The Manx Grand Prix had its beginnings in 1923 as the Manx Amateur Motor Cycle Races. Its aim was to offer amateur riders the opportunity to compete at the Isle of Man, with professional riders excluded. After surviving sundry problems during the late 1920's, in 1930 the series emerged as the Manx Grand Prix. Since then it has progressed to a world class and well-supported event which continues to the present day. Murray McLeod has presented a review of those formative years from 1923 to 1953, with bios and beautiful pencil portraits of a selection of those pioneer riders.

From a relatively modest launch in 1949, with just six races on that year's programme, the World Motorcycle Championships have progressed to a spectacular global event, witnessed by an audience of millions, as spectators or TV viewers. The roots of this Moto GP phenomenon hark back to the 1920's when the focus of British and to a lesser extent European motorcycle manufacturers was largely directed to a handful of GP circuits, with the Isle of Man generally regarded as the prime focus of their endeavours. A detailed review of that first fabulous decade with action photos and pencil portraits...