The Isle of Man TT race Clerk of the Course, Neil Hanson, resigned on 17 January 2008 ending a 40-year involvement as a committee member of the Manx Motor Cycle Club (MMCC). The new organisers of the Isle of Man TT races had been unable to offer him a position and the ACU Events Ltd felt that a change was needed. The official press launch for the 2008 Isle of Man TT races was held on 18 February 2008 attended by regular competitors, Ian Lougher, Bruce Anstey, Ryan Farquhar, Martin Finnegan and John McGuinness. It was also announced that BSB competitor Sean Emmett and former 250 cc British Champion Jamie Robinson would compete.