Complete list of confirmed TTXGP riders released
Mission One testing at Infineon - Click above for a high-res image gallery
Officials from the upcoming TTXGP zero emissions motorcycle race at the Isle of Man have released an updated list of riders taking part in the event. Back in April, there were 24 official entries for the race, and while that number has been whittled down a bit to 20 riders, it's still an impressive list that should showcase exciting machinery and world-class riding talent. The deadline for confirmed entries had been extended to May 31st "to ensure all teams could field appropriate riders that were fully approved by the Auto-Cycle Union (ACU)." According to Sadie Homer, TTXGP Operations Director:
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.We certainly look forward to a competitive race. We've pasted the latest press release, which includes the updated entry list, after the break. For comparison, click here to see the initial list of entrants.
Gallery: Mission One in action
Gallery: TTXGP participating motorcycles
[Source: TTXGP]
PRESS RELEASE:
TTXGP - World's first zero-carbon eGrand Prix: complete list of confirmed riders announced
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
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Travis 1:39PM (6/03/2009)
I can't wait to see this race. I'm trying to get some footage from Azhar and the Motoczysz team (close friends of mine)...... can't wait to see what the teams can pull off!
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Matt 3:02PM (6/03/2009)
If you really know Motoczysz, hook a brotha up, man! Personally, I think they're the team to beat. What's more, I think they have a bike capable of doing more than I need it to (by far). Whether or not it's affordable is a totally different question :)
Travis 3:10PM (6/03/2009)
Two of my buddies, Loni (one of their techs), and Adrian (Lead Engineer) work for Michael. I met them early on in the project and have seen the bike. Adrian actually came to me looking to convert a motorcycle to Hybrid and then they all got involved in the TTXGP project.... its amazing. Loni actually helped me with my conversion (www.evfr.net). I introduced him to Adrian and Michael when they started the project. Can't wait to see them show it off around Portland!
Matt 4:41PM (6/03/2009)
That's awesome. Do you know if they have any plans to start producing bikes after the race? Aside from the crazy name I think they have a lot of potential (from what little I know)
Matt 11:47AM (6/03/2009)
I hope this leads to something I can actually buy. Give me an electric sportbike with 120 mile range @ 80 mph (competitive with a gas powered sport bike range) and I'll be the first on the list (if $$ will allow). IMO there is a huge untapped market for this, and it's just waiting for that bike that can do it all.
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DasBoese 12:39PM (6/03/2009)
Well, some of the TTXGP bikes are close to your range and performance wishes, but they're still very, very expensive at this point, including the ones slated for production.
The sportbike market is probably the hardest of them all, it'll be a good while before electric bikes will be competitive there. Scooters, mopeds and supermotos are the most promising markets for the near future.
Matt 1:15PM (6/03/2009)
I know they are lofty goals, but it'd be impossible for me to commute if it couldn't make at least 100 miles @ 70 mph. The real issue I have with most of the electric bikes out there is the range. Also, I think there are plenty of riders out there that take their bikes for nice long (1-2 hr minimum) rides through the country side as the sole purpose of having the bike. Never mind the commuting aspect, they just want to be able to enjoy it without "range anxiety". Me, I want a daily driver that I can take 50 miles to and from work (100 miles round trip) on the interstate and not use a drop of fuel. I think they'll get there. Maybe not this year, but it'll happen.
guyledouche 1:38PM (6/03/2009)
MATT,
Why dont you just buy a Zero S and charge at work.
I plan on picking one up in a couple months (after they iron out any bugs) and using it for my similar (45 mile) commute. The Zero S can appearantly handle a 60 mile range and will cruise at around 65mph.
Early adoption is the only way these technologies will advance quickly and become more mainstream. With the available tax credits and the fuel and maintenance savings, the Zero S is not a bad deal at all. I also just realized that I could probably write it off if I "use it for my business." Hmmmm......
Matt 2:53PM (6/03/2009)
I have considered the S, but it isn't safe for the interstate commute. It absolutely must be able to hold 70 mph, 75 would be better, but at 65 I'd be run over = not acceptable. I wonder if a sprocket change could step up the top end at the expense of acceleration. I'm not worried about 0-60 times or anything, I just need it to keep up with the traffic. On top of that I think they measure that speeds lower than absolute maximum, leading me to believe that traveling 65 mph would leave the battery dead in around 30-45 miles. Make sure you speak with them about your needs before you buy, it'd suck to get five miles from the office with no charge left.
Matt 2:57PM (6/03/2009)
edit: On top of that I think they measure THE RANGE AT speeds lower than absolute maximum
stupid... cant... edit.. bah!
PeterG 5:06PM (6/03/2009)
I think that dreams is a ways off Matt.
Not a lot of room for batteries on a bike and range is going to drop a lot at 70mph. Most EVs already have better city range do to regen braking an slower speeds, but their highway numbers are going to be below speed limit as well.
CNCMike 12:26PM (6/03/2009)
Are any of the networks or cable chanels going to carry this?
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Matt 1:17PM (6/03/2009)
Speed usually carries Moto GP and AMA. If anybody is going to cover it I'd think they would be the ones... don't know for sure. Maybe we should send in a bunch of emails asking them to.
Travis 2:34PM (6/03/2009)
http://www.ttxgp.com/index_nav.php?page=livecams
they'll be posting the race live apparently
Travis 2:34PM (6/03/2009)
Charge at work.... at home.... when you ride into town. The infrastructure for electricity is the biggest of any infrastructures out there besides water. Do you ride your motorcycle all day while you're at work? No,. its just sitting there.... so plug it in. Your employer can get tax credits in most states for doing so, and you can get tax rebates for installing a "charging station" at home (read: receptacle to charge the bike). It'l cost him less than a buck to charge your bike at work, and they get tax credits for it. Not many people commute 50 miles to work and 50 back. For 80% of the people out there, 60 miles is plenty.
There are a few bikes that can get over 60 miles right now that have been done by hobbyists (After upgrading to LiFePO4 mine should clock in around 60miles a charge, 50-60mph).
By the time battery tech gets better, you'll have to replace the pack, and for the same cost you initially paid for the pack, you can get a much more energy dense pack in 5 years.
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Travis 3:13PM (6/03/2009)
www.ttxgp.com for updated info....
Mission one has a video on youtube at Infineon as well, worth taking a look
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GenWaylaid 3:57AM (6/04/2009)
Nice to see Bay Area locals Electric Motorsport fielding a couple entries. The race organizers did a good job of getting many of the serious on-road EM manufacturers involved.
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David Martin 6:08PM (6/03/2009)
If you are looking for a commute as long as 45 miles or so I would be very careful.
Check the year-round climate in your area, as battery performance drops considerably in cold weather.
Batteries also deteriorate over time, the amount per charge varying according to the precise chemistry used, as does the tolerance for repeated deep discharges.
By the time the battery in a road bike drops to 80% of nominal, it needs replacing, but would be fine for more gentle use such as back up for the home.
You guys are really pushing the envelope of performance for a first generation technology - I would only be confident for around 20 miles with perhaps 60mph as top speed - urban commute rather than from the exurbs.
Others know a lot more than I, however.
The guys at Zero are really helpful, so I would visit their website for advice.
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