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[skadamo]

http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2010/01/tt-zero-isle-of-man-tt-splits.html

press release:

Following the success of the inaugural clean emissions motorcycle race on the Isle of Man in 2009, the Isle of Man Department of Tourism and Leisure has confirmed that a clean emissions race will be part of the 2010 TT.

The clean emissions race in 2009 has been widely credited with accelerating the development of clean emissions transport and many of the technical innovations that were introduced in the Isle of Man are expected to become an integral part of future mass market transport. The event was conceived with the support and involvement of numerous departments of the Isle of Man Government as part of the Island's Freedom to Flourish programme.

The 2010 clean emissions race has been renamed 'TT Zero' and will become part of the core TT programme. It will feature riders who are also competing in the other TT classes. The one-lap race will be open to clean emission motorcycles and will take place on Wednesday, June 9th, at 4.30pm, following the Royal London 360 Superstock and Supersport Races. There will also be qualifying sessions on June 5th and 7th.

As with the core TT Races programme TT Zero will be run by ACU Events Ltd, using the latest FIM regulations. However TTXGP Ltd, who promoted the 2009 event, will not be involved and the DTL will become the race promoter for the clean emissions race as well as the core TT Races programme.

As well as the usual prize money available to teams and riders, the Isle of Man Government has also created a £10,000 prize fund for the first TT Zero Race team to record a 100mph lap (160.93kph) around the 37.73-mile course. This landmark was achieved for the first time by a conventional bike in 1957, when Scotsman Bob McIntyre lapped the TT Course in 22 minutes 24.4 seconds for an overall average of 101.03mph. Rob Barber and Team Agni recorded a fastest lap time of 25 minutes 53.5 seconds (87.434mph) in the 2009 clean emissions race.

Tourism and Leisure Minister Martyn Quayle said:

"We have enjoyed a very successful partnership with TTXGP Ltd and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their hard work last year. We look forward to welcoming many of the electric bike teams and riders back to the Isle of Man in 2010 as well as to seeing new challengers pitting their wits against the Mountain Course."

He added:

"We are delighted that the Isle of Man was the first country to run an electric bike race and the fact that there are now events scheduled around the world is a tribute to the Island's entrepreneurial, innovative spirit and shows what an achievement it was for the Isle of Man to run the groundbreaking inaugural event. We are now building on this fantastic start by properly integrating the clean emissions class into the race programme - this really does send a clear signal that electric motorsport is fast evolving and that the TT Races remain at the forefront of motorcycle sport."

[www.efmotion.com]

The polarization of e-racing is just materialising. It's like MotoGP versus WorldSuperbikes.

And contrary to those who think it's bad for the e-motorcycles, I think that's good news, because two independet organizations would develop electric racing with different approaches, and both of them will do things right, so we can learn from two different sources of possitve things.

[Phantom]

I agree that the split is a good thing if it helps create a more level playing field for all electric motorcycle manufacturers and racers who participate.

[skadamo]

Definitely good points guys. I agree for the most part. Here is my only concern...

I was chatting with someone about whether IOMTT TTZero will be the big race of 2010 or if the TTXGP and e-Power series will be a bigger draw. Many electric race teams don't have a huge budget. Some will be forced to do a local series. Some may choose to do only IOMTT TT Zero because of the legendary IOM TT and the desire to beat Team Agni's record.

Now if the teams all get confused as to which series to race there is a problem. If having 2 series dilutes the prestige of each other teams will have less reason to spend $ on racing. The prize for winning is worth less when you consider the fame a team might get for winning. Of course there is still the lessons learned from pushing the bikes and technology.

Hope I am wrong and teams don't loose interest due to confusion and dilution of each race.

[pilgy]

I agree that it will be a good thing. I didn't like the idea that racing at the IOM was good for the growth of the sport in the first place because of the dangerous nature of the race itself and the difficulty of attracting sponsor partners in because of that danger. "you love the idea of lowering emissions and saving the planet... but you don't care about rider safety!". If Valentino Rossi won't do it that's quite an indication of where a decision will be made for a marketing director of any business... unless they have a personal passion for the sport. And it'll need more than that to grow the sport, I think. Let the governing body do their thing, it'll be slow and clunky but offer some thing else to teams... TTXGP could get a good partnership with an insurance underwriter and if they have it in them, do it much better.

[skadamo]

Well, the race at the IOM may have served it's purpose. There are other ev races around the world but none that I know of that generated the buzz that TTXGP at IOM did.

The danger and strong heritage of that race played a big part I think. The guys and gals that race there are not making millions like Rossi. They are not there expecting a perfectly groomed sand trap and sufficient run off. Even Rossi is impressed by these guys or he would not have been at the race last year.

It was quite a disruption to the norm putting electric bikes in a race defined by it's high speeds and danger. I think it would be even better to have a second race on the IOM though the IOM government seems set on dumbing it down a bit by moving the race day and keeping it at 1 lap vs 2.

In the end, maybe 2009 IOM TT served it's role for electric and eGrandPrix. It put the eGrandPrix on the map and made it attractive enough to build a series in the States, Italy and Europe.

