Category: IOM TT - Manx Grand Prix

1. Leading Helmet Manufacturer Arai backs Classic TT Races

   Posted on 11:09am Wednesday 14th Aug 2013

   Leading Helmet manufacturer Arai is the latest brand to back the inaugural Classic TT Races on the Isle of Man in 2013. Arai, which is distributed by Moto Direct in the UK, will receive a series of high profile sponsor benefits including trackside, programme, web and race guide advertising.

   The company will be providing its well-established race service to the race paddock, which includes helmet servicing and replacement throughout the race fortnight. Many of the established Classic TT stars are Arai registered riders including Australian ace Cameron Donald. The company will also provide helmets to the Travelling Marshals who operate during the qualifying sessions and races.

   Arai joins a number of well-established Motorcycle industry brands and blue-chip companies in supporting the inaugural Classic TT Races, which is part of the newly established Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling. Many of the leading TT Race specialists have confirmed entries and they will go 'head-to- head' against Classic Racing specialists in the three races.

   This year's festival also includes two parade laps, which will feature some of the greatest names in motorcycle racing. Stars confirmed to appear include John McGuinness and Giacomo Agostini who will be recreating the 1967 Senior TT Race while World Champions Phil Read MBE, Kork Ballington, Chas Mortimer, Carlos Lavado, Freddie Spencer, Manuel Herreros, Steve Baker, Kel Carruthers and Brian Reid will join TT stars past and present in the 'Classic Racer Heroes' parade lap.

   Laurence Skelly, MHK, Political Member, Isle of Man Government Department of Economic Development for Tourism and Motorsport commented: "We have a long established partnership with Arai and as the leading helmet provider we are very pleased that they will be endorsing our event. They play a really important role in providing a race service to competitors at the TT and Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling and have become an established part of the paddock."

   He continued:

   "We have had a great reaction to the new festival from commercial partners and fans and look forward to welcoming everyone to all the events that we've got going on including the Classic TT, The Manx Grand Prix's ninetieth anniversary, the Classic and two day trials and the VMCC's festival of Jurby in what promises to be a great celebration of Motorcycle racing."

   Moto Direct's Terry Birtles, on behalf of Arai, commented: "We always say that motorcycle racing is in our DNA and it's exactly the same with the Isle of Man. The TT Mountain Course is world famous and is instrumental in the development of our helmet technology. We are delighted to extend our partnership to include the Classic TT."

2. RST becomes official safety partner of Isle of Man Classic TT Races

   Posted on 10:30am Tuesday 13th Aug 2013

   RST has signed an exclusive deal to be the official safety partner of the inaugural Classic TT Races on the Isle of Man in 2013.

   RST motorcycle clothing, which has been manufactured and distributed by UK based Moto Direct for over 20 years, will receive a series of high profile sponsor benefits including trackside advertising, programme, web and race guide ads, paddock and Classic TT VIP club branding. The company's sponsorship also includes title sponsorship of the Classic TT 'heroes' dinner, which will carry the 'in association with RST' credit.

   The company will operate a temporary retail store from one of the retail units behind the main TT Grandstand as part of the sponsorship and RST are producing a special Ltd edition RST Classic TT safety partner T-Shirt that will be exclusively available from the RST temporary store.

   The Classic TT has already achieved some high profile commercial and economic successes with a title sponsor signed up, significant media coverage confirmed including a two hour ITV4 show as well as international TV deals and a projected 17% year on year increase of motorbikes from the previous year's Manx Grand Prix Festival. Many of the leading TT Race specialists have confirmed entries and they will go 'head-to- head' against Classic Racing specialists in the three races.

   Laurence Skelly, MHK, Political Member, Isle of Man Government Department of Economic Development for Tourism and Motorsport commented: "We are delighted to have the endorsement of a prestigious, high profile company such as RST in the Classic TT's inaugural year. Sponsors and partners are vital for us to secure the long-term future of the event."

   Jonny Towers, RST commented: "When we first heard about the Classic TT we felt we had to be involved. The Isle of Man is a true icon in world motorcycling and the event features some of the most definitive machines in motorcycle race history. The event gives us the perfect platform to showcase RST, alongside our sponsored rider line up including TT champions and legends like Cameron Donald, to a knowledgeable group of bike fans."

