Blackford’s Pre-TT Classic organisers have opted to revert back to the traditional Friday, Saturday, Monday format for 2019.

Despite seeing big crowds when the race was moved to a Sunday for this year, Southern 100 chairman George Peach feels the usual format is better for competitors and spectators.

“The Blackford’s Pre-TT Classic Road Races have traditionally been held on the Friday, Saturday and the Monday, which is normally a Bank Holiday, and on occasion we have received special road closing orders for the Sunday racing to fit in with TT celebrations, so when the new Road Race Act 2016 came fully into force this year – the club made the decision to move to the Sunday, which was fairly successful,” said Peach.

“However, with the new act, should the Saturday evening TT practice be cancelled for whatever reason, they had priority to hold the practice session on the Sunday, which would mean us having to delay our races until the Monday, which appears simple enough, except that the TT decision to postpone their session could be made late evening on the Saturday.

“We then have to notify our competitors, officials, marshals and medical personnel - many of whom are also volunteers on duty on the TT Course – causing more disruption to peoples plans.

“After this year’s Classic races, we had our usual debrief and the general feeling was that in previous year’s most people had a day off on the Sunday. The feedback from the competitors was similar, in that it gave them a day to check their machines over prior to the main race day, especially those who raced on the Saturday afternoon.

“The resulting decision by the directors was to revert to the ‘tried and tested’ formula, which the club hopes will be agreeable to all who are planning to compete and be involved with the 2019 Blackford’s Pre-TT Classic Road Races.”

The races will run on Friday, Saturday and Monday, 24th, 25th & 27th May.