The four-day Festival of Speed is being conducted in association with organizers of the Isle of Man TT, a legendary competition first run in 1907. The “TT” designation stands for Tourist Trophy, which refers to a high-speed road race course characterized by twisting lanes, sharp turns and rolling jumps. The Isle of Man, a self-governing dependency of the British Crown situated in the Irish Sea, began hosting the races after such events were banned in Great Britain.

Maureen Carroll, chairperson of the Festival's association, noted the event is the first of its kind to be held in North America. She said the 32.3-mile course is expected to attract 15,000 to 20,000 riders, visitors and media, and has the potential to place Cape Breton on the map alongside places like Indianapolis, Monte Carlo, Monza and Daytona.

Carroll said event officials have documented the course; found potential areas for public viewing; met with local law enforcement and emergency aid providers; and forwarded a final check list to insurers and the Fédération Internationale de Motorcyclisme (FIM), which governs international motorcycle competition in five categories: road racing, motocross, trial, enduro, and track racing.

The event is sanctioned by the Canadian Motorcycle Association (CMA) and already is listed on the FIM International Road Racing Calendar.

“We have had a huge interest from top riders from literally around the world,” said Terry Dale, Festival of Speed race director.

Competitors vying in any of the four classes at the Festival of Speed are required to hold a FIM International level license. Entry applications will be reviewed by a specially selected committee who will determine the suitability of the rider based on his experience in similar types of events.

The four classes to be contested include TT Superbike, Sidecar TT, TT Superstock and Superstock Junior TT.