WITH six months to go until the proposed event, the Isle of Wight Road Races (IWRR) is moving closer to the start line.

Sharing the latest update on its Facebook page, IWRR said yesterday (Tuesday) it was a 'significant day' as it submitted its application for a Motor Race Order (MRO) to the Isle of Wight Council.

The application also contained the permit issued for the event from the Auto Cycle Union.

The IWRR is looking to host a 'world-class motorcycle racing spectacle' on the Island in April next year, drawing in top-class riders, in a similar concept to the popular Isle of Man TT races.

The preferred race route would see riders go through Chale, Chale Green, Kingston, Shorwell and Brighstone — along the Military Road — in a 12.4 mile circuit.

Isle of Wight County Press: The 'Chale Course'. Picture: Isle of Wight Road Races.The 'Chale Course'. Picture: Isle of Wight Road Races.

Tim Addison, one of the event promoter's, told the County Press the MRO was a milestone for the team.

Mr Addison said IWRR will continue to work with the Island's Safety Advisory Group, council and Island Roads to demonstrate the event has been properly planned and can go ahead.

Consultation has been held with local residents and town and parish councils over the event and received mixed responses.

Mr Adddison said a number of issues were raised in the consultation, mainly over access needs, and they are again looking at how they can find suitable ways of accommodating various requests over the times the roads will be closed. 

He said they were pleased to facilitate the requests and will be keeping in touch with residents and businesses over the course of the coming weeks.

Speaking at a meeting of Chale Parish Council, earlier this year, Islander James Kaye, another event promoter and champion motor racer, said the council's Safety Advisory Group would determine whether the event was safe, not just for residents living near the race track but all those on the Island and those coming for the event.

If it was not the time trials would not go ahead.

Mr Kaye reassured residents they were doing the utmost to ensure safety was the number one priority.

The 2021 event was scheduled to take place this month but was cancelled earlier this year, with uncertainty around the Covid pandemic blamed.