The Isle of Man Department of Tourism and Leisure today announced the dates for TT 2007. The packed calendar includes a number of events to celebrate 100 years of motor cycle racing on the Isle of Man as well as a world class competitive racing programme. The actual race schedule kicks off with the 6 lap Superbike Race on Saturday 2nd June 2007 followed by the Sidecar A Race on the same day. The four lap Superstock Race will be on Monday 4th June, with the Junior Supersport Race for 600cc machines on Wednesday 6th June. The Sidecar Race B will also take place on Wednesday. ‘Race Week’ will close with the Senior Race on Friday 8th June. The fortnight begins on Saturday 26th May with the first practice session. Unlike previous years this will be a ‘free practice’ session and although the laps will count towards qualifying they will not be timed. Competitor signing on has been extended to Sunday 27th and Monday 28th May. A further change to the previous schedule has seen the practice session on Thursday 31st May move from the afternoon to the evening. David Cretney MHK, Minster for Tourism and Leisure, Isle of Man commented: “We have consulted with the competitors and taken their comments on board in devising this year’s calendar. We have moved the Sidecar A Race back to the first Saturday to give those competitors extra time to work on their machines after their first race. By moving the practice on Thursday to the evening we are able to give the riders an extra 15 minutes practice time, as well as alleviating traffic congestion at 5pm in Douglas. He continued: “We have extended the signing on time by allowing riders to register on Sunday 28th and Monday 28th. This will allow those riders who wish to come over slightly later and reduce their costs to do so.” The TT 2007 calendar also sees a number of unique events created to celebrate 100 years of racing on the Isle of Man. To commemorate the exact 100th anniversary, on 28th May 2007, machines from that era will ride one lap around the original St Johns Circuit. The event will see a rolling road closure in place around the circuit, followed by a concours display and other activities on the closed road in St Johns. The hugely popular TT ‘Paddock Walkabout’ where fans can meet their TT heroes will again take place at TT 2007 on the morning of Saturday 2nd June, ahead of the Superbike race and Monday afternoon will see the ‘TT Centenary Lap of Honour’ featuring many legendary riders and machines from TT history. ‘TT Day of Champions’ is also planned for Thursday 7th June with auctions, chat shows, music and other entertainment featuring world famous motor cycle stars. Most of the activity will be centred around the Grandstand and the TT paddock. The day will culminate with a black tie TT Centenary Dinner at the Villa Marina. Both events will raise money for the Joey Dunlop Foundation and the ACU Benevolent Fund. The race fortnight will close with the ‘TT Centenary Legends Lap’ after the Senior TT on Friday 8th June with special guests and former TT riders invited to complete a parade lap on closed roads. David Cretney MHK, Minster for Tourism and Leisure, Isle of Man commented: “We have been planning the centenary activity for a long time and believe that the programme that we are putting together will appeal to race fans and riders worldwide. We believe that we have put together a fitting tribute to the birthplace of motorsport and look forward to welcoming our guests from all over the world. There are still many exciting announcements still to come about the rest of our plans for TT 2007, and we are certain that it is going to be an event not to be missed.” Fans wishing to come to this year’s races are advised to book ahead as bookings have already exceeded total number of visitors to last year’s races. Steam Packet, the Isle of Man ferry company, has launched a special feature on their website to show fans which sailings are still available. Mr Cretney continued: “We are doing everything we can to get people to the Island and to find them somewhere to stay. Fans who cannot get onto the ferries are advised to check local airlines to the Island. We are also promoting our homestay programme to Manx residents who wish to get away during the races and rent their homes out and we are adding a number of new camp sites for TT 2007. We hope to cater for as many people as possible.”