Manx Classic

History

Racing on the Isle of Man started in 1904, when the Automobile Club of Great Britain was looking for a place to trial drivers and cars wishing a place on the British team for the Gordon Bennett Challenge Cup Race in Germany. UK law prohibited the closure of public roads and so the Isle of Man became the motor test bed.

The Original course ran from Quarter Bridge in Douglas through, Castletown, Foxdale, Kirk Michael, Jurby, and Ramsey returning on the newly built Snaefell Mountain Road back to Quarter Bridge. The circuit was 51 miles long and the best of 5 laps for the Hill Climb at Port-e-Vullen and the Douglas Promenade Speed Test were taken to represent Britain.

By 1906 the races were being held annually on the Isle of Man, but interest was short lived. Change was brought in 1908, as the RAC decided to withdraw its support for the races after pressure about accidents.

The races returned in 1989, featuring classic and vintage cars running a 3 1/2 mile circuit around Douglas on the Willaston Circuit. The races had another breif break before starting up again in 2006.

Location

Governor's Sprint - TT Grandstand on Glencrutchery Road.

Sloc Hillclimb - A36 North of Port Erin

Lhergy Frissell Hillclimb - A18 Mountain Road.

Information Contact

Manx Motor Racing Club Limited
PO Box 359
Douglas
Isle of Man
IM99 3EU

Watching the Manx Classic

The Manx Classic is made up of sprints, pursuits and circuit races. Public roads around the island are closed for this racing event of vintage, classic and modern sports cars. Spectators can freely view the races from many locations along the public roads.

Time Table for Manx Classic

• Day 1
  Governor's Sprint 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 9.30pm TT Grandstand Douglas
• Day 2
  The Sloc Hillclimb 9.15am - 4.30pm 36 North of Port Erin
• Day 3
  Lhergy Frissell Hillclimb 9.15am - 5pm A18 Mountain Road Ramsey