Category: IOM TT - Manx Grand Prix

1. Further details of TT 2014 entertainment

   Posted on 7:02am Wednesday 14th May 2014

   The Department of Economic Development has released further details of the TT 2014 entertainment programme of free events.

   The Department’s Motorsport team has evolved the free entertainment to distribute the action more widely, in recognition that more visitors arriving for the TT races are finding places to stay outside Douglas.

   TT Mayhem will be touring for seven nights from Saturday 31st May to Friday 6th June, running at four different venues across the island. The new show will feature the Infernal Varanne Splitter Ball, and Monster Energy's Moto Trials display by Fred Crosset as well as plenty of loud music, giveaways and crowd participation.

   The schedule of events for TT Mayhem starts at 6pm on Saturday 31st May at the Villa Marina Gardens, with live action running until 8pm, then moves to Peel Promenade on Sunday 1st June as part of Peel TT day and to Port Erin on Monday 2nd, coinciding with Port Erin TT day for a repeat performance.

   Tuesday 3rd June sees the Red Arrows making an appearance at the Ramsey Sprint at 3pm and over Douglas Bay at 7.30pm. On the same day, the Monster Mayhem live action in Ramsey commences at 2pm and again at 3.30pm. The action moves back to Douglas on Wednesday 4th, Thursday 5th and Friday 6th June with shows at 11.30am and 4pm in Nobles Park.

   This year will sees the introduction of a live music stage in the Villa Marina which will play host to local bands on three nights: Wednesday 4th, Thursday 5th and culminating in the PokerStars’ closing party and fireworks display on Friday 6th June. These evenings will also feature interviews with leading riders on stage and the Senior TT prize giving following Friday's race.

   David Cretney MHK, Political Member for Tourism and Motorsport commented:‘Prior to my appointment, the Department picked out a number of well attended events around the Isle of Man and are adding to the TT entertainment to further enhance them. This not only means that the events are better attended but also that more of the Island's towns will get to experience the benefits of the official TT festival. I am committed to reviewing the quality and range of entertainment in Douglas and elsewhere to help us continue to improve it in future years.’

   Andy Gregorek, Managing Director of event organisers Gorilla said: ‘TT Mayhem has become an intrinsic part of the two week, fun-packed festival that includes live music, stunt shows and family fun days out. This year we were asked to look at creating something that had the same impact over a wider area. By taking our TT Mayhem show on the road we can engage with more people and will be tailoring our show to suit each venue.’

   www.iomtt.com

2. Manx Radio TT celebrates 50th anniversary at 2014 Isle of Man TT Races

   Posted on 8:51am Friday 9th May 2014

   Manx Radio TT will be celebrating its fiftieth anniversary of providing a dedicated radio service at the 2014 Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy, having first broadcast on Senior Race Day in June 1964.

   The station will take to the airwaves on Monday 26th May from 7.30am bringing a mixture of music, news and entertainment as well as its qualifying and race commentary service throughout the fortnight.

   There are two new additions to the team this year. Former British Champion and TT race winner Chris Palmer, who rounded off his Mountain Course career with two wins in the inaugural Classic TT meeting last year, will join Chris Kinley for extensive coverage of all the evening practice sessions.

   Chris Kinley will again host the morning Chat Shows from the studio in the Sure Shop at the back of the Grandstand but the programme will also venture out to locations such as Billown, Creg-ny-Baa and campsites around the island for live chat shows featuring leading TT stars.

   There will be more chat at lunchtimes with Sheffield based journalist Rachael Clegg, whose father Noel is an ex-TT Racer, joining Marc Tyley as co-presenter and interviewer on the TT Diner.

   The afternoon 'After Burner' show, features Manx Radio’s Breakfast host Chris Williams while Stu Peters and Simon Quine will take the evening slot, playing a wide and eclectic mix of tracks.

   The race commentary team, keeping fans trackside and worldwide updated via the 1368AM and on-line stream, is back providing all the crucial developments, reaction and breaking news.

   The Manx Radio TT team remains Tim Glover, who will be the anchor commentator at the Grandstand, Dave Christian at the first checkpoint at Glen Helen with Roy Moore updating from his traditional spot at Ramsey Hairpin. Chris Kinley will be patrolling the startline, pitlane and parc ferme providing live updates and getting the inside track from riders as they leave the line and return to the grandstand.

3. Belgian Clean Emissions bike team Saroléa Racing confirmed for 2014 SES TT Zero Race

   Posted on 1:00pm Tuesday 29th Apr 2014

   Scotland's Robert Wilson will represent Belgian outfit

    

   Belgian clean emissions racing team Saroléa Racing has today confirmed that they will participate in the 2014 SES TT Zero Challenge. Scotland's Robert Wilson, who made his TT debut in 2011, will represent the team at the 2014 Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy.

    

   The historic Motorcycle brand, which will also compete in the FIM eRoad-Racing World Cup, was Belgium's first Motorcycle brand when it was established in 1850.  The team has always put a strong emphasis on racing to advance its technology, a tradition that has continued with the 2014 Saroléa SP7.

    

   Designed and built in Belgium, the SP7 motorcycle showcases the company's latest developments in technology. The bike is built up around the innovative carbon fibre monotube chassis and its ultra efficient axial flux motor.

