Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 contender Sam Lowes has become latest recruit to an illustrious band of motorcycle sport tax exiles on the Isle of Man. He recently became resident in the Douglas suburb of Onchan, where former racer and now MotoGP commentator Neil Hodgson also lives.
Other elite bike racers who are currently elective Manxmen for “fiscal efficiency” purposes include LCR Honda MotoGP star Cal Crutchlow and reigning Kawasaki-mounted WSB champion Jonathan Rea, with their respective homes in Ramsey and Castletown. Austrian sidecar ace Klaus Klaffenböck, a past WSB team owner, resides in Douglas.
The island was tax-avoidance destination of choice for multiple world champions James Toseland and Australian Andrew Pitt during their racing careers, too, respectively honouring Port Soderick and Peel with their presence.
The top rate of income tax on the Isle of Man is 20%, with an absolute annual tax cap of £120,000 payable by really high earners.