    

3. Glittering line up for Classic Racer Magazine Classic TT Lap of Honour

   Posted on 7:50am Monday 12th Aug 2013

   One of the highlights of this year’s inaugural Classic TT in association with Bennetts will be the Classic Racer Magazine Classic TT Lap of Honour which is set to take place on Bank Holiday Monday and with the entry packed with both legendary riders and iconic, and exotic, machinery to match it promises to be something very special indeed.

   Reading like a who’s who of International road racing from the past 50 years, the line-up includes a combined – and staggering – total of no less than 42 World Championships, 304 Grand Prix wins and 98 TT victories. Never before has such an array of talent been assembled on the Isle of Man and it’s going to be a privilege for all concerned to witness such an amazing spectacle. It’s fair to say the words ‘not to be missed’ don’t do it justice. Here’s as selection of who’ll be taking to the Mountain Course:

   John McGuinness (England)

   The current King of Mountain, McGuinness has now taken a staggering 20 TT wins whilst he’s also achieved more podiums – 41 – than any other rider. The outright lap record holder will ride his own 250cc Honda, a replica of the machine upon which he won his first TT race in 1999.

   Phillip McCallen (Northern Ireland)

   McCallen was very much the man to beat in the big bike classes at the TT during the 1990s and won 11 race wins during his career, including four in 1996 and three in 1997. The Northern Irishman will take part in the parade on board one of his race winning RC45 Honda’s.

   Ralf Waldmann (Germany)

   German rider Waldmann made his name in the 125cc World Championship before going on to even greater success in the 250cc category. Twice runner-up to Max Biaggi, Waldmann won 20 GPs and stood on the rostrum 50 times and he’ll take part in the parade lap on the super exotic DKW taken to TT victory in 1938 by German rider Ewald Kluge, which is part of the Audi Tradition collection.

   Carlos Lavado (Venezuela)

   Venezuelan Lavado was one of the most naturally gifted 250cc and 350cc riders of the late 1970s and 1980s, going on to win two 250cc World titles in 1983 and 1986. In total, Lavado took 19 GP wins and 42 podiums and will ride a replica of his 1983 World Championship winning machine for the Yamaha Classic Racing Team, Yamaha OW47.

   Freddie Spencer (USA)

   American ace Spencer remains the youngest ever winner of the 500cc World Championship, which he took in 1983, and two years later created history by becoming the first – and only – man to win the 250cc and 500cc titles in the same season. He’ll ride a 500 NS Honda..

   Kork Ballington (South Africa)

   Ballington came to the fore in the 1970s when he was a formidable privateer in the 250cc and 350cc classes and it was that form that saw him snapped up by Kawasaki. Four World titles and 31 GP wins followed on the ‘green meanies’ and he’ll make his first appearance on the Isle of Man riding a 750cc H2R Kawasaki for Team Collins and Russell.

   Manuel Herreros (Spain)

   Like a number of his countrymen, Herreros was an expert in the small categories, with his greatest success coming on the Spanish Derbi machines. Nicknamed ‘Champi’, Herreros won the 1989 80cc World Championship and will ride that same machine here on the island.

   Phil Read (England)

   One of only two riders to win World titles in the 125cc, 250cc and 500cc categories, Read won 52 GPs and stood on the podium 121 times during his phenomenal career, the latter still the fourth highest total of all time. The 8-times World Champion will ride the 500cc RG Suzuki that he campaigned during the 1976 500cc World Championship for Team Classic Suzuki.

   Steve Baker (USA)

   The first American to win a motorcycle World Championship, Baker took the 1977 750cc title, also finishing second in that year’s 500cc series. Winner of the Daytona 200, Baker is back on the island riding a 1978 OW31 750cc Yamaha for the Yamaha Classic Racing Team.

   Bruce Anstey (New Zealand)

   Since making his TT debut in 1996, Anstey has gone on to become one of the greatest road racers not just of his generation but of all time too. With eight TT wins and 27 podiums to his name, the Kiwi will take to the Mountain Course on the incredible, and iconic, Britten V1000 machine.

