THE 2011 Manx Grand Prix, which started at the end of August, proved to be an event that encompassed triumph and tragedy.
Andrew Brady celebrated a double victory – he stood on top of the podium in both the Junior and Senior races – while TT star and Irish road racing great Ryan Farquhar won a trio of classic races.
Maria Costello became the first woman in history to win two podium places at the Manx Grand Prix when she pushed her machine from Governor's Bridge to the Grandstand on the last lap of the Classic 250 race. She finished behind Barry Davidson and Peter Wakefield.
But there was tragedy at the meeting too.
Wayne Hamilton, 20, who won the Newcomers A race, died just two days later in a crash in the Junior event.
Former Lightweight winner Neil Kent, 49, lost his life at Greeba Bridge during a practice session while 71-year-old Adam Easton died from multiple injuries when he crashed near Cronk-y-Voddy during the 500cc Classic race.
Manx Grand Prix winners 2011
Newcomers A: Wayne Hamilton
Newcomers B: Gavin Lupton
Classic 350: Ryan Farquhar
Classic 250: Barry Davidson
Junior: Andrew Brady
Super twins: Dave Moffitt
Lightweight: Billy Smith
Classic 500: Ryan Farquhar
Formula Classic: Mark Parrett
Senior: Andrew Brady
Classic Superbike: Ryan Farquhar
Junior Post Classic: Roy Richardson
Update: In November a comprehensive review of the Manx Grand Prix was launched by the Department of Economic Development. The review – which is looking at the event's costs, benefits and potential for future development – is due to be completed by April 2012. For more on this click here.
This story is part of isleofman.com's Review of the Year 2011.
