TTXGP Disappointed With FIM

Motorcycle.com Staff
by Motorcycle.com Staff

TTXGP disappointed with FIM

Competing series splits electric racing efforts
By Motorcycle.Com Staff, Nov. 26, 2009
TTXGP founder Azhar Hussain says he is disappointed by the International Motorcycling Federations decision to launch its own electric racing series.

We are disappointed that, despite our best efforts over many months to establish a truly inclusive world series, the FIM has decided to launch one independently of TTXGP, says Hussain. We would like to reassure all those involved with TTXGP that our 2010 racing calendar remains unaffected and many of our leading championship teams and manufacturers have already confirmed they will race exclusively in TTXGP.

The FIM had previously endorsed the TTXGP, supporting the series debut at the Isle of Man on June 12. The FIMs endorsement gave the race credibility, and a few weeks after the Isle of Man race, the FIM announced it would create a new series led by Hussain for 2010.

I am very happy to welcome this new Series, the future of the sport depends on our capacity as well as that of the manufacturers to innovate quickly, said FIM President Vito Ippolito in June. We are convinced that very shortly the motorcycle World Championships will be accessible to non-polluting engines as far as gas and sound emissions are concerned. Now that this important decision is taken, we have to work on rules and calendar to be ready to compete in 2010.

The FIM has formed its own electric racing series despite initially planning a series with TTXGP founder Azhar Hussain.

TTXGP organizers began preparing for the 2010 Isle of Man races as well as a pair of four-round series in the U.S.A. and the U.K. On Nov. 18 however, t he FIM announced the creation of the e-Power International Championship, completely separate from the TTXGP.

Electric motorcycle racing is still a relatively new sport, and Hussain says the FIMs decision creates a split in the fledgling electric motorcycle industry.

TTXGP's culture is to work in partnership with those with knowledge and experience in motorsports and technology to ensure that the very best of innovation and consumer technology drives our sport forward, says Hussain. FIM's unilateral decision means that our energies are divided and the force diluted. The real victim will be the consumer and the industry which demands change to embrace a valuable opportunity. FIM appears to have no vision which will assist its own industry.

The FIM has announced four rounds in its e-Power championship, each taking place at FIM-sanctioned endurance racing events such as the Le Mans 24Hours and the Bol dOr, with further rounds to be announced.

The TTXGP has four rounds scheduled for its U.K. series while the American series has one round scheduled to coincide with the AMA round at the Infineon Raceway round in Sonoma, Calif., and three rounds to be announced. The TTXGP also has support from several manufacturers and teams while the FIM has yet to announce any participants in its series.

Related Reading
FIM announces electric racing series (Now)
FIM announces electric racing series (Then)

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