Chris Ulrich Raises Record $3750 During Roadracing World Action Fund Fundraiser At Auto Club Speedway
AMA Pro Superbike racer Chris Ulrich, working with significant support from track day provider Fastrack Riders and Dainese USA, set a new record during the sixth annual Roadracing World Action Fund fund-raising event this weekend, November 27-28, at Auto Club Speedway, in Fontana, California.
Ulrich gave fast, multi-lap rides around Auto Club Speedway’s 2.3-mile, 21-turn infield road course on his 185-horsepower Team M4 Monster Energy Suzuki GSX-R1000 two-seat AMA Pro Superbike to 51 donors to the Roadracing World Action Fund, raising a new record event total of $3750.
During last year’s fundraiser, Ulrich gave 57 donors rides in exchange for $3270.
Lucas Oil was a major contributor during this year’s fundraiser, donating $1000 so employees and dealers could take rides with Ulrich and get an intimate glimpse of motorcycle road racing.
The record-breaking fundraiser was also made possible thanks to track time, riding gear and support staff provided by Fastrack Riders (http://fastrackriders.com) and Dainese leathers, boots and gloves and AGV helmets loaned by Dainese USA (http://www.dainese.com/).
Over the last six years Ulrich has raised a total of $12,750 giving two-up rides on Superbikes. That's in addition to raising the awareness of motorcycle road racing by giving general interest media representatives rides at AMA Nationals, the two-seat Superbike's primary mission.
For more information on the Roadracing World Action Fund, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization which advocates and promotes the use of soft barriers to help prevent rider injuries at racetracks, go to http://actionfund.roadracingworld.com/.
BMW cements relationship with Buildbase and Hawk Racing with a three-rider team in British Superbikes, BSB-EVO and Superstock
BMW Motorrad is to enter the 2011 MCE British Superbike Championship in a joint venture with accomplished team Hawk Racing, backed by renowned national builders’ merchant Buildbase.
The new Buildbase BMW Motorrad team will contest three prestigious British championships next year – two of which the BMW S 1000 RR dominated in 2010 – with three very experienced and talented racers.
Ulsterman and BSB racer John Laverty, who finished in 8th place in the 2010 championship, will be contesting the MCE British Superbike title. Durham-based Barry Burrell, who came 7th in the 2010 Superstock 1000 championship, will enter the Mirror.co.uk BSB-EVO class for the first time.
Nottinghamshire man Richard Cooper will once again be fighting for the Metzeler National Superstock 1000 championship onboard a BMW S 1000 RR, having taken a pole position, class lap record and a race win in 2010.
The S 1000 RR is BMW’s first ever supersports machine and has enjoyed huge success both on the track and in the showroom. In its first year, the S 1000 RR took the Mirror.co.uk BSB-EVO title, Metzeler National Superstock 1000 Championship and the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup. It has also won Motorcycle News’ prestigious ‘Machine of the Year’ award, Fast Bikes’ ‘Sportsbike of the Year’ and has been crowned ‘International Masterbike 2010’.
Hawk Racing was founded by Team Principal Stuart Hicken in 1996 and has grown from a one-rider 600 Supersport team to a slick and professional squad, cabale of fielding a trio of top-level riders in three very competitive national race series, including the world-renowned British Superbike Championship.
Stuart Hicken, Buildbase BMW Motorrad Team Principal, said: “Working with BMW Motorrad is a wonderful opportunity and one which I believe will be very successful! We’re very excited about working with the S 1000 RR having seen what it’s capable of. And we’re bringing our title sponsor, Buildbase along, who are long-time supporters of British Superbikes. We’ve put together a team of three very talented riders and, with them onboard the S 1000 RR, which is a proven championship winner, we’re looking forward to a fantastic 2011.”
Tony Jakeman, BMW Motorrad UK Marketing Manager, said: “The prospect of working with Hawk Racing is an exciting one. They’re a very capable team and with them onboard we’re confident that the S 1000 RR will deliver even greater achievements in 2011. We’ll be looking to defend our titles in the BSB-EVO class and Superstock 1000 championship and taking the fight to the MCE British Superbikes, the highest level of racing in the country.”
