Countdown to Manx Classic races

Competitors race up three hills in the Isle of Man

Motorsport enthusiasts are counting down the days to the International Manx Classic race event.

Organised by the Manx Motor Racing Club (MMRC), the event sees vintage classics and modern models taking part in three hill races from 17 to 19 April.

The Manx Classic was reinstated in 2006 after a three-year absence.

Bill Smith, of MMRC, said: "Everything is in place for another successful event. All we need to round it off are lots of spectators and good weather."

Road closures

The staging of the races will result in a number of road closures.

When competitors tackle Bray Hill on the evening of 17 April Cronkbourne Road and Brunswick Road to its junction with Albany Road will be closed from 1830 BST until 2330 BST at the latest.

The section of Quarterbridge Road from Brunswick Road to Tromode Road, Bray Hill and Glencrutchery Road from St Ninian's Traffic Lights to a point south of its junction with Duke's Avenue will also be closed.

On 18 April competitors will head south to race up The Sloc.

As a result, the Sloc Road will be closed from its junction with the B44 Ballakilpheric Road to its junction with the D60 Dalby Lhag Road from 0915 BST until 1630 BST at the latest.

On the final day the race will move to the north of the island up Lhergy Frissell.

The road will be closed from May Hill to the Motorcycle Museum at the Bungalow from 0915 BST until 0415 BST at the latest.

The weekend's activities, sponsored by Kaupthing Singer & Friedlander, will draw to a close with an Awards Presentation Dinner on Saturday night at the Hilton Hotel and Casino in Douglas.