   Giacomo Agostini (Italy)

   Still the most successful motorcycle rider of all time, Agostini won 15 World titles and 122 GPs during his illustrious career as well as 10 TT Races, the latter all achieved on MV Agusta. Ago will take to the Mountain Course once more on the Yamaha Classic Racing Team 350cc Yamaha OW16 that took him to the 1975 350cc World Championship.

   Kel Carruthers (Australia)

   Australian ace Carruthers took the 1969 250cc World Championship as well as TT wins on Benelli and Yamaha machinery before going on to become one of the finest GP technicians of all time, working with the likes of Kenny Roberts and Eddie Lawson. Will ride a replica of the Benelli machine that took him to that World title.

   Ryan Farquhar (Northern Ireland)

   A three times TT winner, no-one has won more Irish road races than Farquhar with the Dungannon rider having won a staggering 199 races! With ten victories at the Manx Grand Prix, the second highest total ever, Farquhar will ride the 500cc Paton that took him to five of those race wins.

   Michael Dunlop (Northern Ireland)

   Despite still being only 24, Dunlop has already taken 7 TT wins and 13 podiums as well as being the current holder of two lap records and a great, record-breaking career lies ahead of him. He’ll ride the 500cc RGV Suzuki that Kenny Roberts jnr rode in the 1999 500cc World Championship.

   Chas Mortimer (England)

   One of the finest road racers of the 1970s, Mortimer could ride – and win – on all classes of machinery although his greatest success came in the 125cc, 250cc and 350cc categories. An 8 times TT winner, Mortimer will ride a 350cc Yamaha in the Classic TT Lap of Honour.

   Brian Reid (Northern Ireland)

   Twice World Formula Two Champion, Reid was a road racer of the highest calibre right up until his retirement in 1994 and with 5 TT wins and 10 podiums, he’s still rightly revered amongst the racing fraternity. One of the famed ‘Dromara Destroyers’, Reid will ride a 500cc RG Suzuki for Team Classic Suzuki similar to what he raced in the 1980s.

   Mick Grant (England)

   A multiple British Champion, Grant rode for the factory Kawasaki, Honda and Suzuki teams during his career, winning no less than seven TT, also taking the outright lap record along the way. The Yorkshireman will contest the parade lap on board the same Team Classic Suzuki owned 500cc XR34 RG Suzuki that took him to victory in the 1981 Senior TT.

   Steve Parrish (England)

   A former British Champion, Parrish rode for the Heron Suzuki team in the 1970s before switching to Yamaha in the 1980s, going on to manage the official Loctite-sponsored British team. Now a well-known TT commentator, Parrish gets to ride the ex-Noriyuki Haga 750cc OWL7 Yamaha.

   Steve Tonkin (England)

   A formidable privateer throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Tonkin’s best days came during the 1980-82 period, winning three successive 250cc Vladivar Vodka Championships. He also took the 1981 Junior TT race on the Randle Armstrong before setting up firstly his own restoration business and more recently the production of café racers. This week will see the debut of the ‘Tonkin Tornado’.

   Rod Gould (England)

   Englishman Gould found fame as a privateer in the 1969s before being snapped up by Yamaha where he promptly won the 1970 250cc World Championship. A 10-time GP winner, the Oxfordshire rider then went on to become Yamaha’s European Racing Manager

   Naomi Taniguchi (Japan)

   Former GP rider Taniguchi created history in 1959 when he became the first Japanese rider to compete at World Championship level, finishing 6th in Honda’s very first Isle of Man TT race. He continued to ride for Honda up until 1965 and will ride a 250cc machine in the Parade Lap.

   Stuart Graham (England)

   Son of 1949 500cc World Champion Les Graham, Stuart rode for both the Honda and Suzuki factories during the 1960s, enjoying his best season in 1967 when he took third place in both the 50cc and 125cc World Championships. He won the 50cc TT race that year on the little Suzuki before going on to achieve success on four wheels.

   Dave Roper (USA)

   The first American to have ever won a TT, Classic race exponent Roper took the 1984 500cc Historic race and will be back on the island riding a 350cc 7R AJS for Team Obsolete.

