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AGV Backmarker: Electric race promoter shocker, Part 2
February 18, 2010 by Mark Gardiner
Filed under Backmarker
So that was my email interview with Azhar Hussain.
I have to say that covering all this has left me with a funny feeling in my gut. I loved the way the TTXGP attracted new interest to the TT. I thought it promised to give this storied event a new lease on life. I think the falling-out between TTXGP and the TT is real bummer.
It sucks that in only the second year of electric motorcycle racing, there are three competing sanctioning bodies. Of those, Azhar Hussain and his TTXGP organization have more experience than anyone else when it comes to putting on high-level races for zero-emissions bikes. That is to say, thus far, they’re the only ones to have done so.
But the TT and the fabled Mountain Course remain the ultimate test of any street bike. That was true when the modern (gas-powered) motorcycle was taking shape. It remains true as electric power (and other ultra-low-emissions technologies) prepare to supplant fossil fuels.
It would be great if the FIM’s ePower series and the TTXGP organization made sure their competitors were free to race at the TT, and if the TT in turn would ensure that not just those bikes but those riders would be welcomed. That way, emerging technologies could be put to the ultimate test and would advance as quickly as possible, and a new generation of riders could have the experience that I was privileged to have, racing on the Mountain Course.
It sucks that that will not happen. It doesn’t matter whose fault it is, and we may never agree on that anyway. There are (at least) two sides to every story… especially this one.
Gardiner photo
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U.S.A. Company MotoCzysz of Portland, Oregon, Confirm Participation In 2010 TT Zero Race On The Isle of Man
And the Zero TT controversy gains momentum, listen to the radio link here :
http://www.manxradio.com/newsread.aspx?id=42796
Here’s a link to Manx Radio’s commentary on John Shimmin, Manx environment minister, who is a self-confessed “non-supporter” of the TT but who did support the TTXGP race last year.
http://www.manxradio.com/oNews/uploaded/audio/vcr-shimminFebruary184601.wma
There’s always been a large minority of people on the IoM who don’t like the TT, but it’s been politically risky to align with them — the equivalent of politicians elsewhere saying, “Well, I’m an atheist myself…”
Isle of Man Tourism Minister “sticks to TTxGP Guns !”
http://www.manxradio.com/newsread.aspx?id=42825
Hey Mark,
I HAVE been networking with your links and as a result Stu Peters at Manx radio is doing a program at 1.15 TODAY can YOU take part online with Stu ? If not, I WILL copy and paste radio link to RRX web page. see http://www.manxradio.com
The Manx Radio debate / discussion re. the electric TT race on the Isle of Man :
http://www.manxradio.com/audiovault/HeadsWED-2.wma
I hate to restate the obvious; that this marketing and promotion feud between is bad for the emerging electric motorcycle roadracing scene, but yeah, it certainly is.
On the other hand, maybe it’s good that we get things sorted out right at the start. Perhaps this is the point in time where everyone has the least to lose if their respective series just doesn’t take hold. Assuming competition improves the breed, we should have the best electric bike racing series possible in short order with minimal financial casualties. Harsh, but true.
My heart goes out to Azhar. I can understand how emotionally invested he is. I hope he finds solace in knowing that he will forever be recognized as the father of organized electric motorcycle racing. I also feel that he has the right ideas, and the best intentions for the sport. I am certain that at the very least, his North American TTXGP series will be a hit.
Hi Mark: I have followed the TT since the early ’60s and attended in ‘05 and ‘09 (on rented bikes). I have the same TT affliction as you, it’s all I want to talk about and it’s the greatest moto experience I ever had. I have read your book and viewed your film. I enjoyed them both, and they capture the essence of the experience. Good luck and keep the flame burning.
Steve
Kensington, Ca