1997: No stopping super Steve

With the entries down in 1996 the club made a bold, brave move, with the backing of the Hamilton Yamaha Team boss Peter Stewart who had suggested a return to the ‘No-Stop’ ruling, which was supported by the new Clerk of the Course Willie Dalling. This was an instant hit as the entries increased by 30 to 222 starters for the 1997 event. Manx rider Steve Colley had previously won the event in 1992 and 1993 riding a Beta, before Dougie Lampkin took his first win in 1994. 1995 and 1996 would once again witness battles between these two, with Lampkin making it three wins to match his father Martin who won in 1976–1978. With Lampkin abstaining from the event to focus on his world championship career Steve Colley would be the man to beat in 1997, as Graham Jarvis pushed him all the way.

Steve Colley (Gas Gas) – The Manxman looked very sharp all week. Wayne Braybrook (Montesa) – Always a good consistent rider in the ‘Scottish’. Graham Jarvis (Scorpa) – Still waiting for his first win.