Department for Enterprise confirms three-year commitment to reintroduce Classic TT alongside Manx Grand Prix

The Department for Enterprise today announces the return of the Classic TT as part of an enhanced fortnight of motorcycle racing set to take place on the Isle of Man’s world-famous TT Mountain Course from Sunday 17th August until Friday 29th August 2025.

The Classic TT was last staged from 2013-2019 and quickly developed into the world's foremost classic motorcycle race attracting the world's best teams and most exotic machinery along with the fastest modern day TT competitors. The return of the event promises to not only celebrate the iconic legacy of the TT but also serve as a catalyst for attracting additional visitors and supporting the Island’s visitor economy, building on the sharp growth of the TT’s global audience in recent years.

In addition to the reintroduction of the Classic TT, the Department has committed to the continuation of its support of the Manx Grand Prix which remains an integral part of the Island’s rich road racing heritage. Going forward the Manx Grand Prix will run a revised four race programme for modern machinery that marks a return to its clubman sporting roots. The new format will re-establish the Manx Grand Prix as a feeder event for the Isle of Man TT, providing a platform for emerging talent to showcase and develop their skills whilst upholding the traditions of the event as it stories its 102nd year.

The Manx Grand Prix will open proceedings with six days of practice sessions beginning on Sunday 17th August, ahead of the four races taking place across the Bank Holiday weekend on Saturday 23rd and Monday 25th August.

Sharing the course time available, the Classic TT will run in tandem with the Manx Grand Prix and qualifying sessions will run from Wednesday 20th August until Monday 25th of August. Racing for the Classic TT will begin on Wednesday 27th August with three races scheduled starting with the Formula 1 TT, followed by the Lightweight TT and then the Historic Junior TT. The Classic TT will come to a close on Friday 29th August, with the prestigious Historic Senior TT followed by the Senior Classic TT - bringing the curtain down on the Mountain Course action.

The action-packed schedule will provide a thrilling spectacle and away from the Mountain Course the race programme will be supported by a range of nostalgic events and 2-wheeled attractions designed to attract visitors and race enthusiasts from across the world.

The decision for this strategic intervention comes following an internal review with key stakeholders around ensuring that a second Mountain Course event each year can be financially sustainable set against increasing costs and decreasing visitor numbers. This position is a clear juxtaposition to the increasing number of visitors that are attending the Isle of Man TT Races. With the TT’s significant increase in global interest, the Department will seek to leverage this momentum through the reintroduction of the Classic TT.

The new programme of motorcycling racing is designed to encourage additional visitors to the latter part of the event using Classic TT as a vehicle to drive visitors to attend where there remains capacity within the Island’s tourism sector. The primary ambition is that the Classic TT will initially support visitor numbers returning to a pre-covid position and generate a significant increase in the exchequer benefit derived from staging the event as well as increasing the visitor spend within the Island’s economy for the event period.

The Department will also be able to capitalise on the TT’s increased exposure and generate further income through licensing and sponsorship opportunities for the Classic TT.

Mrs Sarah Maltby MHK, Political Member with Responsibility for Tourism and Motorsport commented: “I am sure many will welcome the news that the Classic TT will be returning to the motorsport calendar in addition to the continuation of the Manx Grand Prix, seeing the event take on a two week format once more. This three-year commitment from the Department reflects an ongoing desire to support the Island’s motorsport heritage, fostering both cultural and economic sustainability for our visitor economy.

I believe the appeal of the new schedule will also go a long way to helping overcome the current operational challenges faced by the voluntary organisations, who rely on visitors and play such an integral role in the Isle of Man’s motorcycle racing events. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the stakeholder organisations including ACUE, TTMA, Manx Roadracing Medical Services and the Manx Motor Cycle Club, all of whom have supported and made vital contributions to the redesigned schedule.

I look forward to welcoming both long-time fans and new visitors to experience the exciting programme of events taking place on and off the course as well as the unique charm of the Isle of Man.”

The Department for Enterprise, commercial rights owners of the Isle of Man TT, will be the promoter of the Classic TT Races, whilst the Manx Motor Cycle Club will retain the role of promoter for the Manx Grand Prix.

John McBride, Chairman, Manx Motor Cycle Club added: ‘"We are incredibly excited for the 2025 Manx Grand Prix. The revised race programme, and modern racing focus will offer competitors and fans alike a highly competitive and thrilling spectacle. We are pleased to be able to give our riders better value for money with two races per class, as well as increased practice time, and feel that this re-focused approach, will ensure that the event can continue to play an important role in road racing for many years to come.”

TT Race Organisers ACU Events will perform the same role for both the Classic TT and Manx Grand Prix.