   With over 100 entries, other star riders include 1985 Production TT winner Mat Oxley (Yamaha R1), Finnish ace Pentti Korhonen (1972 250cc Yamaha), Malcolm Wheeler (250 RD05A Yamaha), Richard Quayle (Yamaha FZR750), Dan Cooper (500cc OW45 Yamaha), Steve Mercer (Yamaha OW01), Mark Miller (750cc OU45 Yamaha), Dan Kneen (Honda RC30), Ian Richards (Yamaha TZ250), South African Les van Breda (500cc RG Suzuki), Nigel Rollason (Yamaha TZ350), and John (Norton Metisse 850) and Derek Brindley (Yamaha TZ700).

4. Retro fun for all the family at the Classic TT Paddock Carnival

   Posted on 8:19am Friday 9th Aug 2013

   Clocks turned back to the 1960s for a unique day out!

   The brand new Classic TT Paddock Carnival event has something for all the family with a jam-packed schedule of entertainment for people of all ages.

   Starting at midday on Friday 23rd August, the Classic TT Paddock Carnival takes place in the heart of the Classic TT paddock, with free parking available in the Nobles Park Playing fields.

   Amongst the attractions will be a number of displays of exotic racing machines from the past hundred years. With a combined value of many millions of pounds (although some are thought to be priceless), it is undoubtedly the most amazing line up of machinery ever to be assembled at the same time on the Isle of Man.

   The Vintage Motor Cycle Club will also be in attendance, riding into the venue during the day with scores of amazing vintage motorcycles from their 2013 Rally.

   The line up of racing celebrities past and present will match the glittering array of machinery with stars such as Giacomo Agostini, John McGuinness, Phil Read, Mick Grant, Conor Cummins, Michael Dunlop, Freddie Spencer, Kork Ballington, Cameron Donald, Steve Baker and Bruce Anstey just some of the famous faces you can expect to bump into throughout the day.

   As well as classic motorcycles, there will be displays of classic cars and buses, whilst vintage fair ground rides will provide entertainment for younger visitors. Duke Marketing’s 1960s Coco Tent will be open throughout the day along with the Okells Brewery Beer Tent and a large selection of catering outlets.

   A stage is being built at the rear of the Grandstand and will play host to live music from The Manx Jazz Aces and the Nigel Williams Band throughout the day, playing some of the best-known hits from the 1960s. There will also be chat shows on the stage throughout the day with some of leading personalities in attendance hosted and broadcasted live by the Radio TT ‘Classic’ team.

   The ever popular Purple Helmets will perform at 3pm in Pit Lane in front of the main TT Grandstand, whilst star of the film No Limit, George Formby will be performing throughout the day and will have his home built Shuttleworth Snap racing machine with him!

   London’s Ace Café are building ‘The Ace Corner’ in the heart of the paddock, with a display depicting the history of the iconic venue meanwhile Mortons Media Group will hold a stunning exhibition of TT images from the 1960s in their Grandstand retail unit.

   For those looking for a souvenir, Motorsport Merchandise will have a full range of official Classic TT Merchandise on sale, with other retail outlets from the likes of Duke, RST Leathers, Crossan Motorcycles, The Ace Café, Scott Leathers, DH Autos, Red Torpedo and The Joey Dunlop Foundation will be open all day.

   The Classic TT Paddock Carnival will have a 1960s theme throughout the day with 1960s fancy dress encouraged. There will be a competition on the day for the best fancy dress costume judged by non other than 20 times TT winner John McGuinness, with the prize being two VIP Hospitality tickets for the following day's racing.

   Access to the event is free with further updates available via iomtt.com and the official Isle of Man TT and Classic TT Facebook and Twitter channels on the run up to the event.

5. Stunning line up confirmed for Motorsport Merchandise Formula 1, Formula 2 and Formula Classic Races to conclude Classic TT meeting

   Posted on 8:19am Wednesday 31st Jul 2013

   The Motorsport Merchandise Formula 1, Formula 2 and Formula Classic Races are set to bring this year’s Classic TT presented by Bennetts to a stunning conclusion with some of the most iconic, and exotic, machines from yesteryear set to grace the Mountain Course once more.

   The F1 class has seen a mammoth 74 entries received - over three times the number of competitors on the starting grid in recent years. With the likes of the RC30 Honda, OW01 Yamaha, ZXR Kawasaki and GSXR Suzuki on the startline, it promises to be one of the races of the week. Throw in the likes of the XR69 Suzuki’s, 500cc Grand Prix Yamahas and Suzuki’s and FZ750 Yamaha’s and it’s easy to see why riders have been desperate to participate.