For more information on BMW Motorrad products and services visit www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk or call 0800 777 155
ISLE OF MAN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCREASES HOSPITALITY PROGRAMME FOR MOUNTAIN COURSE CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS
- All TT Grandstand and Hospitality tickets available from official Travel Agency Regency Travel
The Isle of Man Department of Economic Development has increased the Official Hospitality capacity for the 2011 TT Races due to the popularity of the VIP packages. There will now be 300 places available on each of the four race days - an increase of 100 places on the 2010 level.
The VIP Club Hospitality only packages are priced at £240 plus VAT per guest, with guests encouraged to book their tickets before 1st January 2011 to take advantage of the lower VAT rate. The deal grants exclusive access to the TT VIP Club where people can entertain their guests at the heart of the world famous race. The TT VIP Club is located trackside in Noble’s Park, next to Glencrutchery road, which features the start/finish and return lane and overlooks the winners enclosure.
The VIP Club Hospitality Package offers the guests all day access to the Hospitality Suite. This includes a complementary bar open during licensing hours, breakfast served until 10am and a gourmet hot and cold buffet lunch prepared by first class chefs. Tickets can be purchased individually or booked as tables of eight.
The package also offers reserved grandstand seating; a bird’s eye view from the hospitality suite roof-top, access to the TT paddock, exclusive rider appearances and race day competitions with money can’t buy prizes. Guests will also receive a special souvenir TT gift pack that includes official merchandise, the official TT programme, a race guide and an ear-piece radio tuned to Manx Radio’s ‘Radio TT’, the official TT radio station.
VIP guests are also treated to seeing the top 3 TT riders from each race in the hospitality area shortly after each race as well as hearing their post race thoughts and the views of some of the celebrities and ex riders. Last year Jorge Lorenzo, Angel Nieto, Danny John Jules, Keith Flint from the Prodigy and Carl Fogarty were all spotted in the VIP area. A large number of Motorcycling legends and VIP’s are expected to attend in 2011 including commentator Murray Walker OBE who will be on hand as part of the Mountain Course Centenary celebrations.
The Hospitality packages are available for each of the four race days at the 2011 TT Races. Saturday 4th June sees the prestigious TT Superbike Race and the first Sidecar Race, Monday 6th June features the Royal London 360 Superstock Race and the first Monster Energy Supersport Race. The second Monster Energy Supersport and second Sidecar Races are scheduled to take place on Wednesday 8th June along with the clean emissions TT Zero Race and the week finishes on Friday 10th June with the PokerStars Senior Race, ‘Milestones of the Mountain’ Centenary Parade and Yamaha’s 50th Anniversary Parade.
Grandstand tickets are also now available with seats priced at £30 for the Superbike and PokerStars Senior TT and £25 for the other race days. Tickets for exclusive TT hospitality as part of the promenade entertainment will also shortly be available, while there are also plans for a prestigious Black Tie dinner as part of the Centenary celebrations.
The 2011 TT VIP packages are now available direct from Regency Travel, the Official TT Races Travel Partner. Regency Travel is now marketing hospitality only tickets as well as VIP travel and accommodation. Fans can also purchase grandstand tickets from the Douglas based company by calling +44 1624 694456 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +44 1624 694456 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or email sales@regencytravelholidays.com
Allan Bell MHK, Minister for Economic Development commented:
“We are really pleased with the strength of the TT races hospitality programme which continues to grow. Many local and international businesses are using the event to entertain clients and incentivise staff and we are also seeing a lot of individuals buying the tickets to make their TT experience truly memorable. “
He continued:
“I would encourage fans who want to buy tickets to get their orders in early as we are already seeing a high level of enquiries for people who want to be close to the action during the Mountain Course Centenary meeting.”
More, from another press release issued by Isle of Man TT organizers:
ITV INCREASES TT RACES COVERAGE WITH NEW LONG TERM DEAL
- Department of Economic Development confirms new TV contract
North One has negotiated a new deal with ITV on behalf of the Department of Economic Development to broadcast the Isle of Man TT Races, fuelled by Monster Energy, in 2011, 2012 and 2013. The new agreement will increase the hours of coverage that the broadcaster dedicates to the event.
Fourteen hours of daily highlights of the legendary motorbike racing series will be shown on ITV4 throughout the road race festival, including preview, behind the scenes and qualifying programmes. There will also be a number of special programmes, including an exclusive look at the making of next year’s feature film TT3D.
