THE clock is ticking, and the Isle of Wight Diamond Races are getting closer as the event is scheduled for October 2021.
With plans for the event moving forward at pace, the event drew the approval of island-based business leaders last month, as the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce gave the race its ‘total support’.
Honda CBR1000RR-R SP around Isle of Wight Diamond Races course
The race is expected to bring around 25,000 to 45,000 race fans to the island, equating to a cash boost for the island of around £12m. The spending the event could bring to the island would be a welcome bonus as the holiday season begins to wind down.
Steven Holbrook, Chief Executive Officer of the IW Chamber says:
“Major events at this level can bring millions of pounds of investment to the Isle of Wight. Diamond Races will be held in October, which is perfect to extend the Island’s visitor economy outside of the normal summer season. There’s never been more focus on the need to support jobs in our tourism sector and this event will undoubtedly bring genuine new business at a time of the year when we need it the most.
“We’re looking forward to working closely with the organisers over the coming months and to making sure our membership benefits directly from Diamond Races. I’ve been impressed by the quality of the team behind the event and feel confident that it will play a big part of building the Isle of Wight’s economic future.”
The event will be run in the same way as the Isle of Man TT, with riders being released at intervals and then racing the clock to achieve the overall fastest race time. The course is a 12m wonder that is a match for any of the other established road racing course. The crowning glory of the route though is a near five-mile blast along the super-fast Military Road, which could see bikes topping 200mph along the island's southern edge.
Paul Sandford, CEO, Diamond Races adds:
“This is an event which has been developed on the Isle of Wight with the joint aims of achieving a world-class sporting spectacle, whilst bringing more prosperity and sustaining local jobs. We welcome the Chamber’s support and thank Steven for rolling up his sleeves to work alongside us on this exciting project.”
More information about the Diamond Races, head to: diamondraces.com.