[magicsmoke]

It was quite a disruption to the norm putting electric bikes in a race defined by it's high speeds and danger. I think it would be even better to have a second race on the IOM though the IOM government seems set on dumbing it down a bit by moving the race day and keeping it at 1 lap vs 2.

Firstly, the IOM govt. doesn't decide race order, it's the ACU, and far from 'dumbing it down' the zero emissions class has been promoted to full TT status and as such, competitors are eligible for travelling expenses, prize money, insurance etc.
The Friday or Senior race day is a culmination of 100+ years of racing format on the IOM and the senior race itself requires qualification from earlier races in the week. This is why it has to be the last race and is the main spectacle of the festival.
The 'novelty' TTXGP race (as it was in 2009) replaced the time slot that the parade lap has held for the las 20 years, but now that it has full TT status it has been merged with the main classes and the parade lap returns.
To expect a 1 year old event to stand aside the 'Senior' is frankly arrogant.

As for 1 lap vs 2, a battery pack suitable for 1 lap is approx. 10,000GBP. A 2 lap event would exclude most if not all privateers on financial grounds.

Regarding the conflict between competing organisations, I agree that the TTXGP and FIM's ePower calendars and allegiance is going to be tricky, but the IOMTT is at the mercy of other organisations' scheduling and can't (and doesn't want to) be a threat to either as it's a once a year deal, not a series.
Following the spat between TTXGP and the IOM government, I think that the actions of TTXGP to deliberately clash race dates with the TT, demand 'exclusivity contracts', and insist on entry to each and every round within a series to qualify for the final is childish, damaging to electric motorcycle sport and perhaps shows their true colours.
If we're not very careful as an emotor community we could quite easily end up with a Bernie Ecclestone clone on top.

[skadamo]

Firstly, the IOM govt. doesn't decide race order, it's the ACU, and far from 'dumbing it down' the zero emissions class has been promoted to full TT status and as such, competitors are eligible for travelling expenses, prize money, insurance etc.
The Friday or Senior race day is a culmination of 100+ years of racing format on the IOM and the senior race itself requires qualification from earlier races in the week. This is why it has to be the last race and is the main spectacle of the festival.
The 'novelty' TTXGP race (as it was in 2009) replaced the time slot that the parade lap has held for the las 20 years, but now that it has full TT status it has been merged with the main classes and the parade lap returns.
To expect a 1 year old event to stand aside the 'Senior' is frankly arrogant.

I will take your word for that. I am not sure who you are but you seem to know what your are talking about. Let me say I am very glad to have you on this forum to help us piece this together.

Someone is lying and that pisses me off. I want to find out who it is but I will try my best not to damn anyone until we know for sure. At this point everyone is my friend

As for 1 lap vs 2, a battery pack suitable for 1 lap is approx. 10,000GBP. A 2 lap event would exclude most if not all privateers on financial grounds.

TTXGP planned 2 separate classes for 2010. One was a 1 lap race. Privateers were mostly in the "Open class" in 2009 anyway so I have to disagree with you on this one. In 2010 most of the privateers would have continued with the one lap class.

Regarding the conflict between competing organisations, I agree that the TTXGP and FIM's ePower calendars and allegiance is going to be tricky, but the IOMTT is at the mercy of other organisations' scheduling and can't

Agreed.

(and doesn't want to) be a threat to either

I'll take your word for it.

as it's a once a year deal, not a series.

Following the spat between TTXGP and the IOM government, I think that the actions of TTXGP to deliberately clash race dates with the TT, demand 'exclusivity contracts', and insist on entry to each and every round within a series to qualify for the final is childish, damaging to electric motorcycle sport

You may have a point there. If IOM's story was true (again, someone is lying and I don't know who) this move may be less revenge and more... what you just said. Childish and lame.

and perhaps shows their true colours.

Could be but since we have two conflicting stories it is hard to say.

If we're not very careful as an emotor community we could quite easily end up with a Bernie Ecclestone clone on top.

Not sure who that is but I will google him. I think I know what your are saying. Again, glad you are on board to educate us about IOMTT and give us a better view of where the TT is coming from.... Whoever you are.

[magicsmoke]

Someone is lying and that pisses me off. I want to find out who it is but I will try my best not to damn anyone until we know for sure. At this point everyone is my friend

e-mail from IOM Chief Minister Tony Brown sent to John Shimmin:

NOTE: copied to Azhar!!