Next year is the centenary of the mountain course, and a raft of special guests, events and celebrations are planned. Clips of all the action, all the excitement from the festival and the full highlights programmes will also be available on ITV.com.
ITV4 is the UK’s 10th most popular digital channel and is available to 93 percent of homes, free-to-air on all digital platforms including Freesat, Freeview, Sky and Virgin Media. The channel has an established reputation for broadcasting premium sport, which this year has included the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Europa League, Indian Premier League cricket and the Tour de France. Other motorsport broadcast by ITV includes the British Touring Car Championship, World Touring Cars and Motorsport UK.
Niall Sloane, ITV Controller of Sport said:
“The Isle of Man TT is a legendary sporting event, with a unique atmosphere that has always proven popular with viewers. I’m delighted that we have secured the TT on ITV4 until 2013.”
Neil Duncanson, CEO of North One Television said:
“ITV4’s real commitment to the TT was a key reason in pulling together a long term agreement. Not only will the races get prime time slots, but the marketing and promotion of the TT across the nation’s premier commercial network is extremely valuable.”
Allan Bell, MHK, Minister, Economic Development, commented:
“Television coverage of the TT is an important part of what we are trying to achieve for the Isle of Man’s economy, both in terms of promoting the many facets that the Isle of Man has to offer and also with regard to our commercial strategy for the races. I am delighted that we have been able to secure significant support from one of the UK’s leading broadcasters which is a positive reflection on the event’s strength and success.”
More, from a press release issued by Isle of Man TT organizers:
MONSTER ENERGY SET TO FUEL PROMENADE ENTERTAINMENT AT TT2011
The Department of Economic Development has announced an action packed programme of Festival entertainment for the 2011 TT Races that will be fuelled by TT title sponsor Monster Energy. The line-up will include seven nights of thrilling entertainment on Douglas Promenade as well as a wide variety of bike themed events around the rest of the Island.
Extreme sports, stunt shows, air displays, music, chat and unique TT entertainment will all feature in the action-packed calendar. Fans will have numerous opportunities to meet and greet their heroes throughout the festival including the paddock walkabouts ahead of the Superbike and Pokerstars Senior TT.
TT 2011 will also feature the 100th anniversary celebrations of the famous TT Mountain Course, including the ‘Milestones of the Mountain’ theme that will see many of the greatest moments, machines and riders in the TT’s history celebrated in an iconic parade, a ‘Day of Champions’ in the paddock and the 50th anniversary celebrations of leading Japanese manufacturer Yamaha’s involvement in the TT Races.
Saturday 4th June sees the beginning of the all star seven-night action sports and entertainment line up on Harris Promenade which will take the fan experience to a whole new level. TT title sponsor Monster Energy will be transforming the Prom into an intense playground of high-octane adrenaline filled awesomeness.
Renowned for their world-class athletes and teams, Monster Energy will bring a whole new dimension to the TT on the Prom entertainment, upping the ante on the seven nights of entertainment of TT on the Prom. Featuring FMX and motorsport display teams and athletes from around the globe, celebrity appearances and the ever-popular Monster Energy girls, the evening shows will be rocking to music from the Monster Energy Watchtower, where DJ legends will be firing up the turntables to entertain the masses below. The shows are set to be massively popular but fans needn’t worry about missing any of the action, thanks to a huge screen broadcasting the night-time events.
Meanwhile, thrill seekers will be able to experience an adrenaline rush of their own with a choice of bungee jumping, gyroscopes, simulators, slingshots and more. For the less energetic there will be plenty of opportunity to visit one of the famous beer tents, sample some Manx Real Ale and soak up the unique atmosphere. With air displays and fireworks over Douglas Bay, and those unique TT events such as the Beach Race, there’s plenty on offer for everyone, ensuring the TT is once again a test of the fans’ stamina as much as the riders’.
The entertainment schedule comes to a climactic end on Senior Race Day, Friday 10th June, with the final night of action on Douglas Promenade. Included in the programme will be the Senior TT Prize Presentation and a very special ‘Milestones of the Mountain’ parade, featuring many of the most famous riders and machines from the past 100 years of TT history.
