The political member for the Department of Economic Development responsible for Motorsport Laurence Skelly MHK has praised all those involved with the 2013 TT races.

Mr Skelly said:

‘I would like to personally thank the organisers and all those involved with making TT 2013 the great success that it was, especially to the army of volunteers and marshals. Without them there would be no TT racing and I am grateful for their outstanding contribution once again.

‘The excellent coverage on ITV4 courtesy of North One has really helped to generate huge interest in the TT brand around the world and is now watched by around 30 million people. The aerial footage especially acts as a showcase to promote the Isle of Man’s scenic beauty which can only help further promote the Island as a visitor destination.

‘I am also encouraged by the Steam Packet’s TT passenger figures which indicate that the 2013 festival was as busy as 2012, which itself had been the busiest festival for a decade.’

Mr Skelly also commented on the incident on Bray Hill during the Senior TT which resulted in injuries to several spectators. He confirmed that a full review of all spectator viewing areas would take place by the ACU, as is standard practice at the end of every TT Races.

He said:

‘In light of the incident on Bray Hill during the Senior TT my thoughts go out to those who were injured and I wish them a swift and full recovery.

‘As is standard practice after every TT races, the ACU have said they will review all aspects of the TT including spectator viewing areas. The ACU and the Isle of Man Government both take spectator safety around the course extremely seriously and a detailed analysis of the safety of all spectator areas will form part of that review.’

He continued:

‘Our thoughts are also with Yoshinari Matsushita's friends and family. He was hugely popular on the Isle of Man and had many friends here.’