EXCITING news for motorsport fans­ ­— international motorcycle road racing is hoping to come to the Isle of Wight next year.

Islander, James Kaye, plans to bring his event, Isle of Wight Road Races, to closed public roads between April 20 and 23.

The preferred venue ­— ‘Chale Course’ ­— runs as a circuit between Chale, Chale Green, Kingston, Shorwell and Brighstone, comprising 12.4 mile.

The course is identical to that announced by the now-suspended Diamond Races, and will incorporate Military Road.

Isle of Wight County Press: The proposed circuit, ‘Chale Course’. Picture by Isle of Wight Road Races.

A six-week public consultation process will commence on Sunday, August 1, where the format, timings and impact of the event will be discussed.

As part of the consultation, a public meeting will be held on August 12 at Wilberforce Hall in Brighstone.

Organisers state the public consultation is especially important for those who live or work close to the proposed event location.

The event will require public road sections used for the race to be closed for the racing period.

The closures proposed are:

  • Wednesday, April 20 and Thursday, April 21, from 10.30am to 3.15pm and 5pm to 8.30pm
  • Friday, April 22, from 10.30am to 3.15pm
  • Saturday, April 23, from 9.30am to 6pm.

Changes to UK law in 2008 made it possible for public highways to be closed to allow motor racing events to take place.

The Isle of Man has hosted the world-famous TT Races for more than 100 years, and James felt there was no reason why something of a similar ilk could not succeed on the Island.

“We felt it was sensible to wait until after national restrictions had been lifted in England before sharing this announcement," said James, who was also involved in the Diamond Races.

"We’ve had two false starts already due to the pandemic and we wanted to avoid further disappointment.

"Our event will be an elite-level motorcycle racing spectacle that will attract many of the sport's top riders and teams.

"It is planned to be a showcase for British motorsport as well as a proving ground for sustainable biofuels.

"The Isle of Wight is an ideal location for us to pioneer the use of carbon-neutral fuels that are less harmful to our environment.

"Our Biosphere status encourages us all to learn new ways in which we can live on our diverse and ecologically important island.

"The Isle of Wight Road Races will be at the forefront of promoting future energy technology."

For more information, visit www.iwrr.co.uk