Thank you for your email and for taking time to express your views about our proposals for the Manx Grand Prix Festival.

The review did not start out with any pre-determined conclusions. We commissioned the review because we felt that the event was under-performing, considering the investment of over £1.1million that Government puts into it. The Isle of Man Government is currently trying to overcome the loss of a significant amount of annual revenue and we were interested in finding a way to grow the event and, by doing so, make it more sustainable. One of the possible outcomes of any event review is to end support for it; this option was quickly discarded and all our efforts have been directed towards growing the MGP Festival by re-investing in it.

Another potential outcome of the review, given that the results of the market research suggested that the classic machinery and nostalgia market is where the growth potential lies, could have been an event that concentrated solely on classic machines and classic racing. However, it was also suggested by the Manx Motorcycle Club and others, that it would be desirable to retain modern racing in order to provide additional variety within the Festival. We listened to these views and, as a consequence, included the Clubman’s TT within the event. This gives club racers the opportunity to compete in the races and also provides an opportunity for up and coming riders to move up to the TT with the assistance of sponsorship and a manufacturer supported entry. We have compromised.

I know that a lot of existing competitors will feel that we have ignored their wishes and concerns. This is not true. However, we cannot just listen to one element; we have to take all the stakeholders into account. The Manx Grand Prix Festival is, primarily, a tourist attraction for the Isle of Man. This has always been the case. We have to listen to the views of the Tourism industry on the Island; we did this during the review and we have been encouraged by their response to the proposals, which they feel offer the best opportunity to see growth in the event. Recent press releases from the Sefton Hotel Group and Manx 2.com illustrate this. You mention TV coverage and Grenada have been quick to express an interest.

The success of the event is dependent upon many factors. It is not enough just to fill grids full of riders; the races have to have commercial appeal, media appeal and be exciting for spectators. The event has to attract sufficient numbers of people to make the investment justifiable now and in the future and attracting media exposure is a significant element in making this happen. We also have to try and retain the loyalty to the event of all the volunteers who currently play such an important role in delivering the races and organising the support Festival attractions. This is a complicated task and is going to take a lot of hard work and some patience.

The proposals are, I hope, worthy of some serious consideration before anyone decides that the new event will not enjoy their support. We now need to work out exactly what the new event will feature in terms of teams, riders, Festival events and a finalised programme. It is our aim to provide something, in conjunction with Manx Motorcycle Club and the many other contributors to the Festival, that appeals to a wide range of motorcycle enthusiasts and gives them a compelling reason to holiday on the Island.

Regards and best wishes,

Colin Kniveton.


Colin N Kniveton MSc FCMA
Chief Executive
Department of Economic Development
St George's Court
Upper Church Street
Douglas
Isle of Man IM1 1EX
British Isles

Tel: +44 (0)1624 686401
e-mail: colin.kniveton@gov.im

The revised MGP is not perfect in some ways but at least there will still be an event. Lets hope the powers that be listen to opinions expressed, in particular by John McBride.