Sam Dunlop is set to become the first Lightweight Manx Grand Prix Winner to make the most of the newly relaxed regulations to re-enter the event again this year. The gentlemen’s’ agreement which has lasted for more than 50 years, previously barred past winners of all the major MGP classes, or any rider who had competed in the main classes at the TT, but that agreement has now been relaxed in the hope of boosting numbers. Sam’s Uncle, Robert, is set to make his TT return in the 125 event at Billown where it is likely that his sons Michael and William will also return.

Change in eligibility for Lightweight and Ultra Lightweight classes
The Manx Motor Cycle Club Ltd is pleased to announce that previous winners of Newcomers, Classic, Lightweight and Ultra Lightweight MGP Races and riders who have previously competed in the TT races will be eligible to enter the Lightweight and Ultra Lightweight Races in 2008 provided they have not qualified to start in any TT solo race on the TT Mountain Course in the last 3 years and have not won a silver replica in any TT solo race on the TT Mountain Course in the last 6 years.
Riders who have qualified to start in any round of any road racing world championship will not be eligible for any Manx Grand Prix race except for the Classic races. Previous winners of Junior and Senior Manx Grand Prix Races will not be eligible.
Previous winners of Newcomers, Classic, Lightweight, and Ultra Lightweight will be eligible to enter the Junior and Senior Manx Grand Prix Races in 2008.
The Ultra Lightweight Race and Newcomers C class in 2008 will also include 4 stroke 2 cylinder machines up to 650cc in addition to the 125cc and 400cc machines that have been eligible in the past.
Riders otherwise eligible for the Manx Grand Prix will not be excluded solely by reason of having competed in the TT Races on the Billown Circuit.