Hi Modifiers, rather appropriately, this month we include the following Manx Tour report from event organiser Derek Flint, R18 member and former Isle of Man resident.
MANN-TASTIC! The 2023 Manx Tour
“The 22nd Porsche Club Manx Tour was held this year in memory of our long-term friend and former tour sponsor Ian Heward of PorscheShop.
“We effectively filled the Ramsey Park Hotel with 50 cars and 87 guests. It’s a huge privilege to bring so many to the place I still call home and show off the best of what it has to offer. That so many return as an annual pilgrimage is a testament to how special the place is and the tremendous legacy left by long-term organiser Geoff Ives, whom I have now taken over from.
“The main briefing and buffet supper took place on Friday evening. Due to a major landslide, our first event, the famous ‘Dawn Raid’ over the Mountain Road, had to be re-invented with a long slow drive down the east coast to Douglas, followed by a spirited run to the Bungalow and back. This was followed by a muster in the TT pit lane where we were able to take the iconic team picture before everyone dispersed for their personal adventures.
"Jacksons of Douglas run the local Porsche Centre and were pleased to host us for a lunchtime pit stop before we gathered late afternoon for a fascinating distillery tour at Fynoderee, sponsors this year’s tour. It’s amazing to see how this craft spirit-maker has developed in the last few years. Guests were able to sample their gins and rums and have a sneak preview of their unique Manx Malt Whisky, which is now maturing.
“Sunday saw the weather in our favour, and the Department of Infrastructure played out of their socks by managing to re-open the Mountain Road. The Dawn Raid that followed was captured by One-Way Photographic, providing guests with great images of their cars in action on the very special de-restricted road.
“Later, a group of us visited the workshops of watchmaker Roger Smith, who provided an insight into what goes in to making million-pound watches.
The musters were rounded off by a visit to the Isle of Man Motor Museum, with its pleasing, eclectic collection of cars, bikes, ephemera, and exhibits including Soyuz space capsules! Our final dinner ended with a fascinating insight into what was undoubtedly the star of the car park, none other than ‘The Sheffield Commission’ – a most remarkable Singer 911 Targa in Steel Blue.
“Monday morning’s grand departure saw calm seas for our journeys back to the UK mainland. It’s testament to the popularity of this event that 25 cars are already booked to return next year.”
Thank you, Derek what a wonderful time you all had, I'm sure there are some more stories reserved for the bar!
The 2024 Manx Tour will run from 17-19 May. To reserve spaces please contact Derek by phone 07882 021090 or email derek@kbotraining.com
GT4 on the farm
DIARY DATES
22 JULY RPM Technik Ünstock Meet
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