TT changes cost and information

Authority	Department for Enterprise
Date received	2025-02-07
Outcome	All information sent
Outcome date	2025-03-07
Case ID	4431305

Summary

The request sought details on the decision-making process and costs regarding the shortening of the Manx Grand Prix schedule in 2022 and its subsequent reversion to a two-week format including the Classic TT. The Department for Enterprise disclosed that the 2022 changes were a joint decision with the MMCC to ensure sustainability, while the 2024 reversion was driven by concerns over decreased visitor numbers and financial pressures.

Key Facts

The decision to shorten the 2022 Manx Grand Prix schedule was made jointly by the Manx Motorcycle Club (MMCC) and the Department for Enterprise (DfE).
The 2022 restructuring removed the Classic TT designation and reduced the event duration from 14 days to 9 days.
The DfE decided in 2024 to reintroduce the Classic TT and restore a two-week format following stakeholder concerns.
The 2024 decision was driven by data showing decreased visitor numbers and increased financial pressures resulting from the 2022 changes.
ACU Events Ltd was appointed as the race organiser in 2022 to align safety with the Isle of Man TT.

Data Disclosed

2022
2023
2024
2025-02-07
2025-03-07
October 23 2024
14 days
9 days
2019
Friday 29th August 2025

Original Request

I would like to know all about the decision regarding the revert back to the usual TT schedule. Who made the decision to change the schedule to a shorter format in the first place? Who made the decision to revert back to the original timetable? Please inform me of all of the costs associated with both changes. Please provide all data regarding these decisions. All emails/meeting minutes/policy papers.

Data Tables (7)

TO:	Minister and Member for Motorsport, Department for Enterprise and Department Members
CC:	Mr Mark Lewin, Chief Executive Officer
FROM:	Paul Phillips, Head of Motorsport
Date of Paper:	3rd October 2024
Date of Department Meeting:	9th October 2024

What is the purpose of this paper?	Seek Approval
Compliance:
Please indicate whether the below have been considered. If applicable, please append or detail in paper. • Legislative Impact Assessment for major primary legislation. • Public Sector Equality Duty & Equality Impact Assessment1 • Public Sector Climate Change Duty & Impact Assessment2 • Data Protection Impact Assessment • Risk Assessment Completed3	Not Applicable Not applicable Not required Not required Not Applicable
Are there any resource/personnel implications?	No
Is the request to be funded from within existing revenue budget?	Not Applicable
If request to be funded through fund reclaim identify fund?	Choose an item.
Will Treasury or ESB approval be required?	No
Has appropriate internal and/or public consultation taken place?	Yes
Is the Department acting within its legal powers (vires)? (Please provide details in the paper, including reference to any advice received).	Yes
Are there any cross Government implications?	Yes
If yes, which other Departments are involved? Have you consulted with these Departments? 4	Not Applicable
Is there a communication plan required?	No
Does the recommendation have Political and/or Board approval within the Division or Agency?	Not Applicable
If yes date approval given:
Are there any potential Conflict of Interest issues?	No
Please identify Conflict of Interest:

Signed: Mrs Maltby MHK

Date: 04:10:24

Comments:

Motorsport is in the Islands DNA but frustratingly the MGP has over time lost it’s identity. The Motorsport Team have consulted with the various stakeholders involved and using the combined experience have the beginnings of a strategy with deliverable KPIs that will secure the future of a classic motorsport event on the Isle of Man. I fully support the Leadership within the Motorsport division with their vision and look forward to working alongside the team to fully realise the economic and social benefit to the Island that will, with the improved format, inevitably come from hosting a classic sporting event on the world famous Mountain Course.

Signed:	Date:
Comments:

Signed:	Date:
Comments:

Approved:		Signed:	Date:
Rejected:
Deferred:

Comments:

Full Response Text

Freedom of Information Co-ordinator 1st Floor, St Georges Court Upper Church Street, Douglas Isle of Man IM1 1EX

Telephone: (01624 686400) Website: https://www.iomdfenterprise.im/

Our ref: 4431305 7 March 2025

Dear ###,

We write further to your request, received 7 February 2025, which states:

"I would like to know all about the decision regarding the revert back to the usual TT schedule.

Who made the decision to change the schedule to a shorter format in the first place?

Who made the decision to revert back to the original timetable?

Please inform me of all of the costs associated with both changes.

Please provide all data regarding these decisions. All emails/meeting minutes/policy papers."

Our response to your request is as follows:

“Who made the decision to change the schedule to a shorter format in the first place?”

The decision to shorten the Manx Grand Prix schedule, and remove the Classic TT designation in 2022, was made following a joint review conducted by the Manx Motor Cycle Club (MMCC) and the Isle of Man Department for Enterprise (DfE). This review was carried out in collaboration with key stakeholders, including ACU Events Ltd., the TT Marshals Association, and Manx Road Racing Medical Services.

