Next year’s Isle of Man TT will feature a points format to decide an overall champion for both solo competitors, sidecar teams and manufacturers.

The decision to create a points-based system that will establish a TT Champion was revealed at the International Motorcycle and Scooter Show in Birmingham.

Prizes will be awarded to the most successful solo rider, sidecar crew and to manufacturers in both the solos and sidecars.

Isle of Man Tourism and Leisure Minister Martyn Quayle said: "The idea behind these awards is to build the excitement of the TT throughout the week, with an overall leaderboard calculated after every race.

"The award will also recognise the riders and manufacturers who have performed consistently throughout the week.’

Points will be awarded to the first 15 riders in the Superbike, Scottish Life International Superstock, Relentless Supersport and the Senior TT Races.

The rider with the highest points total across all five races on the Mountain Circuit will receive the coveted Joey Dunlop TT Champion Trophy and a cheque for £10,000.

Based on 2008’s results, Australian Cameron Donald would have emerged as overall Champion with John McGuinness runner-up, by virtue of count-back with his Dainese Senior Race victory, from Ryan Farquhar, who finished in third place overall with the same number of points as McGuinness.

A similar trophy and prizes will also be contested by the sidecar crews.

Nick Crowe and Mark Cox would have been overall champions in 2008, with wins in both Sure Mobile Sidecar races, with John Holden and Andy Winkle runners-up and Tim Reeves and Patrick Farrance finishing third overall.

Two new Manufacturer Award’s will be awarded to the most successful manufacturer overall in the solo and sidecar races.