The action during the TT festival isn’t confined to Douglas. Peel in the West of the Island will host a special TT Day on Sunday 5th June featuring attractions for all the family. Ramsey continues to host the ever-popular Ramsey Sprint on Tuesday 7th June, the drag sprint held on the Mooragh Promenade on the north side of the town. Open to everyone, the Sprint features a wide range of bikes and experiences for all the family.
The action moves to Laxey on the east coast of the Island on Thursday 9th when local motorcycle club the Moddey Dhoo host their annual meeting on Laxey breakwater. The day will feature custom motorbike displays and live music. More live music can be found almost anywhere in the Island throughout the fortnight with an eclectic range of bands ensuring there’s always something to suit all tastes. There will also be live music every evening at the ever-popular ‘Bushy’s Beer Tent’ featuring the best local talent. Look out too for rallies and ride-outs, beach-cross, moto-cross, club gatherings and much more.
Geoff Corkish, MBE, MHK, Political Member, Isle of Man Tourism commented:
“We are working to create festival for the centenary of the Mountain Course that will live long in the memory of visitors and residents alike and are very grateful to Monster Energy for bringing their spectacular activities to the Isle of Man for the 2011 TT Races.”
IoM TT Electric Superbikes
The Isle of Man has confirmed that the ground-breaking TT Zero Zero-Emissions Motorcycle Race will again take place on the Isle of Man in 2011 as part of the TT Races.
The electric superbike race is now in its third year and is used by the IoM TT as a showcase for the Isle of Man's Clean Tech capabilities as well as encouraging enterprise and innovation.
Allan Bell MHK, Minister, Isle of Man Economic Development, comments: "Running the electric bike race as part of the TT Races has given us an excellent platform to demonstrate the Isle of Man's clean tech capabilities."
"This event continues to offer best in practice development and puts the Island at the heart of innovative design and groundbreaking technology."
"We have created a business environment on the Isle of Man that encourages small and developing businesses to flourish."
"We have more floatations on the AIM market than any jurisdiction outside the UK and we are proving particularly attractive for technology companies with valuable intellectual property."
"We already have a cluster effect with aerospace, carbon trading and commercial space projects and are in talks with a number of other businesses from associated industries."
The Department has also created a new 'University Prize' of £5,000, which will be awarded to the fastest University or College team as part of the 2011 Race.
University teams representing Kingston, Imperial and Brunel have already experienced the event and will be among the favourites for the prize.
The Isle of Man Government has also confirmed that there will be an iconic ‘100 Club' set up for the first 10 teams who are able to record a 100mph lap on an clean emissions bike.
Each of the ten will also receive an iconic limited edition replica trophy, designed by a local Manx artist. Each of the trophies will be individually numbered.
It is not expected that all ten trophies will be given away in 2011. To date no team has achieved the landmark time around the 37¾ mile course, with the current lap record holder for the class, last year's winner, Moto Czysz, recording a winning time of 96.82mph (23:22.89) average lap speed.
This means that the £10,000 prize on offer from the Isle of Man Government to the first team to record the prestigious mark is also still available in 2011.
The event has already attracted a number of individuals, universities and businesses worldwide and to date 7 countries have been represented -UK, Isle of Man, USA, India, Germany, Austria and Sweden.
This year new countries and teams are expected to participate in the race, which will take place on Wednesday 8th June 2011.
Interest in the Isle of Man TT Zero clean-emissions superbike race is growing since the first race in 2009 and North One Television, who control the sales and distribution of the TT Races, has confirmed that this year the programming will include an in-depth analysis of the TT Zero race in their international highlights package which will go out on leading broadcasters worldwide.
The TT electric superbike event has also attracted significant media coverage to date, both from core motorcycle media as well as national, broadcast and specialist technology press worldwide.
Hawk Racing team has announced it will make a switch from Kawasaki to BMW machinery in 2011, with John Laverty staying on in a three rider line-up.
The team, which has raced under the Buildbase banner for the last two seasons, will enter the BMW S1000RR Superbike, BSB-EVO and Superstock level.
Leading its charge will once again be Laverty, who will embark on his third year of racing with the team having finished as the top Kawasaki rider in eighth position this season, while Barry Burrell will graduate to the EVO class following a run to seventh with Buildbase in the Superstock series.
