TT 2005 classes

[sv_cath]

For anyone that's interested following a recent thread about how they shouldn't ban the smaller classes for next year's TT, I received the following e-mail from the Isle of Man TT Co-ordinating Committee:-


TT2005 – Classes


At its meeting on 16 July, the TT Co-ordinating Committee gave consideration to the petition organised by Dave Madsen-Mygdal, as well as various other correspondence received by the Department, regarding the decision not to stage a Lightweight/Ultra Lightweight TT in 2005.


The announcement of the programme for TT2005 followed the most extensive consultation process, involving riders, teams, manufacturers, marshals, spectators and the general public, in the illustrious history of the TT Races. In determining that programme the Co-ordinating Committee recognised that it was totally impossible to produce a solution which met the aspirations of all interested parties. The Co-ordinating Committee had, therefore, to make a balanced judgement, having regard to all of those views, as to what it believed was in the best long term interests of the TT Races. It has come as no surprise that there are a group of people, mainly, but not exclusively, those involved in the 125 and 400 classes, who feel very upset by the decision. I regret that, but as I said at the time we cannot please everyone all of the time.


Notwithstanding that inevitable reaction the TT Co-ordinating Committee would wish to make it clear that the decision on the 2005 Race Programme classes, as announced at the Press Conference on 4 June, was a final decision. It was the end of a very full consultative process not the start of a new one.


Whilst there has been a desire in some quarters to consider the 125/400 issue in isolation it does need to be placed in a wider context on its review following the 2003 event the Co-ordinating Committee had taken the decision to move away from early morning practices – not simply because of safety concerns deriving from tiredness and conditions – but also because it was becoming increasingly difficult to meet expected standards of cover in terms of both emergency services, marshals and officials. In 2005, the Co-ordinating Committee was, therefore, having to formulate a programme that was sustainable without morning practices (even emergency sessions) and this meant either an extended period of practising or a reduction in the number of practice groups from 3 to 2. Both of these approaches were, of course, explored in the last round of consultation.


It is clear that both the 400 Lightweight and Ultra Lightweight 125 classes have been in decline for some time. Indeed the primary reason why they were being run as a combined race was that neither class was capable of producing a full grid. The 400 class is based around ageing grey imports and in recent years in order to keep the class alive as organisers we have accepted riders in this class who would not, on merit, get into the larger classes. Equally the 125 class has been in decline for several years and in 2004 we had only 24 entries and only one make of machine.


The Co-ordinating Committee has noted the argument that the 125/400 race represents a good starter class. We strongly believe that the Manx Grand Prix represents the ideal opportunity to learn the TT Course and indeed the Manx Motorcycle Club, whose exclusive decision on classes is their prerogative do run 125cc and 400cc classes for newcomers.


Also at TT level it is interesting to note that not only did the combined classes produce only one newcomer in 2004 but also the classes have an older rider age profile than the 600/1000 based classes.


In conclusion, therefore, the TT Co-ordinating Committee would reiterate that it remains convinced that in determining the 2005 race classes it has made the right decision – a decision which is in the best interests of the TT Races and the new programme has been welcomed by a number of interested parties. We believe the 6 lap Superbike, 6 lap Senior, 2 x 600cc Supersport Junior Races and Superstock, together with 2 x sidecar races present an exciting and relevant formula which, in no small part, acknowledges the history of our world famous event.

Regards,

David Cretney, M.H.K. [/i]