The primary objective of the review was to ensure the long-term sustainability of the event, particularly as it returned in 2022 following a two-year absence, and as it approached its centenary in 2023. Several key factors were taken into consideration, including financial viability, the impact of road closures on local businesses and residents, the availability of volunteers, medics, officials and marshals to support the whole event, and the relevance of the event to fans, media, and the wider industry. Concerns around the ability to secure sufficient resources cover for a full two-week schedule were significant, as was the desire to modernise the race programme in a way that would better align with the Isle of Man TT.

As a result, changes were implemented for the returning 2022 event, which saw the Classic TT removed from the schedule, with all racing instead consolidated under the Page | 2 Manx Grand Prix title. The overall duration of the event was reduced from fourteen days to nine, and the race programme was adjusted to include a mix of modern and classic machinery. The changes were supported by the Department for Enterprise, which continued to provide financial backing, event marketing, and infrastructure support. ACU Events Ltd. was appointed as the race organiser, further aligning the event safety with the Isle of Man TT.

A key driver behind the restructuring was the cost associated with staging the event and the need to ensure the event returned on a stable footing for resources. The financial burden of running a two-week schedule had grown due to increased
operational costs, including race organisation, road closure management, insurance, medical support and race administration. The shortening of the event was aimed at
reducing these costs.

A full copy of the initial release issued regarding the changes made ahead of the 2022 Manx Grand Prix remains readily available here:

https://www.visitisleofman.com/trade/supporting-your-business/industry-news-events- and-training/read/2022/01/new-look-confirmed-for-the-2022-manx-grand-prix-b230

“I would like to know all about the decision regarding the revert back to the usual CTT schedule. Who made the decision to revert back to the original timetable?”

Following a wide range of concerns from spectators, stakeholders and the public during and following 2024’s events, the Department sought further discussion and cooperation with all stakeholders as part of the annual review.

Following this process, the Department for Enterprise made the decision in 2024 to support the reintroduction of the Classic TT alongside the Manx Grand Prix and restore a two-week format, although with a different sequencing to try and address previous concerns over both visitor numbers and event resourcing.

This decision was announced on October 23 2024, and a full copy of the release issued can be found here:

https://www.iomdfenterprise.im/news-events/department-for-enterprise-confirms- three-year-commitment-to-reintroduce-classic-tt-alongside-manx-grand- prix/#:~:text=The%20Department%20for%20Enterprise%20today,until%20Friday%2 029th%20August%202025.

As detailed within the release, this further review assessed the viability of maintaining a second major road racing event on the Mountain Course and concluded that the changes introduced in 2022 had resulted in decreased visitor numbers, increasing financial pressures, and operational challenges for the voluntary organisations that support the event.

The financial impact of these changes was reflected in the visitor numbers for the event. Data from the Isle of Man Government’s departure surveys show that in 2019, prior to the restructuring, the combined visitor numbers for the Manx Grand Prix and Page | 3 Classic TT were 16,019. In 2023, after the removal of the Classic TT, visitor numbers had dropped to 14,130, representing a decline of nearly 12%.

The new event structure was supported by the contributions of key stakeholders, including ACU Events, the TT Marshals Association, Manx Road Racing Medical Services, and the Manx Motor Cycle Club, who helped shape the new schedule.

The Chairman of the Manx Motor Cycle Club, also welcomed the changes, stating that the revised race programme would offer better value for competitors, increased practice time, and a refocused approach that would ensure the event continues to play a vital role in the road racing calendar.

The decision to reinstate the Classic TT alongside the Manx Grand Prix represents a strategic intervention designed to restore visitor numbers, increase economic impact, and strengthen the Isle of Man’s position as a leading destination for motorcycle racing. The expected financial benefits include a rise in visitor spending, increased sponsorship and licensing opportunities, and a boost to local businesses, all of which will contribute to the long-term viability of the event.

“Please inform me of all of the costs associated with both changes.”

As detailed in the Department’s written response to Tynwald Question W-202401- 1334, the decision to reinstate the Classic TT was made in consultation with all relevant government bodies through the National Motorsport Committee (NMC), which includes representatives from the Cabinet Office, Isle of Man Constabulary, Manx Care, the Department for Enterprise, the Department of Infrastructure, and the Department of Home Affairs. The NMC reviewed the anticipated costs and economic benefits of reintroducing the event before supporting the decision.

The estimated additional costs to government departments resulting from the reintroduction of the Classic TT in 2025 include approximately £130,000 for Manx Care. More information regarding these costs can be found in the written response to Tynwald Question W-202401-1380 from the Department of Health and Social Care.

