Manx Air Derby

The Manx Air Derby is an air race held on the Isle of Man.[1]

Origins

Air races had been held sporadically on the Isle of Man from 1924.[1] Entrants were permitted to use two fields at Ronaldsway on the proviso that the entry was limited to 10 aircraft.

The races were organised into a more ambitious programme for the 1936 meeting, which was the first to adopt the name of Manx Air Derby. Racing took place on Whit Monday over a course measuring 156 miles (251 km). The race was won by R. F. Hall piloting a Hillson Praga, and was notable as being the first Manx Air Derby in which Alex Henshaw competed.[1]

The races continued until 1939, and were suspended during the Second World War.

Post-war

The Manx Air Derby resumed in 1947 at Ronaldsway, and was held in conjunction with the Tynwald Air Races. The Manx Air Derby was won by Tommy Rose piloting a TK-2, which had won the pre-war races.

After 1947, the races were not held again until they were revived in 1965 at Jurby Aerodrome.[2]

References

Citations
  1. Kniveton 1985, p. 27.
  2. Kniveton 1985, p. 88.

Bibliography
  • Kniveton, G. Manx Aviation in War and Peace. Douglas, Isle of Man, The Manx Experience, 1985.
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