Though BMW enjoyed a successful induction to BSB competition with victory in the inaugural EVO ranks, this will be the first time the German manufacturer has competed at championship class level.
“Working with BMW Motorrad is a wonderful opportunity and one which I believe will be very successful,” said Buildbase manager Stuart Hicken. “We’re very excited about working with the S 1000 RR having seen what it’s capable of. And we’re bringing our title sponsor, Buildbase along, who are long-time supporters of motor racing and British Superbikes in particular.
“We’ve put together a team of three very talented riders and, with them onboard the S 1000 RR, which is a proven championship winner, we’re looking forward to a fantastic 2011.”
Richard Cooper will be Buildbase BMW’s entry in the Superstock class.
By Tom Howard
Superbike star Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne insists his return to the British Championship (BSB) with HM Plant Honda is not a backward step in his career.
The two-time British champion, who finished 10th in the World Superbike Championship (WSB) this year with Althea Racing before being dropped by the team, was unveiled alongside Ryuichi Kiyonari at HM Plant Honda this week.
With Ashford-based GSE Racing no longer competing in superbikes, Byrne’s new team are the championship’s most successful with more than 70 race wins. Shakey, from Sheppey, who has endured difficult spells in Moto GP and in the WSB, is determined to secure another British title and insists the move is a good one for his career.
The 33-year-old said: "I think I can win titles with the team and some people will see it as a backward step, but to win races and titles in this championship is a great career path. It is some mean feat to win the British championship. I’m certainly not thinking about finishing racing, Max Biaggi was 40 when he won the world title this year."
Although he has two titles to his name, Byrne will face a tough challenge next season going up against three-time British champion Kiyonari and hopes to lay to rest the theory that he is only successful on board a Ducati.
He said: "To win a race again is obviously an aim and to be in the mix for the shoot-out over the final three rounds. Racing and achieving success on a four-cylinder machine is a big motivation for me as people have said that I’m only successful on twins. I’ve never really been with a top team who run four cylinder bikes so I’m looking forward to it.
"Unfortunately I won’t get to ride the bike for the first time until February, March time, which is frustrating. It’s like being given the key to a sweet shop and then finding out there are no sweets left."
2011 Isle of Man TT
The Department of Economic Development has announced an action packed program of Festival entertainment for the 2011 Isle of Man TT Races that will be fueled by TT title sponsor Monster Energy.
The line-up will include seven nights of thrilling entertainment on Douglas Promenade as well as a wide variety of bike themed events around the rest of the Island.
Extreme sports, stunt shows, air displays, music, chat and unique IOMTT entertainment will all feature in the action-packed calendar.
Fans will have numerous opportunities to meet and greet their heroes throughout the festival including the paddock walkabouts ahead of the Superbike and Pokerstars Senior TT.
Isle of Man TT 2011 will also feature the 100th anniversary celebrations of the famous TT Mountain Course, including the "Milestones of the Mountain" theme that will see many of the greatest moments, machines and riders in the TT's history celebrated in an iconic parade, a "Day of Champions" in the paddock and the 50th anniversary celebrations of leading Japanese manufacturer Yamaha's involvement in the TT Races.
Saturday, June 4, sees the beginning of the all star seven-night action sports and entertainment line up on Harris Promenade which will take the fan experience to a whole new level.
Isle of Man TT title sponsor Monster Energy will be transforming the Prom into an intense playground of high-octane adrenaline filled awesomeness.
Renowned for their world-class athletes and teams, Monster Energy will bring a whole new dimension to the IOMTT on the Prom entertainment, upping the ante on the seven nights of entertainment of TT on the Prom.
Featuring FMX and motorsport display teams and athletes from around the globe, celebrity appearances and the ever-popular Monster Energy girls, the evening shows will be rocking to music from the Monster Energy Watchtower, where DJ legends will be firing up the turntables to entertain the masses below.
The shows are set to be massively popular but fans needn't worry about missing any of the action, thanks to a huge screen broadcasting the night-time events.
Meanwhile, thrill seekers will be able to experience an adrenaline rush of their own with a choice of bungee jumping, gyroscopes, simulators, slingshots and more. For the less energetic there will be plenty of opportunity to visit one of the famous beer tents, sample some Manx Real Ale and soak up the unique atmosphere.
