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

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The Department of Economic Development has announced that North One TV has confirmed new TV deals with major international broadcasters which are set to deliver increased revenue and profile for the TT Races and the Isle of Man.

In the UK, ITV has agreed a new five-year deal to screen fifteen one-hour TT Races highlights programmes, which will be screened on ITV4, with many of the shows featuring same day highlights from the Isle of Man. 

Internationally, a five-year agreement has been reached with Velocity Channel in the USA to show seven one-hour race shows, screened within twenty four hours of each race, tailored specifically to the American market.

A new broadcaster, Fox Sports in Australia, has also agreed a three-year deal to show fifteen one-hour programmes.

All contracts run from this year's event.

The Department’s Political Member for Motorsport David Cretney MHK commented: ‘Working with North One, we are establishing a strong market for the TT's worldwide television coverage.  Specific broadcasters are beginning to bid against each other to secure the exclusive TV rights which bodes well for the future.

‘The increased audience for the event has several benefits.  It increases the global awareness and image of both the TT Races and Isle of Man, which helps to attract visitors and business investment.  It also generates further revenue, helping to reduce the cost to the taxpayer.’

North One Television has produced TV coverage and managed distribution of the Isle of Man TT Races since its appointment ahead of the 2009 TT Races.  During that time the worldwide TT audience has grown from 8.1 million in 2010 to 24.4 million viewers in 2013* with programming going out in more than 130 countries. (*source: audited viewing figures from Kantar Sport 2013.)

In 2013 the Isle of Man TT Races received over 400 hours of global coverage through the international highlight shows.

North One TV has appointed Isle of Man-based Duke Marketing to manage programme distribution outside the UK, American and Australian markets, negotiating sales of the twelve one-hour international highlights programmes.

Neil Duncanson, Chief Executive, North One TV, commented:

‘These three new deals are the cornerstone of our distribution plans.  ITV have been excellent partners here in the UK and the figures for the USA and Australia are growing fast.  We're delighted Duke have come on board to work with us on expanding our sales worldwide.’

Duke is already responsible for managing the TT's official YouTube Channel, which reached a worldwide audience of 43 million through uploaded TT video clips in 2013.

As well as featuring this year's official TT launch live from the Villa Marina on Tuesday 15th April, the company will also stream post-race press conferences and live pre-race footage from the paddock via the YouTube channel during 2014.

Commenting on the 2014 plans Peter Duke, Managing Director, Duke Marketing said: ‘We are really pleased to be playing a greater role in promoting the TT worldwide.  Our objective is to double the vast international audience with the addition of live footage on YouTube as well as growing the television market through increased distribution of the highlights packages.’

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