Isle of Man TT Splits With TTXGP

The Isle of Man TT, which held the TTXGPs inaugural event in 2009, will hold its own clean emissions race, named the TT Zero. Like all other TT races, the TT Zero will be run by ACU Events, using the International Motorcycling Federations rulebook. The Isle of Man governments Department of Tourism and Leisure will promote the TT Zero. The TTXGP however will not be involved.

We are delighted that the Isle of Man was the first country to run an electric bike race and the fact that there are now events scheduled around the world is a tribute to the Islands entrepreneurial, innovative spirit and shows what an achievement it was for the Isle of Man to run the groundbreaking inaugural event, says Martyn Quayle, Tourism and Leisure Minister for the Isle of Man. We are now building on this fantastic start by properly integrating the clean emissions class into the race program this really does send a clear signal that electric motorsport is fast evolving and that the TT Races remain at the forefront of motorcycle sport.

The Isle of Man Government has posted a 10,000 pound (US$16,132) prize for the first TT Zero team to post a 100 mph lap on the 37.73-mile Mountain Course. The fastest lap recorded in the 2009 TTXGP race was 25 minutes 53.5 seconds, resulting in an average speed of 87.434 mph.

The TTXGP debuted at the 2009 Isle of Man TT and is set to run two series in 2010, one in North America and another in Europe. In November, the International Motorcycling Federation broke ties with the TTXGP and started its own electric series, the e-Power International Championship. Since the split, the TTXGP had scored a PR advantage by signing several top electric motorcycle manufacturers, but the loss of the Isle of Man race must be considered a setback.

We have enjoyed a very successful partnership with TTXGP Ltd and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their hard work last year, says Quayle. We look forward to welcoming many of the electric bike teams and riders back to the Isle of Man in 2010 as well as to seeing new challengers pitting their wits against the Mountain Course.

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