The eGrandPrix Blog

TTXGP News Update

Only two days to go before the closing date.  On April/8th we will be sharing the full line up of teams and riders.  But given the level of excitement both for and against what we are doing, here are some TTXGP factoids to keep you all tied over until the April 8th when we can do a full reveal.

So why the restricted flow of information?

As with the TT, lots of deals and arrangements are coming together at the last minute. We haven’t been able to share information as much we would have liked as things are being finalised right up to the wire.  This last week has been particularly hectic working to ensure the teams have the support they need to close respective sponsorship or rider deals.  The teams have also asked that the information be controlled until they were ready to announce.

So here are some responses to the general points that I have picked up from the forum..

-    We are expecting about 20-25 machines, from Asia, Europe and the Americas, to make it to the start.  The current economic conditions have seen us lose some of the teams but nonetheless we have enough to make a great start to the grid.  Crucially we are aware that TTXGP has started a flurry of activity around the world so 2010 should see the line up expand in both capability and numbers.

-    Teams are mixture of large corporate to active amateur.  More on this on April 8th.

-    We have a mixture of propulsion systems.  From exotic hybrids to all electric.  Lots of them using prototype chemistries being tested here for the first time in anger.

-    Some of the top riders from the TT, past and present have signed up for the TTXGP.  More on this on April 8th.

-    MGP riders can ride in the TTXGP ONLY without losing eligibility to any class of the MGP.  The process for TTXGP qualification will be announced in due course. If you are a MGP rider and you have a chance for a TTXGP ride, then take it. Just make sure your mountain course license is current by May/31.

-    Lots of hazardous material (HAZMAT) is transported to IoM regularly and safely (including petroleum).  HAZMAT protocols exist for hydrogen just like anything else.  Transportation is not an issue at this time.

-    TTXGP has an external technical panel.  Our experts are among the best in their fields and are advising us, and the other agencies involved, on all aspects of racing and safety.  The ACU is also represented on the panel by Dr. Paul King.

-    Due to the extreme challenges of accommodation and transport, we have had to charter a couple of planes.  These are being carbon offset through a govt approved scheme.  We hope in the future to further minimise our footprint, but this is motorsports and it’s on an island.. so go figure.  To put this into context though, this is against 100k+ miles of racing and not a catalytic converter in sight.

-    So why the TT? And not a low key circuit/event someplace else first?  The reality was that the investment and work involved in entering the TTXGP is considerable.  For one thing you have to build your own vehicle with a drive train that will perform on the toughest road race in the world without using carbon fuel or fouling the environment. That is a big ask.  The draw was the TT.  Nobody would have turned up for an event that had no credibility or heritage.  For the work and investment to payoff, it had to be for a prize worth winning.  The Isle of Man TT is surely that.

-    Why the rush? Why not wait for 2010 or 2011?  Because there was nothing to be gained and everything to lose.  Being pioneering matters.  If another event had taken this up then there is a real question whether the Isle of Man would ever be able to get into the zero carbon race at all.  The cost and challenge of racing on the Island is considerable.  The TTXGP has already impacted the credibility of zero carbon motorsports internationally.  2009 is our year zero, but given what we have learnt and developed with rules, safety, organisation and publicity we are now set-up for a stellar event for 2010.

-    The Villa Marina concert is confirmed for June 11th.  Called “TTXGP: The Promise of a Generation”, it will be performed by the London Metropolitan Orchestra.  Included will be a world premier performance of a new piece of music just for this event.  Our guest, Anna Goldsmith will be performing a specially orchestrated solo.  Tickets will go on sale in the next few weeks.  Posters and websites etc will also start appearing with more info.  It’s set to be a spectacular event and we hope as many of you as possible will be able to be part of it.

There’s probably a lot more stuff that I have missed out on, so please do either come in person or log onto the webcast on April 8th.  You can pose questions through the chat room on the day (not moderated by us).  We will answer what we can on the day, the rest we will respond to on the TTXGP blog.  www.egrandprix.com.

You can register to attend or watch the webcast, both free of charge, here:
http://www.theiet.org/local/uk/london/ttxgp.cfm

Last couple of points.  There is no conspiracy of silence or deliberate attempt to keep anybody in the dark.  We have been actively communicating with all the agencies and teams around the world.  We have only had 10 months to pull this event together and our ability to handle the growing interest will improve over time.

I also want put on the record our sincere thanks to the TTMA, the Steam Packet Company, the Manx Grand Prix, Ronaldsway Airport, the Villa Marina, the Douglas corporation, Aer Arann, Manx Telecom, Manx Electricity Authority, G4S and the many many many others who have extended their support above and beyond.  We are working closely with TTMAG, DTL and other parts of IoM Govt to make this an event we can all be proud of.

We are not going to nor could we take anything away from the TT.  Enjoy the TTXGP for what it is, a single race in the festival marking the start of the next generation of motorsports on the Isle of Man. And as anybody who has become a parent can attest to; as mucky, messy, and painful births can be; the results are glorious, life lasting and you would always regret if you missed it.

Thanks,

Azhar...

TTXGP.