mountain Circuit before. This class is unique to the MGP, as the TT races don't have one. Because of this, many new riders want to join, and the class is often full. Riders in this class use motorcycles with engines no bigger than 750cc. They also have to wear bright colored bibs (like orange or yellow) over their racing suits during 'Practice' sessions. This helps other riders easily spot them. Newcomers can also apply for other race classes, depending on their experience.

Main Race Classes for 2024

For the 2024 races, the main classes included:

• Lightweight Manx Grand Prix: This class includes different types of motorcycles, like 250cc 2-stroke, 200-401cc 4-stroke, Supersport 400, or Moto3 bikes. Each type of motorcycle has its own winner.
• Classic Senior Manx Grand Prix: For older bikes, specifically 500cc 2-strokes made before 1968 or 4-strokes made before 1973.
• Classic Junior Manx Grand Prix: For smaller 350cc machines. Famous winners in this class include Michael Dunlop and Lee Johnston.
• Junior Manx Grand Prix: This class uses Supertwin machines, similar to the rules for the Isle of Man Supertwin races.
• Senior: For motorcycles that meet Supersport specifications.
• Classic Superbike: For older Superbike models made up to 1997.

Clubman Racing

The Manx Motorcycle Club also has a special category called 'Clubman' status for amateur riders. These riders compete in the Lightweight, Classic Junior, Classic Senior, and Classic Superbike Races. If a rider was accepted into the 2024 Isle of Man TT Races, they are considered 'TT' status. If not, they are 'Clubman' and receive special awards.

As mentioned, newcomers wear colored bibs (usually orange or yellow) during practice. Riders in classic races wear white bibs. Riders who participated in the 2024 Isle of Man TT must compete in the Classic categories at the MGP.

How the Races Work

The Manx Grand Prix event starts with 'Practice' sessions. This is when riders get to know the course and practice their laps. They must complete a certain number of laps at a good speed to qualify for the actual races.

On the first evening of practice, new riders are guided around the course by 'Traveling Marshals.' These marshals ride bikes and check the course for any problems. After this guided lap, newcomers can ride at their own speed.

MGP 2024 Schedule

The 2024 schedule for the Manx Grand Prix was:

Sometimes, if the weather is bad, races can be delayed or even moved to different days. The organizers can also shorten the race distances if needed.

Famous Riders of the Manx Grand Prix

The Manx Grand Prix has been a starting point for many incredible riders who later became famous around the world. Riders like Martin Finnegan, Davy Morgan, and Kenneth McCrea became well-known TT stars. They also compete in other road racing events, especially in Ireland.

Other legendary names from the past include Freddie Frith, Phil Read, and the great Geoff Duke. These riders also raced at the TT, and Duke and Read went on to win multiple world championships. Mike Casey was another winner in 1995.

The late Gary Carswell, Senior race winner in 1997, with the A.B. Crookall Trophy

Even the "King of the Mountain," Joey Dunlop, who won 26 TT races, tried his hand at the MGP. He raced a classic Aermacchi and even finished on the podium!

Awards and Trophies

Many different awards are given out at the Manx Grand Prix each year. The Manx Motorcycle Club uses entry fees and donations to pay for these awards. Many trophies and cups have been given over the years. These awards range from the 'Fastest Lap of the meeting' to the '"Most meritorious performance by a newcomer."'

The winner of the Junior Manx Grand Prix receives the Douglas Pirie Trophy. The winner of the Senior Manx Grand Prix is awarded the A.B. Crookall Trophy. However, a rider can only win the A.B. Crookall Trophy once. After winning it, they are expected to move on and compete in the TT Races.

All riders who finish a race get a Finisher's Medal. If a rider finishes a race within a certain time of the winner, they receive a 'Replica.' Replicas are given to those who finish within 110% of the winner's time. There are also team awards, which are for riders competing for the same sponsor or from the same motorcycle club. In total, there are about 42 different awards, and this number continues to grow!

Other Fun Events During MGP Fortnight

The Manx Grand Prix is very popular with motorcycle fans. Many people feel it has a more relaxed and friendly atmosphere compared to the TT. During the races, there are various club meetings, especially for classic motorcycles. There's also a Classic Parade on closed roads. While there isn't a big funfair like at the TT, there are other entertainments. These include local and visiting music acts and the Manx 3-day Trial.

Manx Grand Prix Lap Records

Here are some of the fastest lap records set at the Manx Grand Prix:

See Also

• Isle of Man TT
• North West 200
• Ulster Grand Prix