Local riders excited to make Manx Grand Prix debuts

Naughton and Thomson among first-timers in 2025

Two local racers have spoken of their excitement of making their debut at the Manx Grand Prix this year.

The 2025 event gets underway this Sunday (17 August) with the MGP running parallel to the Classic TT in an expanded 12-day format from 17-29 August.

Among the entries are six first-time competitors who've graduated from the Andreas Racing Association (ARA) in the north of the Island.

One of those, Sam Naughton says it's been a tough task financially to be able to take part but is happy to get the opportunity to start learning what it takes to race on the Snaefell Mountain Course:

Another of the ARA riders heading to the MGP will be Grant Thomson who's seen a sharp rise through the ranks since first starting to race in 2023.

This year alone he took two victories at the Pre-TT Classic on the Billown Course in late May as well as a number of strong performances in the Southern 100 Road Races on July on the same circuit.

He says whilst he has some internal objectives this year, he's under no pressure and wants to enjoy the experience:

Meanwhile, the other ARA competitors due to make their MGP debuts in 2025 are Wayne Avis, Luke Blevins, Dale Brew and Blake Kelly.

The first MGP qualifying session of 2025 is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 17 August with roads around the Snaefell Mountain Course due to shut at 12.45pm and reopen no later than 6pm.

You can view the full Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT schedule HERE.