Motorcycling legends and iconic machines confirmed for TT2011 appearance

Some of the greatest names and most exotic machinery in Yamaha's history will be on the Isle of Man for this year's Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy courtesy of the Dutch based Yamaha Classic Racing Team.

The international team, which includes multiple TT Race winners and World Champions, will be performing a parade lap as part of the legendary Japanese manufacturer's 50th anniversary, which is appropriately also the 100th anniversary that racing has taken place around the famous 37¾-mile Mountain Circuit.

The line up includes multiple world champion Phil Read MBE, Yamaha's most successful rider, who also won 8 TT's and will ride the Yamaha RD05A 250cc that he rode to the '68 world championship. One of the greatest names in TT history, Phil will be making his first appearance on a Yamaha since the 1972 TT.

Germany's Dieter Braun, world champion in 1970 and 1973, as well as a TT winner in 1970, will be riding the Yamaha YZ634 350cc that 7 time TT winner and fellow world champion Chas Mortimer raced on the Island in 1972, while Chas will parade on a Yamaha TZ750.

Australian Kel Carruthers who won the 1970 Lightweight 250cc TT will be renewing his acquaintance with Rod Gould, runner up in that race but who went on to win that year's world championship from Carruthers. Gould will be on a 1972 YZ635 250cc machine that he and Barry Sheene both raced in the World Championship.

Ulsterman Tommy Robb will be evoking memories of his popular 1973 125cc Ultra-Lightweight TT victory by appearing on the YZ623cc machine that he won that memorable race on.

The line up also includes Finland's Pentti Korhonen who will be riding a 350 4 cylinder RR08A and Jos Schurgers who will be on the four cylinder RA31A 125.

This eclectic group of riders is completed by American 750cc World Champion Steve Baker, who was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1989. The popular rider, known for his flamboyant riding style, was the first American World Champion in the 1977 750cc championship, and he also finished runner up to Barry Sheene in the 500cc championship in the same year as well as winning the Daytona 200. He is making a much-anticipated first appearance on the Island.

The team will also be bringing some classic machines that will go on display at the grandstand from Wednesday 8thJune. It is hoped that machines that will be on show will include Phil Read's RD56 from 1964 and Bill Ivy's 1960 TT winning RA97.

As well as the parade, which will take place on Friday 10th June, the team will also be appearing in a Yamaha Classic Racing Team Parade on Douglas Promenade on Wednesday 8th June as part of the night-time entertainment.

A 'Dawn Chorus' event, with echoes of morning practices, is scheduled for early on Thursday 9thJune, which will include riders and mechanics in period costume in pit lane with all of the bikes on display. Fans will get the chance to meet their Yamaha heroes as part of the 'Day of Champions' also lined up for the TT Grandstand on the same day.

Ferry Brouwer, Team Owner, Yamaha Classic Racing Team commented:

"We are delighted that Yamaha's 50th anniversary is coinciding with the centenary celebrations of the Mountain Course and we are sure that the TT fans will enjoy the sights and sounds of these spectacular machines and the chance to see these legendary riders close up."

Allan Bell, MHK, Minister, Department of Economic Development commented:

"We are very much looking forward to sharing this special year in the history of the IOM TT Races with the Yamaha Classic Racing Team and celebrating their 50th anniversary year with us."

‘Sci-Fi at the Movies’ is the latest exciting exhibition to be staged at the Heritage Motor Centre giving visitors the opportunity of seeing original artefacts, replica models and costumes from legendary past and present Science Fiction movies. This unique exhibition, which runs from 19 February – 4 September, will showcase some of the most popular and iconic superheroes and villains from films such as Star Wars, E.T. Harry Potter, Aliens, Batman, Spiderman and Superman.

This unique exhibition will not only showcase these famous and iconic characters complete with weaponry and costumes but will also take visitors on a fascinating journey of discovery providing an amazing insight into film history, character profiles and little known film trivia. All the rare artefacts are on loan from the private collection of ‘Skywalkers Promotions’ and would not normally be available for the public to view.

Visitors will be able to wander through six different zones propelling them into the presence of some of the most infamous characters that have enriched the plot lines of these world famous films.  The “Creature Zone” will display creatures from the friendly E.T to the rebellious Gremlins. Replicas of the famous crew uniforms will be displayed in the “Star Trek Zone”. The “Star Wars Zone” will include characters such as Jabba the Hut, Yoda and Darth Vader which have made this hugely successful film such a phenomenon. Other zones include “Alien & Predator”, “Miscellaneous” incorporating Robocop, Terminator and Battlestar Galactica and “Comic Book Heroes” featuring an amazing display of costumes from Spider-Man, Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman as well as masks from Dr Doom and the Iron Man.

