Classic TT programme confirmed

Following a week of practice the race programme gets underway with the Bennetts 500cc Classic TT Race on Saturday, August 23. This is followed on Bank Holiday Monday, August 25, with the Okells 350cc Classic TT Race, followed by the combined Motorsport Merchandise Formula 1 and Formula 2 Classic TT Races.

The Classic TT Races form part of a four-day festival of motorcycle nostalgia from August 22-25, which includes a Paddock Carnival, classic racing machinery displays, photographic exhibitions, and the VMCC Festival of Jurby.

The Classic TT is one of the events that form part of the 2014 Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling, between August 16-31. The festival includes the Manx Grand Prix (August 27-29), Manx Two-Day Trial (August 23-24), Manx Classic Trial (August 30-31) and the VMCC rally and The Festival of Jurby (August 24).

After consultation with teams, riders, commercial partners and race fans, Manx officials reviewed all aspects of the event with a view to refining and building upon the 2013 Classic TT success. As a result a number of changes have been made from a racing perspective.

These include the withdrawal of the 250cc and Formula Classic TT Races; although riders from these classes will be allowed to compete in the 350cc and Formula 1 Classic TT Races respectively. The limited numbers of entries, and finishers, in the respective classes has been given as the reason for this decision.

A number of new awards have been added and these will be presented as a tribute to some of the greatest names in TT history, and will feature the legendary helmet designs in the trophy design. The Joey Dunlop Classic TT Trophy will go to the rider of the first 750cc machine to finish in the Formula 1 Classic TT Race. The Mike Hailwood Classic TT Trophy will go to the rider of the first 500cc single cylinder machine in the 500cc Classic TT Race, The Geoff Duke Classic TT Trophy to the rider of the first 350cc single cylinder machine in the 350cc Classic TT Race and The Phil Read Classic TT Trophy to the rider of the first 250cc machine in the 350cc Classic TT Race.

Competitor categories have also amended; the original GP Rider and Privateer classes were introduced in 2013 to ensure competitors of all abilities and experience could compete in the Classic TT Races. These classes were used to determine the awarding of trophies and replicas.

In 2014 one will be deemed a GP Rider if he, or she, has finished first, second or third in a 500cc, 350cc, Formula 1 or Formula 2 Classic TT Race in any of the previous two years. This classification will also apply to any rider who has lapped at a given speed in a 500cc, 350cc, Formula 1 or Formula 2 Classic TT Race in any of the previous two years. The threshold speeds will be 105mph, 100mph, 115mph, and 108mph respectively.

Also any rider who has finished in the top 20 in a Superbike, Supersport, Superstock or Senior TT Race in the previous two years will be classified in the GP class. The promoters also reserve the right, in exceptional circumstances, and based on experience and machinery to place any rider in this class.

The technical regulations for the Classic TT Races are under review, but there are no plans to make any significant alterations to the key technical specifications, although there may be some minor amendments. The full regulations for the Classic TT will be released along with those for the Manx Grand Prix Races in early 2014.

In an effort to make improvements to practice and qualification track time, as well as logistical issues relating to technical inspections and the use of the Parc Ferme, the Classic TT Race Organisers and the Manx Motor Cycle Club are working together.