Ever watched a bike race and said: “I could do that!”?
Every year the Manx Grand Prix gives hundreds of amateurs the chance to pit their skills, and bravery, against the greatest road racing course in the world – the 37.73-mile TT mountain circuit.
And it’s not for the faint-hearted. The TT course mixes narrow roads, stone walls and tight s-bends with open mountain stretches meaning that the skill and concentration of the rider is tested to the limit. Indeed, some of the best riders have used the MGP as a stepping-stone to launch brilliant careers: Carl Fogarty, Steve Hislop, Robert Dunlop, Ryan Farquhar and Jamie Whitham have all tested their mettle as amateurs on the famous course.
So who were the stars of 2003? Newcomers Ian Hutchinson and Stuart Sturrock broke lap and race records; Phil Gilder showed his skills in the Junior and the flying Manxmen Jason Griffiths and Paul Duckett took the Junior Classic and Senior Race respectively. Check out the DVD bonus on-board lap with Duckett - you’ll be able to see how fast he really was!
So sit back, put your feet up and experience the magic of the Manx Grand Prix. It’s where stars are born and legends are made.