Category: IOM TT - Manx Grand Prix

1. John McGuinness helps to launch Honda's 2014 models‏

   Posted on 10:16am Thursday 7th Nov 2013

   Honda TT Legends rider John McGuinness has appeared with some of Honda's biggest racing stars in a presentation to launch the company's new model line-up for 2014.

   The 20-time Isle of Man TT winner joined Pata Honda World Superbike star Leon Haslam, 14-time World Trials Champion Toni Bou and 2013 FIM World Rally Champion Paulo Gonçalves in Milan in Italy on Monday night to ride the new models on to the stage in front of the world's motorcycle media.

   They were joined by three of Honda's racing stars of the future, European Junior Cup winner Jake Lewis, Honda 150 European champion Filippo Grigoletto and European Junior Cup rider Sabrina Paiuta.

   Honda's 2014 line-up includes six new models, with two 650cc machines featuring a new inline four-cyclinder engine, the new CTX1300 cruiser and the next evolution of the NC series.

   The range also features new directions for Honda's VFR800F and the CBR1000RR Fireblade which spearheads Honda's racing activities in World Superbike, the Isle of Man TT and World Endurance, including the famous Suzuka 8-Hour race in Japan.

   McGuinness rode an updated CBR1000RR Fireblade on to the Milan stage, while Haslam, who won this year's Suzuka 8-Hour race, brought on the new CBR1000RR Fireblade SP featuring Ohlins suspension and Brembo brakes.

2. RACE PROGRAMME AND OTHER DETAILS CONFIRMED FOR 2014 CLASSIC TT

   Posted on 9:25am Wednesday 6th Nov 2013

   The Isle of Man Government, Department of Economic Development has today confirmed the race programme for the 2014 Classic TT Races presented by Bennetts.

   Following a week of practice and qualifying, the race programme will get underway with the Bennetts 500cc Classic TT Race on Saturday 23rd August. The second and final day of racing takes place on Bank Holiday Monday 25th August with the Okells 350cc Classic TT Race being followed by the combined Motorsport Merchandise Formula 1 and Formula 2 Classic TT Races.

   The Classic TT Races form part of a four-day festival of motorcycle nostalgia from the 22nd to 25th August, which also includes a Paddock Carnival, classic racing machinery displays, photographic exhibitions, the Festival of Jurby and a whole host of social events. The Classic TT is one of the events that make up the 2014 Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling between August 16 and August 31. The festival also includes the Manx Grand Prix (27th to 29th August), Manx 2-Day Trial (23rd and 24th August) , Manx Classic Trial (30th and 31st August) and the VMCC rally and The Festival of Jurby (24th August).

   Following the success of the inaugural Classic TT, the Department has reviewed all aspects of the event and carried out consultation with teams, competitors, commercial partners and race fans with a view to refining and building upon the 2013 activity.

   This review has led to a number of racing specific changes for 2014 including the withdrawal of the 250cc and Formula Classic TT Races. Whilst machines from these races will still be allowed to compete (in the 350cc and Formula 1 Classic TT Races respectively) the limited numbers of entries and finishers in 2013 has led to the decision to remove them from the programme. ______________________

   A number of new awards have been added for 2014 to recognise the achievements of different specifications of machinery in the races. These awards will be presented in a tribute to some of the greatest names in TT history, and will feature these legendary riders helmet iconography in the trophy design. The new awards will be as follows –

   - The Joey Dunlop Classic TT Trophy (Presented to the rider of the first 750cc machine to finish in the Formula 1 Classic TT Race).

   - The Mike Hailwood Classic TT Trophy (Presented to the rider of the first 500cc single cylinder machine in the 500cc Classic TT Race).

   - The Geoff Duke Classic TT Trophy (Presented to the rider of the first 350cc single cylinder machine in the 350cc Classic TT Race).

