London, June 2, 2009 – TTXGP today announced its confirmed list of riders competing in this year’s inaugural zero-carbon eGrandPrix, which takes place on June 12, 2009 on the Isle of Man, as part of TT race week.
The line-up consists of a number of notable riders including the likes of Olie Linsdell, winner of the 2007 Northwest 200 400cc race, beating John McGuiness's lap record in the process; Tom Montano, who has previously raced the fastest MV Agusta in the history of the Isle of Man TT races; Dan Kneen, who made history in the 2008 Manx Grand Prix by being the first person ever to win three races in a week and Paul Owen, one of the stars of the PlayStation2 game ‘TT Superbikes Real Road Racing Championship’. Whilst teams entering the TTXGP have been established for months, the closing dates for riders was extended to May 31, 2009 to ensure all teams could field appropriate riders that were fully approved by the Auto-Cycle Union (ACU).
One of the riders set to compete in the TTXGP is Isle of Man resident, adventurer and TT race veteran John Crellin, who will be riding for the India based TORK team.
Crellin has been competing in the TT races since 1984 and has recently returned from his third attempt at scaling Mount Everest, which he had to abandon due to illness. He has already successfully ascended the world's other six highest peaks: Elbrus in 2000, Kilimanjaro in 2001, McKinley in 2001, Vinson Massif in 2002, Aconcagua in 1998, 2008 and 2009, Carstensz Pyramid in 2006 and Kosciuszko, also in 2006.
After returning from his mountain adventure, and making the decision to take his place on the TTXGP starting grid, he said, “I love the challenge of climbing but the thrill of motorcycle racing is a little closer to my heart in terms of an adrenaline rush. The TTXGP can add an exciting new dimension and a fresh challenge to the world of motorsport, which can only enhance its reputation and help reach out to a wider and more diverse audience.”
John’s third attempt at climbing Everest has not stopped him thinking about a fourth in the future, however, for the moment his mind is set on taking the TORK team to a respectable position in the TTXGP, which he hopes will offer a platform for more advanced clean emission bikes to be developed.
He added, “I’m highly motivated by the TTXGP challenge and proud to be one of the first people to be involved in the world’s first zero-carbon eGrandPrix, which is extra special as it’s happening on my home patch, right here on the Isle of Man. I’m also delighted to be part of such an historic event, which is the beginnings of securing a future for motoring and motorsport, and one that bridges the gap between innovation and the mainstream uptake of environmentally friendly vehicles.”
Sadie Homer, TTXGP Operations Director, said, “The quality of riders we have involved in the TTXGP is of a very high calibre. We have worked hard to ensure all teams have the riders that can make the TTXGP exciting and safe. One thing’s for sure, from our line up of riders, it’s clear to see that this is going to be one seriously competitive race.”
Hon Martyn Quayle, MHK, Minister for Tourism and Leisure, Isle of Man Government, commented: “I feel sure that everyone on the Isle of Man will give these pioneering teams and riders a warm welcome as they start their ground-breaking racing around the famous TT mountain course. This high quality field of experienced riders will be hugely beneficial to the teams as they attempt their challenging task.”
The full list of TTXGP teams and riders is as follows:
Team name Class Rider
Mission Motors PRO 3A Thomas Montano
Kingston University OPEN George Spence
EVOdesign PRO 3A Paul Owen
MotoCzysz PRO 3A Mark Miller
KillaCycle Racing /Lightning Motorcycles PRO 3A Alan Connor
eROCKIT PRO 3A David Madsen-Mygdal
Barefoot Motors Racing PRO 3A Chris Petty
Imperial TTxGP OPEN Chris Palmer
Brammo/BIKE PRO 3A Roy Richardson
Team Agni PRO 3A Robert Barber
HTBLAUVA - TGM PRO 3A Paul Dobbs
ManTTx Racing OPEN Dan Kneen
TORK OPEN John Crellin
XXL PRO 3A Thomas Schoenfelder
EVOdesign PRO 3A Olie Linsdell
Electric Motorsport OPEN Chris Heath
Electric Motorsport PRO 3A Roger Maher
Peace e-rider OPEN Antonio Maseo
Brunel X-team PRO 3A Steve Harper
Brammo/BIKE PRO 3A Mark Buckley
- ends -
NOTES TO EDITORS
About TTXGP
TTXGP is the world’s first zero-carbon eGrandPrix, due to be held on the Isle of Man TT course on June 12, 2009, as part of the traditional TT race programme. Teams from six different countries, including the USA, India, Germany, Austria, UK and the Isle of Man, have come forward and entered the race to produce an international and exciting starting grid line up. The TTXGP is about competitive innovation, taking place in the ideal competitive venue on the Isle of Man TT circuit. There are two classes within the TTXGP race, the Open Class and the Pro Class. While all vehicles conforming to regulations can be entered for the Pro Class, the Open Class will only be eligible to machines that can be sold following the race for £20,000. The winner of the Open Class will receive the ‘TTXGP Snaefell Open Trophy 2009’ while the Pro Class category champion will be awarded the ‘TTXGP Snaefell Pro Trophy 2009’.
On the eve of the TTXGP race, the Promise of a Generation’ concert will take place to celebrate the launch of the world’s first zero-carbon eGrandPrix, which will be performed by the London Metropolitan Orchestra, at the Royal Hall, in the Villa Marina, Isle of Man.
TTXGP website: www.ttxgp.com
TTXGP blog: www.egrandprix.com
TTXGP Twitter: twitter.com/ttxgp
TTXGP flights
To see the world’s first zero carbon eGrandPrix, the TTXGP is offering an exclusive opportunity to travel to and from the Isle of Man and watch the race in one day.
An all inclusive flight package, which is the only way to get to the Isle of Man to see the TTXGP and Senior TT race without the need to for accommodation on the Isle of Man, costs £399 and includes:
Same day return flights
Airport transfers in the Isle of Man
Grandstand seating
Access to TTXGP paddock, new technology space, and OPEN Class bike sale
Commemorative souvenir, TTXGP gift pack including TTXGP programme/race guide
TT radio earpiece (follow the action from around the course on Manx Radio)
The Package represents a full day of racing activity, landing on the Isle of Man at 9am and departing at 8pm. Flights leaving and returning to London Gatwick on June 12, 2009. The TT Grandstand has a lift facility for those in wheelchairs. Please request this facility when booking your ticket, if required.
For more details please visit http://ttxgp.com/flights/
NB: A small, optional surcharge can be added to all flights booked via this offer to offset the carbon footprint of the journey. TTXGP is offsetting our travel using Clear, a government assured offsetting service. Clear offset carbon production by investing in The CAMIL Itaqui Biomass Electricity Generation Project in Brazil. This project produces clean energy using discarded risk husks (biomass), which would have been left to decay and produce methane. More information can be found at Clear Offset.
Further information:
For more information, imagery and video footage, and/or to arrange an interview with Azhar Hussain or any of the teams participating in the TTXGP, please contact:
Coral Media
Moe Lokat:
Tel: 07973 306039
Email: moe.lokat [at] coralmedia.co.uk
James Mitchell:
Tel: 07779 165093
Email: james.mitchell [at] coralmedia.co.uk
