Isle of Wight road race confirmed for 2021

THE Isle of Wight Diamond Races is confirmed to take place in October 2021, with a 12.4-mile course taking in the south of the island.

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There’s been a wealth of support for the races from islanders and racer alike, although until now confirmation of the event was unknown. Now though the event organisers have confirmed the date and also the course for the UK’s newest road racing event. Here’s everything you need to know.

What is Isle of Wight Diamond Races course like?

As with the Isle of Man TT, the Diamond Races are seen as a prime way of highlighting some of the best bits of the popular holiday location, as well as bringing in much-needed tourist revenue at an otherwise quiet time of year. With that in mind, the course for the event takes in some of the island's most picturesque roads.

The course starts with what could become the highlight of the event with a five mile blast along the Military Road. It’s more than double the length of Sulby Straight on the Isle of Man course – and that’s a road that Bruce Anstey has hit 206mph on. With the extra space the new course could post even faster speeds.

From there, the course gets more technical, winding through the Chale before turning north and for around two kilometres and heading through Chale Green. The technical theme then continues as the circuit leads through Kingston, Shorewell, Limerstone, and Brighstone, before heading back along Military Road again.

Who is behind the Isle of Wight Diamond Races?

The team behind the event have a wealth of road racing experienced on both two and four wheels, with former BTCC racers James Kaye and Matt Neal being the men that dreamed of motorsport on the Isle of Wight on a grand scale.

The Chief Operating Officer for the event is Eddy Forster-Knight CBE, an ex-military man with a background in programme management, risk, security, and high-risk events. Isle of Man TT Clerk of the Course Gary Thompson MBE also joins the team, bringing his wealth of experience from the TT to the fledgling event.

TT legend Steve Plater is also on board, carrying out the role of Rider Liaison, Recruiting & Safety Advisor. With Neil Tuxworth joining as Team/Rider Liaison and Recruitment Manager.

For more information on the event, head to: iomtt.com