Classic TT Organiser Reveals Contingency Plans to Avoid Isle of Man TT Repeat
Isle of Man TT race organiser Gary Thompson has expressed confidence in completing a full schedule for the Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT, despite the challenges posed by poor weather.
The Classic TT organiser has revealed flexible contingency plans to avoid a repeat of the scheduling nightmares that befell the Isle of Man TT earlier this summer.
Despite the challenges posed by poor weather, Clerk of the Course Gary Thompson remains confident of completing a full race schedule for the Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT.
The 2026 Manx Grand Prix was scheduled to continue with three sessions on Monday evening, but qualifying for the Senior MGP/Supersport MGP categories, and the Junior MGP/Sportbike MGP classes were cancelled due to bad weather.
A one-lap Classic TT session was also cancelled, with all three sessions now scheduled to take place later in the day.
Thompson has acknowledged that poor weather could prove to be a major challenge for the Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT over the next two weeks.
However, he is aiming to combat these potential challenges with a flexible schedule that offers plenty of contingency periods through qualifying and race week.
The schedule includes possible contingency periods on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday afternoon during qualifying week, as well as Friday evening, Sunday afternoon, all day Tuesday, and all day Thursday during race week.
Thompson has also taken into account the loss of an hour's natural light in the evening, which will require the competitors to flag at 8pm instead of 8:50pm to ensure they get back in daylight.
## Contingency Plans
| Contingency Period | Day | | --- | --- | | Wednesday afternoon | Qualifying week | | Thursday afternoon | Qualifying week | | Friday evening | Qualifying week | | Sunday afternoon | Qualifying week | | Tuesday | Race week | | Thursday | Race week |
## Overcoming Scheduling Challenges
Thompson has expressed confidence in completing a full schedule, citing the flexibility built into the schedule as a key factor.
"We are confident. We've built the schedule to put in plenty of flexibility," he said.
The contingency plans are designed to provide a safety net in case of poor weather, allowing the organisers to adjust the schedule as needed.
Thompson has also acknowledged the challenges posed by the loss of an hour's natural light in the evening, but is confident that the flexible schedule will help to overcome these challenges.
"We've got plenty of wiggle room," he said.
The Classic TT and Manx Grand Prix are set to take place over the next two weeks, with the organisers hoping to complete a full schedule despite the challenges posed by poor weather.
