SAVE THE ISLE OF MAN T.T.SCOREBOARDS

Update & Clarification: This petition is in support of fixing and replacing the original scoreboards when it comes to having the road surface replaced now in 2017-2018 not as originally stated.

 In recent days HSE has now come into the subject after a risk assesment. The scoreboard for 2015 is to have a12ft safety fence infront of it to protect the scouts incase two bikes collide.

Losing the current type  of Isle of Man TT Historic scoreboards would be like taking Ballaugh Bridge out of the TT circuit. It is an Iconic landmark unique in the motorsport world. I am asking motorcycle enthusiasts (riders included) from around the world and local residents and the scout movement to join in our campaign. We have to move with the times but an electronic scoreboard is NOT what we want nor have the ongoing costs of maintenance. Nor do our loved ones wish to see real time videos of our errors.

The current system is essential for families and pitcrews as a visual aid to know where their loved one is on the circuit.  As pitcrews are not allow electronic devices in pit lane, modern technology will not help. It also gives the rider liaison officers time -- should something unfortunate happen to a rider -- to get to the family and pitcrew prior to the world knowing.

DOI are planning the second phase of the Glencrutchery road works in late 2015 and the works around the Grandstand could be 2016.

DOI structural engineers have examined the existing scoreboards and as I understand it have concluded that the current fixing and conditions of the scoreboards make them unsuitable for re-erection.

The Isle of Man Scout Association has been involved with the TT and Manx Grand Prix Races for over 100 years. The first known record of Scouts participating in the races is 1910, when the old St Johns course was still in use (the racing not having taken place on the Mountain circuit until 1911). Scouting was only established on the Isle of Man in 1908 (1^st Malew) and 1909 (1^st Douglas) so it is clear that the involvement of Scouts in the racing was almost simultaneous with the development of the movement itself.  For the 1910 races, Scouts performed a role very similar to that of modern-day marshals, in that they were responsible for displaying flags and administering first aid to injured riders.

The Isle of Man is the only place on earth where Scouts play such a crucial role in the running of an international motorsport event. They are a much-valued and possibly underestimated key to the success of motorcycle racing on the Island.

I would ask anyone signing this petition to do so if they are also are prepared to pay a £1.00 for a plank and be part of history and the future of the scoreboard. A website and payment system will be set up if and as required with further details to be published here.