A century of rich and exhilarating Manx Motor Racing history
To celebrate the centenary of the Manx Grand Prix, we have compiled this collection of eight stamps created in collaboration with author David Wright and local graphic designer and illustrator Tracey Dean.
The MGP, as it is now known, was originally a single race named the Amateur Motorcycle Championship aimed at amateur riders, as opposed to the mostly professional riders who competed in the Tourist Trophy (TT) races on the same world-famous 37¾ mile Isle of Man Mountain Course.
First run by the Manx Motor Cycle Club in 1923, a century later the Manx Grand Prix is still going strong under the same organisers and running over the same world famous 37¾ mile Isle of Man Mountain Course. The century of racing that has elapsed has seen many changes to the roads raced over, to the machines used and to the speeds achieved, but one feature of the Manx (as referred to by fans) that remains constant is that race winners do not receive any prize money – they race for the love of the sport.
Initially a single race called the Amateur Motorcycle Championship, the event quickly became known as the Manx Grand Prix (MGP/Manx) and the number of races, whilst fluctuating down the years, now totals five at each meeting. Aimed initially at amateur riders, as opposed to the mostly professionals who contested the Tourist Trophy (TT) races over the same course, the MGP has nevertheless provided a stepping stone for many who aimed for a professional race career, with some 70 of its riders going on to win a TT and several of them becoming world champions. Among many notable names to come out of a century of racing at the Manx are Freddie Frith, Geoff Duke, Phil Read, Carl Fogarty, Steve Hislop, Ryan Farquhar, Ian Hutchinson and Michael Dunlop.
The 2023 Manx Grand Prix will be held from August 20th to August 28th.
We would like to thank those who made this collection possible, including Mannin Collections, FoTTofinders and Vic Bates for the supply of photographs. We also thank the event organisers the Manx Motor Cycle Club and ACU Events Ltd, for their co-operation.
Design | Tracey Dean |
Text | David Wright |
Printer | bpost |
Process | Offset lithography |
Colours | 4 |
Paper | Tru White Litho 110 gr FSC |
Perforations | 11.5 per 2cm |
Stamp Size | 40mm x 40mm |
Format | Sheets of 20 |
Date of Issue | 15th May 2023 |
Limited Editions | Presentation Pack 1100; First Day Cover 1500 |
Product Issue Date: 19th June 2024
2016, Isle of Man Post Office unveiled a specially-minted 50p commemorating some of the biggest names to have contested the world-famous motorcycle road racing event.
The legal tender coin features seven of the biggest stars in the event's history, celebrating their outstanding achievements around the Isle of Man's iconic Mountain Course.
Product Code: ACH71
Product Issue Date: 15th May 2023
This prestigious 28 page booklet tells the (visual) history of a century of Manx racing on the famous 37¾ mile Isle of Man Mountain Course.
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Product Code: ACH31
Product Issue Date: 15th May 2023
A selection of Manx Grand Prix legends and motorcycles that have raced on the 37¾ mile Isle of Man Mountain Course since 1923.
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Product Code: ACH41
Product Issue Date: 15th May 2023
The complete set of the 'Celebrating 100 Years of the Manx Grand Prix' stamps is displayed in this eye striking, four page folder. The vibrant colours of the motorcycles and its riders, pops against the classic black mount.
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Product Code: ACH91
Product Issue Date: 15th May 2023
All eight stamps are presented in a dynamic order that reflects the exciting and rich history of the Manx Grand Prix since 1923. The stamps are cancelled with a striking black first-day-of-issue postmark.
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Product Code: ACH38
Product Issue Date: 15th May 2023
Three illustrative panes depict a Century of the Manx Grand Prix.
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