It’s just under two weeks to the start of Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT and already the first hardy campers are gale-proofing their awnings by nailing them to the ground in the TT paddock.

Over the coming days the competitors’ area will be packed with teams tinkering, polishing and checking bikes and equipment before the first practice session on Saturday, August 19.

On signing on day, competitors’ details will be checked and briefings will be held with riders being reminded about various safety issues and stressing some of the finer points of bike preparation. Riders’ kit will be checked and finally bikes will be scrutineered before being allowed out on the course.

First off down Glencrutchery Road will be the Newcomers, at around 6.20pm if the schedule runs according to plan. Newcomers will complete one lap accompanied in small groups by experienced current or ex competitors.

And a significant lynchpin in the process, of course, is the team of 520-plus marshals who will volunteer, free of charge, to be on duty for nightly practices followed by four race days.

One of the biggest challenges faced by the TT Marshals’ Association is getting sufficient marshals at the beginning and end of the event - when visitors are still arriving or are leaving on early boats. These are the times when the association is most heavily reliant on locals.

Shely Bryan, of the TT Marshals’ Association, said: ’By volunteering to marshal as part of the IOMTTMA team for the Classic TT and Manx Grand Prix, you’ll be close to the action and supporting local high octane road racing events.

’You’ll be able to see upcoming riders on more modern machines cutting their teeth on the TT Mountain Course as part of the Manx Grand Prix. And for the Classic TT there will be classic bikes ridden by some experienced TT competitors, including the likes of Bruce Anstey, Josh Brookes, Michael Dunlop, Ian Lougher and Michael Rutter.’

Previous Manx Grand Prix competitors, who have gone on to success at the TT, include the only man so far to win five TT races in one week, Ian Hutchinson.

Riders heading to the TT course for the first time, competing in the Manx Grand Prix this year include Daryl Dörlich from Germany and Italian Nicolo Capelli.

Confirmed riders taking part in this year’s Classic TT include Bruce Anstey, Josh Brookes, Michael Dunlop, Dan Kneen, Ivan Lintin, Ian Lougher and Michael Rutter, to name just a few.

Anyone wanting to join the marshals’ team will receive introductory instruction and will be placed with experienced marshals so they don’t feel out of their comfort zone,’ Shely said.

’You will be part of the 500 plus strong team, stationed at vantage points around the course, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of riders, officials and spectators.

’If you’ve never marshalled before, you’ll be teamed up with experienced marshals who’ll show you ropes.

’Whether you can commit to the whole fortnight or a couple of day or evening sessions, you will made most welcome and, with a crew of more than 500 needed before a wheel can even turn towards Bray Hill, your support will be very much appreciated by the riders, the organisers and race fans,’ she said.

Anyone wanting to find out more about marshalling can sign on using the link via the TT Marshals’ Association web site, www.iomttma.com, or find out more by contacting [email protected] or telephoning 618191.

The marshals are on Twitter: @iomttmarshals and the social media site Facebook at facebook.com/iomttmarshals

With more than 40 newcomers entered for this year’s Manx Grand Prix Newcomers’ race, the popular ’Back a Newcomer’ scheme is again running. To find out more information about the scheme, log on to MGP Back a Newcomer on Facebook.

Supporters can simply make a donation or choose specific levels of support to offer. For example, for £200 a backer can have their name on the bike, meet the rider’s team in the paddock, enjoy lunch at the Jurby Festival on the middle weekend and attend the Newcomers’ prize presentation, as well as attending the Grandstand for the Senior race. The backer would also receive a signed picture of their rider competing in the race. For £250, the same benefits go to both the backer and a guest.

With riders paying a significant entry fee to ride in the Manx Grand Prix, as well as making several visits to the island even before racing, the financial burden can be heavy, particularly for an overseas competitor. All Newcomers must visit the island at least once to attend one of the set Newcomers’ familiarisation sessions, supported by the Mike Hailwood Foundation.

These take place each year around February and March time, when aspiring Newcomers visit and are taken on guided laps of the Mountain Course by experienced riders who talk them through the finer points of racing in the Isle of Man, as well as pointing out particular hazards that can catch out inexperienced riders.

Many riders will visit more than once to try to familiarise themselves with the 37.73 miles of road.

Any money received in support of the Newcomers goes directly to the riders, either supporting their efforts when visiting the island to learn the course or supporting them once the event has started, with associated expenses such as fuel, oil, tyres, travel, accommodation.

This year’s Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT starts with riders signing on on Saturday August 19. First practices take place the same evening. Practices then continue nightly, Monday to Friday, with roads closing each night at 6pm and generally reopening by 9pm. Classic TT races take place on the Saturday and August Bank Holiday Monday.

The Manx Grand Prix Newcomers race is on Bank Holiday Monday and this is followed by the MGP Supertwins, Lightweight and Junior races on Wednesday, and MGP Senior race on Friday. The popular Jurby Festival, organised by the island’s branch of the Vintage Motorcycle Club, takes place on the middle weekend, Sunday August 27.