The highly anticipated Formula 1 Classic TT race, originally scheduled for the evening of 27 August, has been cancelled due to persistent wet road conditions that failed to improve as expected. Despite earlier plans to hold all scheduled races on Wednesday, including the Formula 1 event at 18:30, ongoing delays caused by rain led to the decision to cancel this key race.
Impact of Weather on the Day’s Race Schedule
Wednesday’s race timetable had included the Lightweight and Historic Junior events at 14:00 and 15:00, respectively, alongside the Formula 1 Classic TT later in the day. These plans depended heavily on the roads drying swiftly following rain in the morning, but the slower-than-anticipated drying process forced organizers to revise the schedule once again. By late afternoon, it was clear that racing could not safely proceed on the affected course sections.
Revised Racing Plans and New Timetable
As a result, Wednesday will now only feature the Lightweight Classic TT race at 18:30, over two laps. The Historic Junior race has been rescheduled to Friday morning and will precede the Historic Senior race and the Senior Classic TT. The Senior Classic TT will showcase all qualified Formula 1 entrants along with the fastest Lightweight riders to fill 60 grid positions, forming the headline race of the week.
Official Statements on Course Conditions and Safety
The Clerk of the Course confirmed in a 13:34 statement on 27 August that no further racing could take place that afternoon. This was attributed to the poor weather and unsatisfactory course conditions, leading to low confidence that racing could be completed safely within the available road closure period.
“The Clerk of the Course has confirmed no racing will take place this afternoon,”
the statement read, emphasizing the difficulty posed by weather conditions. Organizers noted that while the evening contingency could allow for at least one race, running two separate events was not feasible given limited daylight.
Conditions were sufficient, however, to stage a parade lap shortly after the Lightweight Classic TT race, as this requires a shorter road usage period.
What the Cancellation Means for Competitors and Fans
The cancellation of the Formula 1 Classic TT represents a significant disruption to this year’s racing week, impacting the schedule and competitor lineups. The Senior Classic TT will now act as the primary event for Formula 1 competitors, while fastest Lightweight entrants will fill remaining slots to complete the starting grid. Organizers aim to provide all classes and categories with a fair opportunity to compete by adjusting Friday’s race lineup to include the postponed Historic Junior along with the Historic Senior and Senior Classic TT races.
The 2025 Formula One Classic TT has therefore been cancelled. The Senior Classic TT will feature all qualified Formula One competitors, with any of the remaining 60 grid slots awarded to the fastest Lightweight competitors.
—Classic TT Organizers