Penny Tyler, Marketing Officer at the Heritage Motor Centre stated “I wouldn't normally describe myself as a Sci-Fi fan, but with so many different characters, from such a wide spectrum of films, I have had to think again! This exhibition really is a must for everyone and not just science-fiction fans, I know my kids will love it, plus you get to see all our fantastic British cars whilst you are here.  We are extremely privileged to be able to host such an exciting and prestigious exhibition, it is a truly unique opportunity to see original artefacts, replica models and costumes from a private collection!”

During the school holidays there are a number of special Sci-Fi activities running alongside the exhibition.  Sci-Fi Half Term Fun runs from 19 – 27 February whilst on 24 February there will be special  Sci-Fi themed family craft activities from 11am - 3pm in the Education Room.  Sci-Fi Mad - May Half Term Activities takes place from28 May – 5 June with special Sci-Fi themed craft activities on 2 June.  

A special fun-filled family Sci-fi Weekend will take place on9 & 10 July with the opportunity to meet some of your favourite Sci-Fi and Superhero characters. You can even come in fancy dress yourself and have your photo taken with the other characters.  From 23 July – 4 September visitors can enjoy Summer Holiday Sci-Fi Fun incorporating the exhibition plusdaily quizzes and activities including special family craft activity days every Thursday throughout the summerholidays. 

In addition to the museum, home to the world's largest historic collection of British cars, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities including the Miniature Roadway and the Land Rover 4x4 Experience. Stop Start - learner driving experiences for 15+ years in dual controlled vehicles are a great way for teenagers to get behind the wheel.

There is no extra charge for the new Sci-Fi exhibition as it is included in the standard Museum entry fees. However, on the opening day of 19 February, Gift Aid Season tickets, Tesco Club cards and any other promotional offers will not be valid.   Museum entry fees are: Adults priced at £11, Children priced at £8 (5-16 years) under 5’s are free, Concessions are priced at £9 and a Family ticket is priced at £34.

Sci-Fi at the Movies is just one of many exciting and unique events to take place at the Heritage Motor Centre in 2011. To find out more information please visit the website at www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk

Stormin’ The Castle, 2nd- 4th September 2011

Ticket prices will be the same as last year

Adult prebook £25 Adult

On the gate £35 (only to those arriving on a bike/trike)

Car permits £35 (prebook only & strictly limited)

Children aged 5-15yrs £5. Tickets only available on the gate, and only to those arriving with an adult who has pre booked

View the latest post 

Stuart, known as Mad Rider, will be riding a CG 125cc from R.N.A.S Culdrose to Catterick Garrison and back visiting as many serivice bases on route.  

Approximately 2,000 miles in total.

Details can be seen at www.madrider1961.co.uk

Donate here:

www.justgiving.com/Madrider1961stuartmorrissey



Was wondering if there anywhere u can promote this ride for me please .

The 'Wheels to Work' scheme that helps young people in rural areas of the UK get vital access to employment and educational opportunities through the provision of a motorcycle or scooter has received public support from the Transport Minister in his Commons speech.

In a Ministerial Statement (19 Jan ) (1) launching the Government's White Paper "Creating Growth, Cutting Carbon" [2] Norman Baker MP, Under-Secretary of State for Transport, acknowledges the value of Wheels to Work.  Baker commented,  'Wheels to Work' schemes provide transport to people who are unable to access training, employment or education, due to a lack of suitable public or private transport.  Schemes can, therefore, particularly benefit people living in isolated rural communities and can play an important part in helping people to come off benefits and regain their independence."

The White Paper and its associated Local Sustainable Transport Fund will help the Government to meet its key objectives of creating a transport system that helps create growth in the economy and can help tackle climate change.

The funds that will be made available are to help Local Authorities meet their local transport needs by putting together a package that will enable local people to travel more sustainably and cost-effectively. Wheels to Work was identified as one such scheme that could benefit from this fund.

The Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) is a strong supporter of the Wheels to Work scheme and has been involved in political lobbying activities to help secure funding and develop the project across the UK. Solutions offered by the projects can include the loan of scooters, mopeds, power assisted bikes or bicycles and in some cases assistance with meeting car running costs giving young people, especially in urban areas, kick start for their future

The MCI welcomes the announcement of support and recognition for the schemes, but  now we have to ensure that some of the money being made available will be used for these types of projects.

Steve Kenward, MCI's CEO commented, " Government support for this valuable scheme is the first step in the right direction.  The next challenge is to ensure that there is appropriate funding available and accessible to the projects.

"Individuals who have taken part in Wheels to Work have commented on how empowering the scheme has been, how it has opened doors that would have previously been closed and how training has enhanced their career prospects. We now need to work in partnership to ensure the continuation and expansion of the scheme."