   - The Phil Read Classic TT Trophy (Presented to the rider of the first 250cc machine in the 350cc Classic TT Race

   The competitor sub class categories have also been redefined for 2014. The ‘GP Rider’ and ‘Privateer Rider’ competitor sub classes were introduced to ensure competitors of all abilities and experience could compete in the Classic TT Races in an environment that promotes equality and sportsmanship. The sub classes were used to determine the awarding of trophies, replicas and qualification times.

   Changes for 2014 will see the qualification for the ‘GP Rider’ sub class be defined as follows:

   - A rider who has finished in 1st, 2nd or 3rd in a 500cc, 350cc, Formula 1 or Formula 2 Classic TT Race in any of the previous two years.

   - A rider who has lapped at a threshold speed in a 500cc, 350cc, Formula 1 or Formula 2 Classic TT Race in any of the previous two years. These threshold speeds will be105mph in 500cc, 100mph in 350cc, 115mph in Formula 1 and 108mph in Formula 2.

   - A rider who has finished in the top 20 in a Superbike, Supersport, Superstock or Senior TT Race in any of the previous two years.

   - In exceptional circumstances any other rider at the promoters discretion based on their experience and machinery.

   Work is ongoing in co-operation with the Classic TT Race Organisers, the Manx Motor Cycle Club, to identify improvements to practice and qualification track time allocation as well as logistical issues relating to technical inspections and the Parc Ferme ahead of next year’s event.

   The technical regulations for the Classic TT Races are also currently under review, and whilst some minor amendments are likely to be made, there are currently no plans to make any significant alterations to the key technical specifications. The full regulations for the Classic TT will be released along with those for the Manx Grand Prix Races in early 2014.

3. Quattro Plant Kawasaki confirmed as official Kawasaki roads team at 2014 Isle of Man TT Races

   Posted on 9:41am Monday 28th Oct 2013

   The Bournemouth based Quattro Plant Kawasaki team are mounting a concerted effort to gain more road racing podiums and wins in 2014 with the news that BikeSocial.co.uk Lightweight TT winner James Hillier will again ride for the team.

   Announcing the renewal of the successful relationship, the team has also secured the endorsement of Kawasaki Motors UK as their Official entry for The TT Races as well as the North West 200.

   Having climbed to the top step of the TT podium by winning the 2013 Lightweight TT on his ER-6f based machine, Hillier has declared his intention to pursue other classes including the Senior TT on the awesome Ninja ZX-10R with equal vigour and determination.

   Already the Ringwood based 28 year old has become a member of the elite “131mph average lap” club at the TT and, in doing so, became one of the names that many teams had on their wish list for the coming season.

   Quattro Plant Kawasaki Team Manager Pete Extance explained the importance of having James leading the team assault in next year's campaign: "To keep James for our roads assault was always the number one priority for us. I am pleased to say that he is really happy where he is and we have already started work on plans to step up our approach yet another gear in 2014. We are also delighted to retain our loyal sponsor Quattro Plant who’ve been fantastic in their support for us."

   For KMUK, Racing Coordinator, Ross Burridge explained what the deal meant to Kawasaki. - "It's great news that the team have signed James for 2014. They really are coming of age as a roads team and I have no doubt that they will achieve more podium success with such a popular and proven winner next year."

   Paul Phillips, TT and Motorsport Co-ordinator, Isle of Man Government, commented: "James really came of age last year, not only with his win in the Lightweight TT but also his performance in the Senior TT when he lapped at an impressive 131mph and followed John McGuinness. He is now firmly established as one of the leading TT riders and I expect him to build on his success last year and challenge for a race win in the Superbike class next year."

4. HARRISON JOINS MAR-TRAIN RACING FOR 2014 ISLE OF MAN TT RACES

   Posted on 10:30am Thursday 24th Oct 2013

   2013 British Supersport champions Mar-Train Racing has confirmed that they will race in the 2014 Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy and have announced that up-and-coming International Road Racing talent Dean Harrison will represent them.

   Team owner Tim Martin has long been a road-racing supporter and 24-year-old Harrison will ride the team’s R6 Yamaha at the TT as well as the other international meetings - The North West 200 and Ulster Grand Prix.

