The Isle of Man Post Office is pleased to present a set of eight stamps to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 37¾ mile Isle of Man TT Course. The set of eight stamps will be issued 30th September and provides a then and now look at the legendary Course. The stamps picture the iconic vantage points ‘Signpost Corner’, ‘Cronk-Ny-Mona’, ‘Governor’s Bridge’ and ‘Grandstand’, where fans have gathered in their thousands to witness best in class road racing.
The original course (1907) was the St John’s Short Course, covering a distance of just 15 miles. Although racing on this course was popular, the engineering capabilities at the time limited the motorcycles from venturing further afield and onto a more demanding circuit.
By 1920 engineering had progressed and subsequently, changes to the circuit layout were made. The 37 ¾ mile course was born; and with it a much more daunting and challenging task that now enabled spectators in the Island’s capital to witness the machines travel at high speed along Glencrutchery Road. It was in 1920 that the first races took place on the course in its current iteration, the same notorious course that is still raced on to this day.
Like so many other sporting events 2020 the TT Races had to be cancelled due to COVID-19. This has so far only happened during the two World Wars and during travel restrictions associated with the animal foot and mouth outbreak in 2001.
Adrian Earnshaw, said “This year, along with all major sporting events, the TT became a victim of the Coronavirus pandemic, but to help lift our spirits, the IOM Post Office has produced this latest TT stamp issue commemorating some fine competitors. I have been pleased to assist the project and, along with all TT fans, I’m hoping we’ll soon be racing again on our wonderful Mountain Circuit.”
Maxine Cannon, General Manager Isle of Man Stamps & Coins, said: “Of the many tourist attractions and celebrated marvels the Isle of Man has to offer, the Manx TT is probably the most famous, with a festival atmosphere second to none in the world. We would have loved to have commemorated the centenary with thousands of spectators, regardless of sunshine or rain, with the noise of the racing machines flying by but it was not to be. We at least hope to somewhat soften the blow whilst waiting for 2021 when the races hopefully return with an even bigger bang.”
‘IOM TT Centenary of 37¾ Mile Circuit’ collection includes a set of eight stamps, a Presentation Pack, a First Day Cover and a Sheet Set which can be ordered from www.iompost.com/tt2020.
-ENDS-
Text: Adrian Earnshaw
Design: Isle of Man Advertising
Printer: Cartor
Process: Offset Lithography
Colours: 4
Paper: 110 gms PVA gummed
Perforations: 13 per 2cm
Stamp Size: 28 x 42mm se-tenent
Format: Sheets of 10
Date of Issue: 30th September 2020
Contact Us
(Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm)
Isle of Man Stamps & Coins, PO Box IOM, Isle of Man Post Office, Douglas, ISLE OF MAN, IM99 1PB
