A virtual TT is to take centre stage in an eight-day digital entertainment programme during what would have been race fortnight.

While the races are not going ahead this year as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, organisers have announced a ‘TT Lock-In’ event starting on Saturday, June 6.

TT fans can look forward to eight evenings of exclusive themed entertainment from the past, present and future, hosted by vlogger Chris Pritchard and double TT race winner Steve Plater.

Organised by the Department for Enterprise and Fuelled by Monster Energy, TT Lock-In will be streamed from June 6 until Saturday, June 13 via the official TT website www.iomttraces.com plus its Facebook page and YouTube channel.

The digital programme will blend some of the greatest solo and sidecar moments from the track in the TT’s long illustrious history with live interviews, personal insights and revelations from the event’s biggest stars.

The Virtual TT powered by Motul will see eight stars, including Peter Hickman, Conor Cummins and Davey Todd, getting to grips with a new challenge and tackling the familiar course from the comfort of their own homes.

Each of the two-wheel aces will team up with an experienced gamer and go head-to-head in a competition to be crowned virtual TT 2020 champion.

Joining the roster are three local gaming enthusiasts: Sam Tipper, Louis Porter and Aaron Hislop, son of racing legend Steve Hislop.

More in this week’s Manx Independent, on sale Thursday morning.