From: Tony Brown
Sent: 28 January 2010 00:03
To: 'Shimmin, John (DLGE)'
Cc:
Subject: FW: TTXGP Paperwork
Importance: High
Sensitivity: Confidential

Dear John
I met with Martyn yesterday – Tuesday - to discuss the matters and concerns relating to TTXGP and Azhar. I am not sure if you have seen all of the attached documentation which you may find useful. I am aware you have not seen the Departments Notes of the meeting held between Martyn and Azhar on the 15th January 2010 or the Minutes of the 7th July 2009 which you may find helpful; Martyn is content for this attached information to be shared with Azhar, so I have copied him into this email.
After discussing the matter with Martyn it seems to me that the Department’s proposals are now well advanced for the new TT race for emissions free bikes. This is due to the Department not reaching agreement, or information from Azhar, which they requested regarding his proposed fee and conscious that they did not wish to not have such a race during TT 2010.
I agree with Martyn that the opportunity for involvement in such an event by Azhar for 2010 has passed. Therefore Azhar has to accept the situation. I note from your email to me of the 27th January 2010 that you advise that Azhar has now cancelled Paris; in my ‘phone conversation with Azhar on Friday 22nd January he stated that if I, we [government] say the event has to be held on Wednesday of TT 2010 then he will pull out of the Paris event – but really wants race to be held on Friday of TT 2010. I advised that I would have to discuss with Martyn to ascertain where they were up to and that he should wait the outcome of my discussions as I was not in a position to definitely say that the event was to be held on Wednesday but I did advise that as I understand it – and I believe from what he indicated he was also of that understanding - the Dept are proposing to hold an event on the Wednesday of TT week 2010. I can confirm that the Department are to organise a TT emissions free event on the Wednesday of TT week 2010 and that the event is being organised by a team of officers from the DTL answerable through Nick Black to Martyn.
I know how passionate you are about this matter and I recognise the unstinting support you give to Azhar, however I agree with you that this matter needs to be finally determined which it now has, and I am sorry that it has not been determined as you or Azhar had hoped.

Regards
Tony

[drivin98]

So basically, despite Azhar  being willing to cancel Paris and accept the Wednesday slot, the IOM went ahead and planned their own race within a two week period because Azhar didn't tell them quickly enough that he would pay their fee which, if I remember correctly, was a substantial amount of money.

Clear as mud.

[magicsmoke]

So basically, despite Azhar  being willing to cancel Paris and accept the Wednesday slot, the IOM went ahead and planned their own race within a two week period because Azhar didn't tell them quickly enough that he would pay their fee which, if I remember correctly, was a substantial amount of money.

Clear as mud.

Hi drivin, you've got it a bit upside down

The IOM govt. told TTXGP in December that if no agreement could be reached then the IOM would develop and manage their own race.
On the deadline of 15th Jan, TTXGP declined involvement and so the IOM proceded with their 'contingency' plan.
TTXGP only offered to cancel the Paris event two weeks later.
Azhar didn't pay a fee, he got paid!. The IOM spent approx. 150,000GBP on the TTXGP in 2009!

Here is a statement issued by the IOM govt. ......

Following speculation and unsubstantiated claims regarding The Isle of Man Government’s decision to run their own clean emissions event as part of the 2010 TT races, The Isle of Man Government’s Department of Tourism and Leisure wishes to put on record the facts regarding their decision.

The Department began formal negotiations with the TTXGP Ltd team in July 2009 with a view to running another clean emissions event on The Isle of Man in 2010. On 2 September 2009, the Department formally agreed in principle to run an event and this was confirmed in writing to TTXGP Ltd. A proposal, including a financial support package, was communicated to the TTXGP team on 7th October, 2009. This proposal was rejected by the TTXGP Ltd management team. Subsequent to the original proposal TTXGP Ltd announced in late November, 2009 – without prior consultation with the Department – their plans for an event in Paris which conflicted with the TT period and effectively prevented TTXGP from participating in the allotted schedule in TT 2010.

On 21st December 2009 TTXGP Ltd advised the Department that due to their plans for Paris and their consequent inability to participate in the scheduled race in TT 2010, they proposed not to have a clean emissions race in TT 2010 and would aim to come back to the TT in 2011. TTXGP were advised that if they could not reschedule their proposed Paris event, in order to attend TT 2010 for the scheduled date, the Department would develop and manage its own clean emissions race. This was confirmed to TTXGP Ltd on 24th December, and subsequently a meeting between the Department and TTXGP Ltd was held on 15th January 2010.

TTXGP Ltd were invited to reconsider their position regarding the Paris event to enable their participation in TT 2010 on the scheduled date, but declined the opportunity to do so. The Isle of Man Government then confirmed its intention to organize its own clean emissions event and would provide a press release to TTXGP Ltd for any comments. At the request of TTXGP Ltd, the Isle of Man Government deferred the issue of its press release. Immediately after 15th January, the Isle of Man Government initiated its contingency plan in order to organise its own clean emissions race.

The Isle of Man Government made a significant investment in the TTXGP in 2009, both financially and through officer time across a number of departments. In order to protect this investment, the Isle of Man Government’s Council of Ministers decided that if the Department was unable to reach agreement with TTXGP Ltd that it should run its own event. Regulations for the new event, TT Zero, were issued this week. This race will be run as a stand-alone class as part of the 2010 Isle of Man TT races meeting.

The Department is confident that with the support of the teams and riders, and the experienced third party agencies that are involved with running the TT Races, they can build on the 2009 TTXGP race.

The teams and riders will now have direct access to funds from the Isle of Man Government to assist with their travel and other costs associated with their participation and will also benefit from the integral association with the TT races that the event will now have.

The Isle of Man Government remains totally committed to clean emission motorcycle racing and the development of the technology that is associated with clean emission machines.