Classic TT scheduled to finish three days earlier than originally planned after major reshuffle due to threat of adverse weather

The 2026 Classic TT is due to conclude three days earlier than originally planned following a major revamp of the schedule by the organisers.

The changes were announced on Friday evening and have been implemented because of concerns over adverse weather next week.

placeholder image — Wet weather has again plunged the race schedule at the Classic TT and Manx Grand Prix into chaos. (Picture: Pacemaker Press)

With more favourable weather on the Isle of Man expected until Wednesday, the organisers hope to have the race schedule completed by the end of Tuesday.

The changes include racing for the Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT over four consecutive days Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

A statement said: “Following detailed consideration of the latest weather forecast, the Race Organiser has issued a substantially revised schedule for the remainder of the 2026 Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT Races.

“The long range forecast currently indicates that conditions are expected to deteriorate significantly from Wednesday 26th, with wet weather, significant rainfall, and wind expected until at least the end of the scheduled event period on Friday 28th August.

“The revised programme has therefore been developed to make the best use of the more favourable conditions currently forecast between Saturday 22nd and Tuesday 25th, providing the strongest available opportunity to complete the remaining Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT races.

“The new schedule includes racing on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, with the Historic Junior Race brought forward to Saturday 22nd, the Formula One Race and combined Lightweight and Ultra Lightweight Races brought forward to Sunday 23rd, and the Historic Senior Race and Junior 600 Race brought forward to Monday 24th.”

The 2026 Classic TT is now scheduled to conclude on Tuesday 25th, with the Senior Classic TT followed by the 1996 Rewind Parade, Classic Sidecar Parade, and John McGuinness 30th Anniversary parade.”

The organisers said further changes could be made if there was an improvement in the weather forecast for later in the week.

“It added: “The Race Organiser may make further adaptations and use additional available periods.”

If the race schedule is completed on by Tuesday, efforts will be made by the Classic TT to “deliver an expanded programme of off-track activity throughout the remainder of the week” and “may include rider and team appearances, chat shows, live podcasts, interviews and other Classic TT activities. Further details will be confirmed as arrangements are finalised”.

It has been a chaotic week on the Isle of Man, with evening qualifying sessions on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday cancelled.

The opening day on Sunday and qualifying on Tuesday evening were cut short due to serious incidents.

Two fatal accidents have occurred, claiming the lives of Swiss rider Mauro Poncini and the Isle of Man’s Sam Naughton in separate Manx Grand Prix qualifying crashes.

Italian competitor Salvatore Sallustro was involved in a serious crash on Sunday.

The revised schedule is as follows:

Saturday August 22

09:30 – Roads close

⁠10:15 – Classic TT Qualifying – 1 lap

⁠11:45 – Sportbike Manx Grand Prix – 3 laps

13:45 – Classic TT Qualifying – 1 lap

14:45 – Supersport Manx Grand Prix – 4 laps

⁠16:45 – Historic Junior Classic TT – 2 laps

21:00 – Roads reopen no later than

Sunday August 23

12:45 – Roads close