Govt steps in for 2017 Mountain Course racing

Deal with Vision Nine yet to be worked out

There will be no new promoter in place for TT 2017 or the Classic TT next year.

The Department of Economic Development has taken the decision after announcing a delay in the appointment of preferred bidders Vision Nine.

The Manx government will therefore continue to organise the events.

Economic Development Minister Laurence Skelly says the department and proposed promoter have been unable to finalise the agreement and terms of the appointment.

He quotes operational matters raised by other government departments as being a factor.

Another area of concern for the Manx government will be no commercial partners in place for either event in 2017, as contracts expire at the end of this season - and that's why it is stepping in now.

Both parties are said to be disappointed and working towards a new agreement with a revised starting date.

One question to put, though - why wasn't all this worked out before the proposed deal was approved by Tynwald back in April?