Press release:
The TTXGP eGrandPrix is to launch zero-carbon motorcycle racing into the USA with an exhibition appearance at the annual American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Vintage Motorcycle Days festival at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. The exhibition appearances will take place between July 24 and July 26, 2009, and will showcase a number of the teams taking part in the inaugural eGrandPrix on the Isle of Man in 9 days time.
The global interest created by the Isle of Man TTXGP prompted the eGrandPrix organisers to take the race on tour to enable a wider audience to see first-hand the exciting reality that is zero-carbon motorcycle racing. The eGrandPrix has already taken the step of setting up a US office ahead of its first appearance in America. The US office will work to develop the eGrandPrix in US markets by promoting eGrandPrix events and building relationships with teams, riders and sponsors.
Jeremy Burne, an expert in developing transatlantic ties for businesses within the automotive and motorsport industries, will be heading up the US eGrandPrix office. Jeremy has previously served as the British Vice Consul in Cleveland and has worked with a number of British client companies including Financial Times Automotive, Jaguar Cars and Eurotunnel Developments. In 2002, Jeremy was awarded the MBE (Member of the British Empire) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list, for service to the British Motor Industry in the USA. He is also the US Director for the Motorsport Industry Association (MIA).
Burne:
“The eGrandPrix is an incredible venture and I feel very proud to be responsible for introducing it to the US. With the eGrandPrix we have an opportunity to drive significant changes within motor sport and within the motoring industry. The AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days event will provide the ideal platform from which to begin this important work.
Azhar Hussain, founder of the TTXGP eGrandPrix:
“With Jeremy on board to head up our new US office and with our exhibition event at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days fast approaching, we’re ready to extend the eGrandPrix to America. As a nation with a passion for motorcycling and a strong heritage in automotive innovation, the US represents a very important market for us.”
A number of the teams taking part in the TTXGP have already agreed to take part in the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days exhibition including Mission Motors.
Mission Motors, based in San Francisco, is the developer of the Mission One, which the company claims to be the fastest production electric bike. Mission Motors was founded by Forrest North, who first dreamt of building an electric motorcycle when leading the Solar Car Team at Stanford University. The dream stayed with him, even as he joined Tesla Motors to help engineer the company’s cutting-edge battery pack. Mission Motors’ mission is to build an electric motorcycle that can finally compete with gasoline.
Jeremy Cleland, Team leader at Mission Motors:
“This is fantastic news and represents a great opportunity for the American public to experience zero-carbon motorcycle racing up close. I believe this event will be the perfect first ‘pit stop’ for the TTXGP roadshow as it embarks on its global journey.
“The US right now is a ‘hot-bed’ of advancement in electric motorcycle technology with a number of companies, including ourselves, already taking innovation in this area to the next level.”
AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days takes place from July 24 to July 26, 2009. It is expected that up to 80,000 visitors, including numerous high-profile celebrities, will attend the event, which is billed as America’s grandest celebration of motorcycling heritage. The weekend is loaded with highlights, including road, motocross and hare scramble races, demo rides of current production bikes, motorcycling seminars, bike shows, stunt shows, the new product Manufacturers' Midway, and club corrals that feature both marque and regional clubs.
Rob Dingman, AMA President and CEO:
"We’re pleased to welcome the TTXGP eGrandPrix to America. This year, as the AMA celebrates its 85 years of two-wheeled history, we thought it only fitting to also offer a glimpse into what the next 85 years of motorcycling may bring. The AMA eGrand Prix Introduction showcases the sharpened point of the latest cutting-edge technology alongside a full slate of vintage racing, and we're excited for fans to see the future up close and personal."
The world’s first TTXGP eGrandPrix is due to take place on the Isle on Man as a part of the Isle of Man TT. The 102-year-old festival, famed for its 37.73-mile Mountain Circuit, attracts motorcycle racing teams and fans from around the world. The TTXGP eGrandPrix will see 23 electric motorcycles from 17 teams and six different countries line up on the starting on June 12, 2009.
Tickets for AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days can be purchased at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course at www.midohio.com or by phone at 001 800 MID-OHIO.
About TTXGP at the Isle of Man
TTXGP is the world’s first zero-carbon eGrand Prix, 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 eGrand Prix, 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 eGrand Prix, 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/