   Harrison recorded a tremendous victory at this year’s Southern 100 aboard an R6 Yamaha in one of the Supersport races, and his seventh place at the TT in the second middleweight encounter, as well as his first TT podium in the BikeSocial.co.uk Lightweight TT, sets him up well for a shot at a debut TT Supersport podium with Mar-Train in 2014.

   Harrison was at Brands Hatch on Sunday to secure his deal and also watch Mar-Train Racing lift this year's British Supersport title with Stuart Easton. The affable Bradford man said of his new deal: “Yeah, it’s unreal to have tied up a contract with Tim and Sonya and the Mar-Train team for 2014."

   Harrison added: “We had a good year on a 600 Yamaha this season, but hopefully we can do a better job on what is definitely a stronger package with the Mar-Train bike. I’ve always wanted to stick with the same bikes that I was on, so the Mar-Train deal is perfect for me as they have so much more data and experience. Yeah hopefully we can have a good season.”

   Harrison will also take in the Southern 100 and Scarborough meetings with Mar-Train with some additional ad-hoc appearances to be discussed, and as soon as next week, the Northern Ireland team will be announcing his team-mate for 2014.

   Team owner Tim Martin said of his acquisition: “The plan for 2014 was to spread our wings a little and get involved in the International Road Racing scene. We have dabbled before but with Dean on-board and another rider secured – who we will be announcing next week – I believe we can challenge at the sharp end next season on the roads with two very exciting and talented riders. It’s all about exposure and return for our sponsors, both old and new, and the road races that we have chosen will play an important supporting role to our 2014 British Supersport campaign as defending champions.”

   TT and Motorsport Development Manager Paul Phillips commented: "Mar-Train are joining the TT paddock on the back of an excellent season and will be a welcome addition to the TT. It is another sign of the TT's growing strength that we are welcoming a current British Championship winning team. With Dean on board they will be right at the front of the pack and will contribute significantly to what is already building up to be hugely competitive Supersport races."

5. Double dose of TT action at Motorcycle Live

   Posted on 8:19am Friday 18th Oct 2013

   Motorcycle Live features a double dose of TT action this year, with two days dedicated to the Isle of Man’s flagship road racing festivals. Sunday 24 November will celebrate heritage event the Classic TT, while Sunday 1 December will be devoted to the world’s most famous road race, the Isle of Man TT. There will also be special guest appearances from top racers on a daily basis.

   20-times Isle of Man TT winner John McGuinness and 2013’s big winner Michael Dunlop will be leading a star-studded line-up which also includes Manxman Conor Cummins, fan favourite Bruce Anstey, SES TT Zero winner Michael Rutter, veteran competitor Ian Lougher and rising star James Hillier, who won his first TT race this year.

   John Holden and Andy Winkle, Ben and Tom Birchall, Tim Reeves and Dan Sayle and sixteen-time TT champion Dave Molyneux along with his passenger Patrick Farrance will be representing the Sidecars. For a full list of riders and their appearance dates click here.

   The riders will be signing autographs and meeting fans on the TT Paddock Experience stand and taking part in daily Q&As with TT commentator James Whitham on the Black Horse Stage in the British Eurosport Entertainment Zone in Hall 2. On Sunday 1 December, the TT will take over the stage, with four Q&A sessions and a special TT-themed edition of Fast Bikes Question of Bikes hosted by Steve Parrish. Race fans will also have the chance to bag early-bird Grandstand and VIP hospitality packages for the 2014 Isle of Man TT.

   Advance tickets for Motorcycle Live 2013 are just £17 per adult, £11 for Seniors and £7 for children aged 6-16* (kids five aged and under accompanied by a paying adult go free). Bike parking is free of charge and subject to availability. Reduced car parking costs of £8 – subsidised by Motorcycle Live. To book your tickets, call 0844 581 2345 or visit www.motorcyclelive.co.uk