Clean emissions team return to try and record first 100mph lap around the mountain course

MotoCzysz, the motorcycle team founded by designer Michael Czysz, today confirmed that they would be returning to the Isle of Man in 2010 to participate in the ‘TT Zero’ Clean Emissions race which is part of the iconic TT races. 

Their MotoCzysz E1pc electric motorcycle generated a huge amount of interest during the inaugural event in 2009 and was widely accepted as having a similar level of integration as a traditional race bike.  The story of the team’s 2009 Isle of Man campaign is heavily featured in the documentary ‘Charge’, shot by director Mark Neale, which will be on general release worldwide in cinemas in Summer 2010.

The team, based in Portland, Oregon in the United States is famous for developing a true innovative clean sheet motorcycle, the C1 990 race bike.  They were scheduled to compete with their conventional race bike in the Moto GP championship until a change of regulation meant that the bike was no longer eligible.

The team’s 2010 electric machine is already believed to have received significant improvements on their 2009 bike and they have confirmed that they will debut the new MotoCzysz proprietary electric motor controller drive system, which is expected to be the highest torque/density electric motor in the industry.  They are expected to be one of the leading contenders to claim the £10,000 prize that the Isle of Man Government has offered to the first team to record a 100mph average time for a lap of the 37 3/4 mile course by an electric motorcycle.

Michael Czysz, Founder and CEO, MotoCzysz, commented:  “We are very excited to be returning to the Isle of Man to compete in the 2010 TT Zero.  The fact that electric motorcycle racing has been elevated to an official class within the TT shows the commitment of the Isle of Man Government in providing the low emission pioneers with a world stage to demonstrate their solutions.  This may end up being one of the purest prototype classes left in racing.”

Hon Martyn Quayle, MHK, Minister for Tourism and Leisure, Isle of Man Government commented:  “We are delighted to have a team of the credibility and prestige of MotoCzysz confirming their participation.  They are one of the true pioneers of motorcycle racing and I’m sure will arrive on the Island as a very competitive team.”

Danny John - Jules, star of the TV show 'Red Dwarf', and his team mate Graham Hoskins undertake the challenge of a lifetime, departing from the Ally Pally Show at Noon on Saturday 27th Feb in aid of BBC TV's 'Sport Relief' charity, motorbiking nearly 7,000 miles to circumnavigate the Mediterranean Sea in just 15 days. Graham and Danny will travel through three continents, riding across fourteen diverse, scenic and often chaotic countries as they cross from Europe over the Bosphorus into Asia, through the Middle East and round into North Africa. It's an endurance challenge and not for the faint-hearted!

To finish the Iron Butts Challenge, Danny and Graham will have to work together to overcome whatever trials face them. From bad navigation and getting lost, to flat tyres, mad and bad local drivers, mechanical failure, visa and border issues, running out of fuel and cultural differences. www.ironbutts.co.uk and www.virginmoneygiving.com/ironbutts

Being officially debuted at the Ally Pally Show by Ace Cafe London is the new Triumph "Ace 904 Thruxton Special". A collaboration between T3 Racing, the Triumph experts, and Stonebridge Motor Company to produce a Triumph based classic cafe racer style motorcycle, with modern power and performance
www.t3-racing.co.uk

Live stage action, brought to you by Pro Starz includes interviews and entertainment, from Noon each day, featuring presenter, performer and actress, Danni Murphy. Throughout the three days of the show, Danni will be working closely with Pro Starz hosting activities ranging from a motorcycling fashion show, dancers, bike racers, competitors, as well as conducting "on the spot" interviews around the event.

A new feature of the outdoor stunt display is Alstar, who specialises in drifting his "big jap multi" sports bike, spinning up the tyres, all whilst trying to wear out his knee sliders! www.stuntstarz.co.uk

AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building, Ally Pally Show affiliate event competition now included Metric Class sponsorship with Vance & Hines GBP 1000 (retail) of product credit, RSD (Roland Sands Designs) GBP 750 of product credit and Progressive Suspension GBP 500 (retail) of product credit courtesy of www.mageurope.net , with Brit Bike Class sponsorship being a set of top of the range spoke wheels courtesy of www.ridewrightwheels.com

January's weather and the acknowledged poor retail start to the new year took its toll on the motorcycle market. Statistics for all styles, being 42% lower than for January of 2009.

