56º North October 2019 | Page 82

The racing itself was interspersed with several display laps. Leading the way was Giaciomo Agostini on an MV Augusta. I was stood right next to him on the start line as he set off. Really, a sight and sound to behold.

A very much appreciated tribute lap to the great Steve Hislop took place. This was to mark the 30th Anniversary of the Flying Haggis becoming the first rider to lap the Mountain Course at an average speed of more than 120mph.

I was never a really close friend of Steve's although I did get to go out off road riding with him from time to time. From what I can gather from people who knew Steve a lot better than I did, I'm not sure how delighted he would of been having Carl Fogarty take centre stage in a parade lap in his memory!

Anyway, that's a different story. It was great to see Brian Morrison, Iain Duffus, Jim Moodie and Ian Simpson being part of the celebration.

Well over 250 riders from 23 different countries turned up to face the challenge of racing on the Mountain Course at this year's Festival of Motorcycling. To start a Manx GP race is going to cost you £450 entry fee and some riders are starting three races - that's £1,350 before you've even turned a wheel or thought about the cost of getting your van on the boat for the crossing to the Island.

Prize money that Nathan and James picked up for their four victories - zilch! It's all for the love of it...

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Dave Kneen, Manx Photos Online