Wednesday November 30, 2005 at 12:00am
Following the sad and tragic events which occurred on the circuit during TT and MGP in 2005 the ACU, in conjunction with the Manx Authorities, resolved to undertake a comprehensive review of every aspect of the events in order to improve safety and thus safeguard the future.
One of the most often voiced criticisms has been the participation of the once a year “holiday racer” and the ACU Road Race Committee have decided that this must be addressed. The Committee members know full well that there is no magic formula to ensure any rider’s safety but firmly believe that riders on the TT course should be racing more than just once a year.
Every rider of every nationality will now be required to be of an approved standard of competence, experience and medical fitness in order to take part and this will be achieved through the introduction of this new course specific licence.
Whilst there will inevitably be some individual problems to resolve in phasing the licence in next year, the need to qualify every year thereafter will also serve to underline the responsibility towards the events that each rider must actively share. Riders, Machines, Races, Officials, Management, The Course – all of these factors are receiving ongoing and detailed consideration.
Much of this will not directly involve the rider although the question of starting the races in order of qualifying is one of the items under consideration that would.
The Committee recognise that those who feel they are adversely affected will complain bitterly that the ACU knows nothing, is out of touch, is moneymaking, wishes to kill off the TT, is making a knee jerk reaction, etc., etc., etc. Nothing could be further from the truth. We all want to safeguard the future of these wonderful races and to insist that the competitors meet high standards is surely a sensible step forward.
Jim Parker Chairman – Road Race Drag and Sprint Committee Ware
Wednesday 30th November 2005 .