Radical refurbishment for Isle of Man TT scoreboard?

Author: Bike Social Sports Reporter Posted: 19 Sep 2014

The Isle of Man’s Department of Infrastructure (DOI) is planning to refurbish Glencrutchery road in the not too distance future including what could be a complete refurbishment of the Tourist Trophy scoreboards.

The iconic scoreboard has existed since the inception of the 37.73 mile mountain course and is updated by a band of boy scouts who hand paint the times and positions as has been tradition since 1911. The DOI have said the scoreboard will need to be dismantled while work is carried out on Glencrutchery road  and note that the board’s steel supports are likely to need replacing.

The Department of Economic Development’s Motorsport Team is said to be reviewing ‘all options, including a manual scoreboard, a digital scoreboard or a combination of the two’.

Health and safety issues regarding the positioning of the scouts had already arisen before any talk of a refurbishment, with the youngsters positioned incredibly close to a stretch of track where riders reach speeds approaching 200mph on a flying lap.

A statement released by the Isle of Man Government reads: “The Department of Economic Development understands the passions of the fans and of the importance of the history and heritage associated with the scoreboard. No decisions have yet been made but these will be factors taken into account in any final decision. The Department of Economic Development's Motorsport Team is currently reviewing all options including a manual scoreboard, a digital scoreboard or a combination of the two.

“Separate to the refurbishment issue, ACU Events Ltd carried out a health and safety risk assessment during this year's Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling as a result of concerns expressed by the Clerk of the Course (Gary Thompson) with regard to the position of the scouts on the front of the Scoreboard.  A working party has been set up to mitigate the risk, which may include the addition of a safety fence which could be in place by the 2015 TT Races.”