TT FANS this year can enjoy the action from five new vantage points dotted around the course.
The so-called Fanzones each have a temporary grandstand and are positioned in some of the most spectacular viewing points including the jumps near Crosby and Ballacrye as well as at Rhencullen, Ginger Hall and Creg-ny-Baa.
With seating for between 200 and 300 spectators, the stands at Creg-ny-Baa and Crosby are already sold out for Senior Race Day.
Each Fanzone will also have catering and toilet facilities, free WiFi, free parking and an enhanced PA system providing live race commentary.
Isle of Man Tourism political member Geoff Corkish said they had provided the new areas in response to research which indicated a demand from fans.
‘Fans will always have their favourite spots, but as the TT audience grows we want to make sure that spectators have a wide choice of options for watching the races,’ he said. ‘Demand for tickets for the Glencrutchery Road grandstand increases every year so we were keen to offer fans an alternative ... and I am delighted we are able to bring them on line in time for TT 2012.’
TT star Conor Cummins is also featured on a Youtube film clip {http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPdkh_B0Vds|www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPdkh_B0Vds} giving the rider’s perpective of the course as it passes each of the new vantage points.
The areas have been chosen for their breathtaking views of sections of the course such as Crosby jump where bikes can hit 180mph and iconic locations such as Ginger Hall on the edge of Sulby village and Creg-ny-Baa where spectators will see the riders as they approach from Kate’s Cottage and the sweeping run downhill into Brandish.
Viewing at Rhencullen, just north of Kirk Michael, became severely restricted following the deaths of two spectators on the mountain in 2007, but the introduction of the fanzone mean it is expected to become a popular spot once again.
Tickets for the fanzones, including a grandstand seat, are available for each of the four race days on June 2, 4, 6 and 8 – and cost £25 or £20 for midweek races. They will also be open for final practice with a £5 charge.