Of course, the race result is important, but, having had some small input to the coaching of riders over these recent years, it's the standard of riding that makes me feel proud.
Having met and worked with most of the 30 newcomers when they attended our training course in March, to see them come through and leave the Island having had such a wonderful experience is all we can ask for. Personal highlight number 4!
I really am forever indebted to the Isle of Man, it's wonderful roads and amazing people, for giving me some of the best moments of my whole entire life. And, it also has to be said, some of the most heart breaking. Box of chocolates...
The thoroughly dedicated bunch of volunteers that make up the Committee of the Manx Motor Cycle Club (of which I'm one) give up their time selflessly with the single aim of allowing competitors to experience the same fun and exhilaration that they had when they themselves were racing the course.
Everyone's already hard at work making plans for the 2020 event. We'll be celebrating our centenary in 2023. Hope you can join us for at least one of those, or even better, both!
I'm going to leave the last word to Zoe Burn, editor of UK Club Sport magazine: "Much as I love the TT, there’s something special about the Manx Grand Prix. It has all the same action, same podium celebrations and even some of the same riders yet it has a much warmer community spirit”
Roll on Saturday 22nd August, 17:00. See you there...
Dave Kneen, Manx Photos Online