Photo: gtplanet.net
Most of you don’t remember the Return of the Man from the Isle of Man editorial we published about one and a half years ago, and even more people have never gotten to read it at all. However, you might very well take your time and read those paragraphs again (anew) because things are on the move: the Isle of Man government is looking for an organizer and promoter for the TT World Series, a project which might become reality by the end of 2016.
The idea of expanding the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy to a planetary level dates back from 2010, but as this is a huge project with very complex ramifications, the progress was slow. However, it was progress, as news from Manx bring word about decisive moves which are envisaged for the near future. The government of the island is actively searching an independent promotor to arrange the commercial side of the Isle of Man TT, Classic TT and which is also expected to establish a World Series for similar events.
The Isle of Man TT would then become a sort of grand finale for the year-round events and the place where the new best TT rider of the season would be crowned. All the commercial aspects of the TT events would be licensed to an independent Promoter, including: domestic and international television and broadcast rights, sponsorship, licensing, hospitality, event ticketing, merchandising and retail sales, official Isle of Man TT sources report.
The plans for the TT World Series aren’t laid out yet and they will be discussed in detail later this year. Matt Wilson from Sports Consultancy says that the TT races have a huge potential that is still untapped and which could return solid profits for everyone who is a part of them: riders, teams, sponsors, new counties hosting events, promoters and the Isle of Man itself. “We believe that it has huge untapped global commercial potential and on behalf of the Isle of Man Government are looking to identify a Promoter who shares the Government’s vision, will develop the event to the next level and deliver enhanced commercial value to the Island,” Wilson tells iomtt.com.
Something tells us that Dorna is eyeing this, too, especially after we learned that the FIM Trial, X-Trial, MOTUL Ice Speedway, Speedway GP Challenge, Sidecar and Cross-Country Rallies World Championships, and the FIM International Six Days Enduro TV rights have been acquired with a two-year contract. Dorna Sports is growing their business, and we might just see it involved with the Isle of Man TT. Just our 2 cents…
An untapped potential
The TT World Series would comprise around six TT-style races in various locations around the world, grouping together riders in the Superbike, Supersport and Superstock classes, while a massive start is also considered as a part of the big picture. Between 20 and 30 riders are expected to take part in the new series for start, but the final goal is obviously to popularize this sport and discover local talents, and new “venues”.The Isle of Man TT would then become a sort of grand finale for the year-round events and the place where the new best TT rider of the season would be crowned. All the commercial aspects of the TT events would be licensed to an independent Promoter, including: domestic and international television and broadcast rights, sponsorship, licensing, hospitality, event ticketing, merchandising and retail sales, official Isle of Man TT sources report.
The plans for the TT World Series aren’t laid out yet and they will be discussed in detail later this year. Matt Wilson from Sports Consultancy says that the TT races have a huge potential that is still untapped and which could return solid profits for everyone who is a part of them: riders, teams, sponsors, new counties hosting events, promoters and the Isle of Man itself. “We believe that it has huge untapped global commercial potential and on behalf of the Isle of Man Government are looking to identify a Promoter who shares the Government’s vision, will develop the event to the next level and deliver enhanced commercial value to the Island,” Wilson tells iomtt.com.
Something tells us that Dorna is eyeing this, too, especially after we learned that the FIM Trial, X-Trial, MOTUL Ice Speedway, Speedway GP Challenge, Sidecar and Cross-Country Rallies World Championships, and the FIM International Six Days Enduro TV rights have been acquired with a two-year contract. Dorna Sports is growing their business, and we might just see it involved with the Isle of Man TT. Just our 2 cents…
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