Smaller capacity bikes are fairing better in the market. The top ten selling models reveals that there appears to be a greater demand for smaller capacity bikes, which are ideal for commuting and can offer a practical cost-effective form of personal transport. Seven of the top ten selling models are up to 125cc capacity. The top selling models include: Honda CBF 125 M and the Yamaha YBR 125.

With this interest in smaller capacity bikes the top three selling manufacturers in January were Honda, Yamaha and Piaggio. In the larger capacity sectors, BMW is the top selling manufacturer with the BMW S 1000 RR and BMW R 1200 RT registering the highest number of sales.

The touring sector has managed to retain some ground, experiencing a lower percentage (-22%) fall, but as it only has less than 5% market share this has had a limited effect on the overall market. The three sectors with the biggest market share at the start of 2010 are Scooters, Naked and Supersport.

Steve Kenward. MCI's CEO said "Although the climate continues to present challenges in January the industry is confident that it's Get On campaign is showing results in the lightweight sectors.

"The MCI is working hard to encourage new people to recognise the benefits of individual mobility that a powered two-wheeler offers." However, Kenward added, "The new sales figures demonstrate how critical it is for the Government to create a level playing field across the entire automotive sector a point discussed at the recent meeting with MP Ian Lucas from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills"

Ace Cafe London has teamed up with Vintage Motorcycle Club (VMCC) and is delighted to be able to confirm that the "Best Brit" and "Best Old School" bikes at the forthcoming Ally Pally Show will win a spectator ticket worth £25, to attend the VMCC's unique and prestigious Festival of a Thousand Bikes, to be held at Mallory Park, 9th 11th July, 2010. 2010.

Additionally, the "Best Bike" in the Ace Cafe Racer competition to be held at Cassington's annual "Bike Night", Monday 28th June, will also win a weekend spectator ticket, as well as events at the cafe, to include BSA & Brit Bike Day (Sun 18th April), Norton & Brit Bike Day (Sun 30th May), 70's Bike Day (Sun 6th June), Triumph Day (Sun 13th June), and Triton & Cafe Racer Day (Sun 27th June).

Daleks and Storm troopers are to invade the Heritage Motor Centre at Gaydon on Sunday 21st February from 10am – 4pm. ‘ Who Wars’ will see life size iconic characters from Dr Who and Star Wars roaming the museum in between the world’s largest historic collection of British cars. Fans will have the chance to meet their beloved screen characters including Darth Vader, Jabber the Hut, Scarecrow Men and the infamous Daleks.

Throughout the day Who Wars themed activities will take place in the Education room including the chance to make Star Wars mini figures, or build a Tardis. Characters from both legendary screen hits will battle it out in a Who Wars Question Time to test their 'galactic' knowledge. The Question Time will be MC’d by Who Wars very own Doctor, with the opportunity for members of the audience to ask their own questions. Visitors will also have the chance to buy official merchandise from specialist trade stands and have their photographs taken with the characters.

During half term week the family can enjoy a host of fun filled activities. On Thursday 18 February children can take part in special craft activities from 11am - 3pm. Or they can ride as a passenger and experience the extreme capabilities of an off-road vehicle on the 4x4 Experience (5 yrs+). Sessions will take place daily (13-21 February), weather permitting, from 10.30am – 4:30pm and are open to non-museum visitors.

Emma Rawlinson, Events Executive for the Heritage Motor Centre stated “We are delighted to be hosting Who Wars which will give fans the opportunity of meeting these legendary characters as they roam around our prized collection of cars. The Heritage Motor Centre has a whole host of fun activities to keep everyone entertained during half term week. ”

Normal museum entry fees apply for Who Wars. A family ticket costs just £28 for 2 adults & 3 children. Prices per ride for the 4X4 Experience cost £6 for adults and £4 for children and concessions.

Who Wars is just one of a whole host of family events taking place at the Heritage Motor Centre during the school holidays in 2010. To find out more information please visit the website at www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk