Among the many distinguished visitors to the Isle of Man was a delegation from the Macau Grand Prix, anxious to promote their event at the home of road racing.

The departure of Mike Trimby, long time promoter and organiser, had caused a number of teams and riders to question the future of a race which doubled-up with a World Touring Car championship finale. But it's entertainment value in a gamblers paradise bigger than Las Vegas is compelling and the five members of the government controlled organizing committee received a warm Manx welcome.

Chaperoned by former MotoGP race director Paul Butler, who has been appointed deputy clerk of the course, the Macau team experienced the shock-and-awe of Bray Hill, a warm welcome by the Governor and attendance at the jury dinner. They, in turn, held their own reception at the Rutland Hotel where they met team managers/owners Neil Tuxworth, Shaun Muir, Robin Croft and other important figures in the racing world.

Read the full story in the new issue of Bikesport News, on sale today