Following a successful inaugural Isle of Man Classic TT in 2013, the Isle of Man Government Department of Economic Development has confirmed that the 2014 Classic TT will pay tribute to Joey Dunlop.
The 2014 Classic TT, titled ‘Joey Dunlop – Road Racing Legend’ will celebrate the career of Dunlop at the TT, in the F1 World Championship and his career in Ireland, highlighting the height of his career in the 1980s, the theme for the event.
“There seems to be an unwritten rule that Classic Racing is just pre-1960’s machines but we are looking to change that with the Classic TT,” said Head of Motorsport for the Department of Economic Development, Trevor Hussey. “The 1980’s not only gives us a rich motorcycling theme but was also a strong cultural decade and we will look to really expand on that. It also gives us the opportunity to pay tribute to one of the greatest names in the TT’s long history and we are really keen to develop an appropriate celebration of Joey Dunlop’s racing career as his name is synonymous with the TT Races.”
The Department of Economic Development is working closely with the Dunlop family to curate an exhibition of his iconic machinery from throughout his racing career. The exhibition will be situated at the heart of the paddock throughout the event and will be free to enter.
A parade lap featuring 26 of Joey’s closest rivals is also planned, with appropriate representatives taking part where a rider is unavailable. The parade will feature competitors from Dunlop’s time in the F1 World Championship, Irish Road Racing and the TT.
Big hair, shoulder pads, ripped jeans and neon clothes are expected to be the spotted around the fancy dress themed Paddock Carnival at the Grandstand on Friday 22 August, while live music and DJs in the paddock will provide everything from grunge to Madonna.
Rounding off the Classic TT will be two race days, as there was in 2013. Saturday 23rd and Monday 25th August will see Formula 1, Formula 2, 350cc and 500cc bikes in action on the Snaefell Mountain Course.