In addition, the Department of Infrastructure has estimated in a written response to Tynwald Question W-202401-1379 that an additional £20,000 in costs for pre- sweeping the TT course, provision of standby sweepers during races, and operation of the TT Access Road. If contingency race days are utilised, these costs could double.

Despite these additional costs, the decision to reinstate the Classic TT is based on the expectation that the event will generate a positive economic return. The Department for Enterprise has projected that securing a minimum of 2,000 additional visitors would offset these costs. The Department anticipates a 10% increase in visitor numbers, driven by the TT’s expanded global audience and marketing opportunities linked to the event. The growth of digital broadcasting, the upcoming TT docuseries, and the expansion of commercial sponsorship opportunities are expected to further enhance the economic impact of the Classic TT’s return.

Page | 4 “Please provide all data regarding these decisions. All emails/meeting minutes/policy papers.”

Please see the attached document regarding the changes to the MGP/Classic TT, as requested. Details of the minutes are listed below.

Meeting Minutes Information

364/24 Motorsport - Manx Grand Prix / Classic TT - Annex J Paper: 24/178

The paper tabled was reviewed in conjunction with the paper outlined above and was taken as a paper for Noting.

Discussions were held around whether the proposals for changes to the MGP / Classic TT could be implemented in time for 2025. It was noted that the proposals had not been stress tested. PP added that the 'noise' around the MGP could be a significant distraction to the Hollywood Film proposals and that it was key that this be avoided if possible.

It was noted that the Department fully supported the proposal to table a bid to Treasury for this event, outlining the current decline of the event and how the proposals may slow this decline and provide exchequer benefit.

Discussions were held around the Steam Packet and key dates for the events to better understand when an announcement could be made in relation to any changes to the event.

ACTION: PP to draw up a Key Dates list in relation to MGP/Classic TT amendment proposals to help indicate when any announcement in relation to changes could be made.

Please quote the reference number 4431305 in any future communications.

Your right to request a review

If you are unhappy with this response to your freedom of information request, you may ask us to carry out an internal review of the response, by completing a complaint form and submitting it electronically or by delivery/post.

An electronic version of our complaint form can be found by going to our website at https://services.gov.im/freedom-of-information/Review . If you would like a paper version of our complaint form to be sent to you by post, please contact me and I will be happy to arrange for this. Your review request should explain why you are dissatisfied with this response, and should be made as soon as practicable. We will respond as soon as the review has been concluded.

Page | 5 If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner for a decision on; 1. Whether we have responded to your request for information in accordance with Part 2 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015; or 2. Whether we are justified in refusing to give you the information requested.
In response to an application for review, the Information Commissioner may, at any time, attempt to resolve a matter by negotiation, conciliation, mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution and will have regard to any outcome of this in making any subsequent decision. More detailed information on your right to a review can be found on the Information Commissioner’s website at www.inforights.im. Should you have any queries concerning this letter, please do not hesitate to contact me. Further information about freedom of information requests can be found at www.gov.im/foi.

I will now close your request as of this date.

This response took three hours to complete.

Page 1 of 7

V2. 10/04/2024

Department Paper No. 24/178

TO: Minister and Member for Motorsport, Department for Enterprise and Department Members CC: Mr Mark Lewin, Chief Executive Officer FROM: Paul Phillips, Head of Motorsport
Date of Paper: 3rd October 2024 Date of Department Meeting: 9th October 2024

SUBJECT: Manx Grand Prix/Classic TT

What is the purpose of this paper?
Seek Approval Compliance: Please indicate whether the below have been considered. If applicable, please append or detail in paper. • Legislative Impact Assessment for major primary legislation. • Public Sector Equality Duty & Equality Impact Assessment1
• Public Sector Climate Change Duty & Impact Assessment2 • Data Protection Impact Assessment • Risk Assessment Completed3

Not Applicable Not applicable Not required Not required Not Applicable Are there any resource/personnel implications? No Is the request to be funded from within existing revenue budget?
Not Applicable If request to be funded through fund reclaim identify fund? Choose an item. Will Treasury or ESB approval be required? No Has appropriate internal and/or public consultation taken place? Yes Is the Department acting within its legal powers (vires)? (Please provide details in the paper, including reference to any advice received). Yes Are there any cross Government implications?
Yes If yes, which other Departments are involved?

Have you consulted with these Departments? 4

Not Applicable Is there a communication plan required? No Does the recommendation have Political and/or Board approval within the Division or Agency? Not Applicable If yes date approval given:

Are there any potential Conflict of Interest issues? No Please identify Conflict of Interest:

1 Equality Act 2017 Section 143 [Public Sector Equality Duty]
2 Clause 21, Climate Change Act 2021 [Duties of Public Bodies]
3 Treasury Risk Management Policy 2023-28 4 Please include the other Department’s views in the consultation section

Page 2 of 7