A sudden flurry of activity at the grandstand means this year's Manx Grand Prix is again almost upon us. Paddock security fencing has already appeared dividing competitors' areas from the rest of the park and in two weeks' time the first of the competitors will be setting up in the paddock area.
Again, the grandstand area will become a mini-village as stall-holders and fast food sellers arrive and the all-important beer tent opens its doors again in its new trackside location.
The MGP Supporters' Club tent will be offering refreshments behind the grandstand, as will the Hailwood Centre. Manx Motor Cycle Club chairman, Peter Maddocks said: 'This year's Manx again promises some superb racing. We have a combined total of 260 riders competing this year in the Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT. All we need now is for this summer's fine weather to continue.' Shely Bryan, of the TT Marshals' Association said signing on was already open on-line for marshals and anyone wanting to know more about making a valuable contribution to this year's event could find out more from the Marshals' Association web page or contacting the marshals' office. 'It takes over 500 dedicated volunteers to marshal the course but in return they get a unique perspective on the event,' she said. ‘We are always keen encourage new volunteers to get involved with marshalling, it’s a great way to support the experienced riders as well as the new up-and-coming racers. If you’ve never done it before, we’ll team you up with an experienced crew to learn the ropes. 'If you’ve got any questions, please get in touch: you can message us at https://facebook.com/IOMTTmarshals or call us on (01624) 618191 for a chat.
'Thanks to everyone who has already let us know which sessions they can attend.' For the riders, the event begins with official signing on, now spread over three days from Thursday 16 to Saturday 18 August. Saturday also sees riders' briefings taking place as well as final preparations for the Newcomers' sighting laps and first practice once roads close at 5pm. Forecasters are predicting a return to settled, fine weather this week so everyone is hoping that might prevail for the racing too.