Manx National Heritage’s popular Our Sporting Life exhibition is being updated with a new display celebrating the island’s unique motorsport heritage.

Since 1904, except for wartime and the 2001 foot-and-mouth crisis, there has never been a summer season when the Isle of Man has not echoed to the roar of racing exhaust pipes.

The island, with its home rule authority to close public roads exclusively for racing, has for more than a century played host to countless aspirants to chequered flag honours, on two, three and four wheels. Being different has always been one of the island’s greatest strengths, and by closing public roads at a time when others refused to do so, the Isle of Man has become a world famous motorsport venue.

The Manx motorsport story will be celebrated in Our Sporting Life – from the Edwardian visionaries who tested new technology on the island’s dirt track roads, to the brave men and women who tackle the Mountain Circuit on two wheels at speeds averaging 130mph.

The exhibition will feature the TT, Manx Grand Prix and Southern 100 races, plus the marshals who are the silent heroes of the events.

Fans of four wheels will not be disappointed as the history of motorcar racing on the island will be explored, with a focus on the Gordon Bennett Eliminating Trials, the Car TT, the Mannin Beg and Mannin Mooar Races, the British Empire Trophy and the Manx Classic.

There will be a celebration of rallying in the Isle of Man, including the development of the Manx Trophy Rally and a focus on the Leece and Higgins family rallying dynasty.

In recent years, the island has also developed a reputation for producing world class off road bikers as well.

Dirt bike heroes will also be celebrated in the exhibition, with a focus on enduro legend David Knight MBE.

The new display, Manx Motorsport, opened on Saturday, to coincide with the popular Manx Classic Hill Climb weekend. It will be open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.

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