Highlight number 2. Bruce Anstey didn't waste any time in getting back to racing following his recuperation from cancer treatment. I've always been a huge admirer of Bruce's fantastic riding and was eagerly anticipating his return. Any doubts about a possible drop in form because of his health struggle were swiftly swept aside as he seemed to pretty much pick up from where he left on the little 250 Honda.
To see Bruce come out on top against such a quality field really was a fairy tale comeback. A more popular and thoroughly deserved victory would be difficult to imagine. Personal highlight number 3.
The other thing the Lightweight Classic TT gave us was a first insight into the amazing young talent that is James Hind. At just 19 years old and in only his second Manx Grand Prix, James swept a whole host of established TT stars as he took his Chris Barrett 250 Yamaha to a fine second place in the race won by Bruce.
He may well of given Bruce a much closer run for his money if he hadn't lost over twenty seconds fiddling with his petrol cap during his pit stop and then picking up a further 30 second pit lane penalty for exceeding the strictly enforced 60kph pit lane speed limit.
Seeing emerging talent of such quality come to the fore is the thing that makes the Manx Grand Prix so exciting and refreshing for me. It also defines the purpose of our races. Every year in the modern era between 15 and 20 riders move from the Manx Grand Prix to the TT and that keeps the wheels of the Manx Road Racing turning.
Emerging talent was evident in abundance this year as local rider, 22 year old Nathan Harrison did the local biking community proud with wonderful wins in the Junior and Senior Manx Grand Prix at only his second attempt.
Although just a 'spring chicken' in Road Racing terms, as those in the know will tell you, Nathan knows all about the ups and downs of bike racing.
Full credit to the Harrison family who put so much into the motorcycle scene, with brother Glenn also having competed in the MGP / TT as has Nathan's dad, Dean, who also rode Travelling marshal for several years.
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Ellan Vannin Images
Ian Simpson. Senior TT winner, on the Steve Hislop parade lap at the Gooseneck