    

   During the design process the focus was on achieving a high power to weight ratio and on aerodynamic efficiency. Extensive use of carbon fibre and lightweight alloys helped reduce the overall weight. The result is a very compact and agile motorcycle. Along with technical partners Bridgestone and Beta Tools, the team will focus on collecting data to further develop the bike.

    

   Scotsman Wilson has recorded five top twenty finishes in his three year career including a highest placed thirteenth in the 2012 Monster Energy Supersport Race.  Belgian Thijs De Ridder, developer of the electric powertrain, will race for the team in the eRoadRacing World Cup and will also support the team at the TT Races.

    

   Project Manager Torsten Robbens will lead the Saroléa Racing campaign.  Under his guidance, the SP7 will undergo extensive track testing, prior to its race debut.

    

   He commented: "The Isle of Man TT is the most prestigious motorcycle race in the world. Its 37.73 Mile laps (approximately 60km) also make it the most challenging event for both rider and machine. The TT zero testing programme will focus on optimising the race strategy and aerodynamic efficiency. The combination of the TT Zero challenge and the FIM world cup represents a really ambitious racing programme for us."

    

    

    

4. Subaru to debut 2015 WRX STi in Isle of Man TT record attempt

   Posted on 11:30am Friday 18th Apr 2014

   Subaru of America, Inc. announced today that Subaru will return to the fabled Isle of Man TT Races and attempt to beat its own fastest car lap time. The current record of 115.36mph for the iconic 37 3/4 mile TT Mountain Course was set three years ago by Mark Higgins in a (2011) Subaru WRX STI. Higgins will return to drive the new 2015 Subaru WRX STI.

   The car Higgins will drive is a stock U.S.-spec 2015 WRX STI, with the exception of a roll-cage, race harness, fire suppression system and modified springs and dampers to handle the sustained high speeds of the course.

   Subaru will also return as a partner with the Isle of Man, renewing its sponsorship of the race. “We are very excited to return for another attempt of the TT course and to be the official car of the TT,” said Dominick Infante, National Manager of Product Communications, Subaru of America, Inc. “The Isle of Man is paradise for anyone who appreciates motorsport and there is nothing like the TT road course anywhere else.”

   In his previous attempt on the course, Higgins created one of the most memorable race videos when he had a self-described "moment” at the bottom of Bray Hill at 150 MPH. The video has received almost 10 million views via various media outlets.

   After setting the record Higgins stated, “Setting the record was totally exhilarating and one of the highlights of my career. As a Manxman I love the TT Races and I have a huge amount of respect for the TT riders and what they do. It will be a real honour to attempt a new fastest car lap."

   Subaru will complete 3 timed runs on Saturday 31st May, Monday 2nd June and Wednesday 4th June. The event has been the subject of comprehensive consultation with all relevant parties and will take place under full, closed road conditions.

   David Cretney, the Isle of Man Government Political Member responsible for Tourism and Motorsport, commented:

   "We are delighted to be able to help one of the TT’s valued, long term partners in delivering their promotional campaign for the new vehicle. Subaru of America has made a major commitment to the event, both financially and as a provider of course cars, which helps us to reduce the fiscal contribution required by the public purse."

5. GARY JOHNSON LINES UP FOR 2014 BIKE NATION LIGHTWEIGHT TT WITH CF MOTO BACKED WK BIKES EFFORT

   Posted on 12:18pm Wednesday 16th Apr 2014

   WK Bikes is heading to this year’s Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy on a positive note with factory support from leading Chinese manufacturer CF Moto, and TT frontrunner Gary Johnson piloting its 650i in the 2014 Lightweight category.

   The Lincolnshire-based distributor enjoyed maximum exposure at the 2013 edition of the high-profile road race event where its development 650cc machine put in a plus-109mph practice lap in the hands of 33-year-old Johnson. Since that eyebrow-raising outing, the machine has been taken to a new level in terms of race-specific technical development, and will this year be branded as the CF Moto 650i, run by WK Bikes. Such support is not only testament to the strong relationship between manufacturer and distributor, but also underlines international commitment to the prestigious TT.

   Johnson is no stranger to TT success as, since his debut in 2007, he has enjoyed multi race podiums and a race victory that have seen him earn his place as one of the leading competitors on the Mountain Course.

   “After getting the chance to ride the CF Moto 650i for a few laps in 2013 on the mountain course circuit, I was pleasantly surprised with its potential,” said Johnson. “As a teams we embarked on a massive development programme over the winter which has seen the race bike move to a far more competitive level. Come race day in June, I hope I can pay everyone back for all their hard work with a result the new bike and team deserve.”

   WK Bikes’ sales manager Henry Maplethorpe added; "although we didn’t come away with any silverware at our first foray last year, we certainly put WK and CF Moto on the TT map. With that first outing under our corporate belt, we now have the full factory support from CF Moto and so we’re going to the Island with high expectations. Local dyno specialist Chris Gunster has really racked up the hours during the off season, working closely with the team on the bike’s development and we are confident that both bike and rider will be competitive in the 2014 Lightweight class.

   “Pitting a Chinese manufactured machine against Japanese and European giants has certainly caused a stir and it shows the strength of conviction we have in its reliability, and performance capabilities. This in turn provides confidence to WK dealers and end-user customers.”

   The 2014 Isle of Man TT runs from Saturday 24th May through to Friday the 6th June, when the Bike Nation Lightweight TT will take place prior to the PokerStars Senior race.

   Consumer - For further information on WK Bikes call the UK distributor on 01507 522900 or visit www.wkbikes.com