With air displays and fireworks over Douglas Bay, and those unique Isle of Man TT events such as the Beach Race, there's plenty on offer for everyone, ensuring the TT is once again a test of the fans' stamina as much as the riders'.
The entertainment schedule comes to a climactic end on Senior Race Day, Friday June 10, with the final night of action on Douglas Promenade.
Included in the program will be the Senior TT Prize Presentation and a very special "Milestones of the Mountain" parade, featuring many of the most famous riders and machines from the past 100 years of TT history.
The action during the Isle of Man TT festival isn't confined to Douglas. Peel in the West of the Island will host a special TT Day on Sunday, June 5, featuring attractions for all the family.
Ramsey continues to host the ever-popular Ramsey Sprint on Tuesday Jun 7, the drag sprint held on the Mooragh Promenade on the north side of the town. Open to everyone, the Sprint features a wide range of bikes and experiences for all the family.
The action moves to Laxey on the east coast of the Island on Thursday 9th when local motorcycle club the Moddey Dhoo host their annual meeting on Laxey breakwater. The day will feature custom motorbike displays and live music.
More live music can be found almost anywhere in the Island throughout the fortnight with an eclectic range of bands ensuring there's always something to suit all tastes.
There will also be live music every evening at the ever-popular "Bushy's Beer Tent" featuring the best local talent. Look out too for rallies and ride-outs, beach-cross, moto-cross, club gatherings and much more.
Geoff Corkish (MBE, MHK, Political Member, Isle of Man Tourism) says: "We are working to create festival for the centenary of the Mountain Course that will live long in the memory of visitors and residents alike and are very grateful to Monster Energy for bringing their spectacular activities to the Isle of Man for the 2011 TT Races."
2011 Isle of Man TT
The Department of Economic Development has announced an action packed program of Festival entertainment for the 2011 Isle of Man TT Races that will be fueled by TT title sponsor Monster Energy.
The line-up will include seven nights of thrilling entertainment on Douglas Promenade as well as a wide variety of bike themed events around the rest of the Island.
Extreme sports, stunt shows, air displays, music, chat and unique IOMTT entertainment will all feature in the action-packed calendar.
Fans will have numerous opportunities to meet and greet their heroes throughout the festival including the paddock walkabouts ahead of the Superbike and Pokerstars Senior TT.
Isle of Man TT 2011 will also feature the 100th anniversary celebrations of the famous TT Mountain Course, including the "Milestones of the Mountain" theme that will see many of the greatest moments, machines and riders in the TT's history celebrated in an iconic parade, a "Day of Champions" in the paddock and the 50th anniversary celebrations of leading Japanese manufacturer Yamaha's involvement in the TT Races.
Saturday, June 4, sees the beginning of the all star seven-night action sports and entertainment line up on Harris Promenade which will take the fan experience to a whole new level.
Isle of Man TT title sponsor Monster Energy will be transforming the Prom into an intense playground of high-octane adrenaline filled awesomeness.
Renowned for their world-class athletes and teams, Monster Energy will bring a whole new dimension to the IOMTT on the Prom entertainment, upping the ante on the seven nights of entertainment of TT on the Prom.
Featuring FMX and motorsport display teams and athletes from around the globe, celebrity appearances and the ever-popular Monster Energy girls, the evening shows will be rocking to music from the Monster Energy Watchtower, where DJ legends will be firing up the turntables to entertain the masses below.
The shows are set to be massively popular but fans needn't worry about missing any of the action, thanks to a huge screen broadcasting the night-time events.
Meanwhile, thrill seekers will be able to experience an adrenaline rush of their own with a choice of bungee jumping, gyroscopes, simulators, slingshots and more. For the less energetic there will be plenty of opportunity to visit one of the famous beer tents, sample some Manx Real Ale and soak up the unique atmosphere.
With air displays and fireworks over Douglas Bay, and those unique Isle of Man TT events such as the Beach Race, there's plenty on offer for everyone, ensuring the TT is once again a test of the fans' stamina as much as the riders'.
The entertainment schedule comes to a climactic end on Senior Race Day, Friday June 10, with the final night of action on Douglas Promenade.