   Split into categories to reflect the era from which the bike is from, the most popular class has been the pre-1992 Superbike and going off at number 1, as he did at the TT, will be James Hillier. The Bournemouth man will be on board one of CSC Racing’s impressive RC30 Honda’s. He’ll certainly be tough to beat but ten seconds behind him will be the first of the Yamaha Classic Racing Team riders, Steve Mercer riding an immaculate YEC OW01 Yamaha in what will be team principal Ferry Brouwer’s swansong.

   TT Rider Liaison Officer John Barton has acquired an ex Ray Stringer ZXR750 Kawasaki and will line up at number 4 with leading TT rider Dan Stewart on a similar machine at number 9 and the Cumbrian is sure to be one of the race favourites. Paul Owen, Jamie Coward and former Senior Manx GP winner Paul Duckett will also be Kawasaki mounted, the trio riding for Mistral Racing.

   As well as Hillier, other RC30 Honda riders include 1993 Formula 1 TT winner Nick Jefferies, Kiaran Hankin, David Madsen-Mygdal, who enjoyed great success on the machine at the TT, and Manx Grand Prix outright lap record holder Alan Jackson jnr.

   Michael Dunlop and Conor Cummins lead the Suzuki charge on board 1100cc GSXR powered XR69’s for Team Classic Suzuki. Russ Mountford, who led the corresponding race last year before breaking down, Dan Kneen, Davy Morgan and Graham English are also part of the team.

   As well as Mercer, Yamaha have further strength in depth with TT stalwart Jim Hodson and the up and coming Ryan Kneen. Meanwhile, Mick Godfrey, who previously finished on the podium at the MGP, switches to an 888 Ducati.

   Yamaha Classic Racing Team also field American Mark Miller who rides the a recreation of the 1986 FZ750 machine that Grand Prix legend Eddie Lawson rode to Daytona 200 glory and Daniel Cooper on the legendary TZ500 Yamaha that was ridden by the likes of Kenny Roberts, Johnny Cecotto and Steve Baker. Olie Linsdell is another rider who can be expected to feature towards the top of the leaderboard and he’ll be campaigning another FZ750 Yamaha whilst TT star Gary Johnson lines up for Team Winfield on a Harris framed machine.

   A host of other riders are expected to be in contention including MGP winners Dave Milling, Dave Moffitt and Alan Oversby as well as Tim Poole, Maria Costello, Ken Davis, Adrian Cox, Bob Price, Alan Bud Jackson, Roger Wibberley, Peter Simpson and Alan Connor, with Connor riding a 588 Norton Rotary.

   There’s also been a significant increase in entries for the Formula 2 Classic Race where the 250cc TZ Yamaha’s are expected to dominate. The class should see a battle royale between Chris Palmer on the Rob Brew Racing entered machine and Roy Richardson on the FCL Racing/Martin Bullock Manxsport equivalent. The duo have been the dominant forces at the Manx GP but perhaps a dark horse for honours is 20-year old James Cowton. The Yorkshire rider had a great Manx GP debut in 2012 and riding for two stroke guru Peter Berwick, he has a great chance of success.

   Phil McGurk, Ewan Hamilton and Chris Moore are also expected to be well to the fore as is Pete Symes on one of the few Hondas in the field. Stuart Hall, Chris Barratt and Tom Jackson are just some of the other notable 250cc-mounted riders whilst Grant Wagstaff will be one to watch with the Ducks Cross Racing 350cc Yamaha. Meanwhile, Shaun Anderson, Nuno Caetano and Andy Lawson should be the front-runners in the 600cc four-stroke categories.

   The third race within a race is for the Formula Classic machines where Mark Parrett is a pre-race favourite on the Snibor Racing 850cc BSA. Barry Davidson and John Ingram are on similar machines though so cannot be ruled out whilst Chris McGahan will certainly have a say in matters on the 850cc Triumph. Allan Brew rides a 350cc Yamaha for the Yamaha Classic Racing Team with Gavin Lupton’s 757cc Triumph another of the pre-race contenders.