Category: IOM TT - Manx Grand Prix

1. 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.

2. 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."

    

    

    

3. 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."

4. 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

5. New TV deals for Isle of Man TT Races set to deliver increased revenue and profile

   Posted on 1:19pm Saturday 12th Apr 2014

   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.’