Definitely good news about Phil Taubman being COC for the Manx. And I agree with Tom about newcomers coming through the Manx first. Not everybody is going to lap at 120mph in their first year but that's not to say that given 2-3 years experience someone might grow into an excellent TT rider.

The way it's currently working someone who laps at 112mph on their debut probably won't get asked back and although they can now go back to the Manx, it'll be a three year wait.

There will always be exceptions like Steve Plater. However, if someone has a proven record on the roads that's another thing. Anyone without a history on the roads should go throught the Manx first.