Included in the program will be the Senior TT Prize Presentation and a very special "Milestones of the Mountain" parade, featuring many of the most famous riders and machines from the past 100 years of TT history.
The action during the Isle of Man TT festival isn't confined to Douglas. Peel in the West of the Island will host a special TT Day on Sunday, June 5, featuring attractions for all the family.
Ramsey continues to host the ever-popular Ramsey Sprint on Tuesday Jun 7, the drag sprint held on the Mooragh Promenade on the north side of the town. Open to everyone, the Sprint features a wide range of bikes and experiences for all the family.
The action moves to Laxey on the east coast of the Island on Thursday 9th when local motorcycle club the Moddey Dhoo host their annual meeting on Laxey breakwater. The day will feature custom motorbike displays and live music.
More live music can be found almost anywhere in the Island throughout the fortnight with an eclectic range of bands ensuring there's always something to suit all tastes.
There will also be live music every evening at the ever-popular "Bushy's Beer Tent" featuring the best local talent. Look out too for rallies and ride-outs, beach-cross, moto-cross, club gatherings and much more.
Geoff Corkish (MBE, MHK, Political Member, Isle of Man Tourism) says: "We are working to create festival for the centenary of the Mountain Course that will live long in the memory of visitors and residents alike and are very grateful to Monster Energy for bringing their spectacular activities to the Isle of Man for the 2011 TT Races."
ITV WILL screen more coverage of the TT over the next three years following a deal struck with the production company North One.
The new agreement has been negotiated by North One on behalf of the Department of Economic Development to broadcast the Isle of Man TT Races, fuelled by Monster Energy, in 2011, 2012 and 2013.
It means that 14 hours of daily highlights of the races will be shown on ITV4 throughout the festival, including preview, behind the scenes and qualifying programmes. There will also be a number of special programmes, including an exclusive look at the making of next year’s feature film TT3D.
Next year is the centenary of the mountain course, and a raft of special guests, events and celebrations are planned. Clips of all the action, coverage of the festival and the full highlights programmes will also be available on ITV.com.
ITV4 is the UK’s 10th most popular digital channel and is available to 93% of homes, free-to-air on all digital platforms including Freesat, Freeview, Sky and Virgin Media. The channel has an established reputation for broadcasting premium sport, which this year has included the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Europa League, Indian Premier League cricket and the Tour de France. Other motorsport broadcast by ITV includes the British Touring Car Championship, World Touring Cars and Motorsport UK.
Niall Sloane, ITV Controller of Sport, said, “The Isle of Man TT is a legendary sporting event, with a unique atmosphere that has always proven popular with viewers. I’m delighted that we have secured the TT on ITV4 until 2013.”
Neil Duncanson, CEO of North One Television, added, “ITV4’s real commitment to the TT was a key reason in pulling together a long term agreement. Not only will the races get prime time slots, but the marketing and promotion of the TT across the nation’s premier commercial network is extremely valuable.”
Allan Bell, Minister for Economic Development, added, “Television coverage of the TT is an important part of what we are trying to achieve for the Isle of Man’s economy, both in terms of promoting the many facets that the Isle of Man has to offer and also with regard to our commercial strategy for the races.
“I am delighted that we have been able to secure significant support from one of the UK’s leading broadcasters which is a positive reflection on the event’s strength and success.”
What we really want is 1000cc MotoGP bikes on carbs, with no rider aids. Oh, and 40-bike grids..The Scot Honda team’s recent withdrawal from MotoGP must be a concern for Dorna’s power brokers. Citing costs as the reason for the team’s exit, the news leaves a grid of just 17 MotoGP bikes for 2010. This makes the so-called premier class of motorcycle racing look more like a poorly subscribed club race. As an indicator of the trouble the 800cc class is in, the new 600cc Moto2 is now over-subscribed.
Dorna is considering introducing a 1000cc format possibly using production engines to reduce costs with a control ECU to put more emphasis on riders.
This would then take what is supposed to be a prototype class perilously close to WSB territory. With limited money available to teams from sponsors all racing series are feeling the squeeze. And none more so than the mega-expensive MotoGP circus.
Read more: http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-racing-news-moto-gp/is-motogp-in-trouble/16010.html#ixzz17UvshVGG
