TT Zero Welcomes Honda via Mugen

The Isle of Man TT has run the TT Zero as part of the race fortnight since it replaced the TTXGP in 2010. Since that time, no major manufacturers have entered their own machinery; partially, at least, this is due to the fact that they do not have much to enter at this point - everything is in development and their cycles require more time since they are trying for mass production and mass acceptance - and somewhat to the need that a big company not get embarrassed on a regular basis by people working out of a glorified garage. This, though, is about to change, even if it is only through an indirect route. An electric motorcycle designed by Honda as a prototype - this is speculated at this time - will be fielded at the 2012 running of the SES TT Zero Race, scheduled for 26 May to 8 June. As more comes out, I'll see if I can post it...until then, have a quick read to back this up:

http://tinyurl.com/7h3ymhp

MCN (UK) Blog at 2010 Isle of Man TT

This is a shameless plug, but not for myself...it is for the MCN blog written by Gary Pinchin while he gets to experience the annual madness that is the Isle of Man TT. It is more than just a race, and there are activities for just about everyone there. The population swells, though, so you must be ready for crowds at almost any venue. Simply grab a good place to stay, get your food and alcohol regimen locked in, and then let yourself enjoy every moment...try not to stress. If you are participating, that advice is useless - just ride your own TT! Take a look at this blog and check back often for updates on the linked site.

http://tinyurl.com/3x5xr8d

More Evening Moto News - Troy Corser & Swedish Electric Motorcycle

Troy Corser will be riding a BMW S1000RR in this coming weekend's World Superbike race at Phillip Island. You might think that he will have a sizable advantage given this is his home track, but you might be wrong. It seems that the Ducati team had a much better practice at the track and Corser had some issues...Take the link and learn why we might as well consider him at a slight disadvantage.

http://tinyurl.com/yzocjr8

A new team has committed to racing in the Isle of Man TT Zero race on 9 June 2010. The team is known as the Swedish Electric Racing Team (SERT) and they have purchased a former Stiggy Racing Honda CBR600RR to use as the chassis for their entry. Chris Palmer will be riding their bike and he has plenty of experience; he has three wins and four podiums since his debut on the Isle in 1990.

http://tinyurl.com/yhesaat

Friday Afternoon Moto News - MotoCzysz Returns to Isle of Man & Noriyuki Haga

MotoCzysz is not worried about the Isle of Man issue between the TTXGP series and the local TT Zero race. In fact, they simply want to race their new 2010 E1pc electric motorcycle in the event this summer. The bike is 90% new, according to Michael Czysz, and is anything but a tame and quiet motorcycle. They are going for the 100 mph top speed prize as well as the win. For all the details, please take the link.


http://tinyurl.com/yhrsuex

Noriyuki Haga has now said that he thinks 2010 will be his toughest year yet in World Superbike. That is because he has a slew of former champions and several national champions now in the series as his competitors. Plus, he has many of the same tough adversaries from 2009. Haga has his work cut out for him...the man deserves a Championship!

http://tinyurl.com/ye3ch8u

Thursday Afternoon Moto News - The Electric Confusion & PINK AMA Supercross

Mark Gardiner has done a great job of covering the stink between the TTXGP and the Isle of Man - with their TT Zero race. As you may already know, the Isle of Man race organizers switched away from Azhar Hussain's race series, the TTXGP, to their own version which they call the TT Zero. There is a great deal which went on behind the scenes when this decision was made. For some of that knowledge and to get some history on the whole affair, take the link to the two part article...it is worth your time!

http://tinyurl.com/yfovtr6

Well, we read that the Kawasaki 24-hour charity ride for the Cure was a success; we also heard that the AMA Supercross race held the next day was also used to bring in some money in the fight against Breast Cancer - they raised over US$27,000! Well, there is also an auction for various autographed goods from your favorite racer. Just take the link to learn the details. Susan G. Komen is loving this, and they are most grateful!

http://tinyurl.com/yeuzhlw

More Morning Moto News - Isle of Man TT & Moto2 Test

A minister in the Isle of Man government, John Shimmin, is upset that he was mislead into splitting the TTXGP from the Isle of Man TT event. Shimmin did want the island to become a leader in zero-emissions racing, so he helped with the first TTXGP. He just cannot understand why the original deal fell apart after only one year...I bet it has to do with finances - everyone wants a part of the future!

http://tinyurl.com/yhdveg9

Shoya Tomizawa, on the Technomag-CIP Suter MMX bike, was fastest on the first day of the Moto2 test at Catalunya, Spain. Roby Rolfo managed to dislocate his shoulder in a fall, which will have him out for four weeks and he will miss the next Moto2 test at Valencia. Jules Cluzel and Yonny Hernandez were second and third on the day. For all the details, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yhdt9xw

More Afternoon Moto News - Electric Motorcycle Racers & Pegram Racing Club

As you might expect, electric motorcycle racers simply want to face the best of the competition. With the strange competition between the three major players in organizing the races, it looks like some teams will never meet on the track, and that is not good for the sport. The questions abound and most are covered after the link...

http://tinyurl.com/ykpw9a4

With the upcoming AMA Pro Racing season getting even nearer, Larry Pegram has come up with another way to gain some sponsorship money has created the Pegram Racing Club. With support from Foremost Insurance and Ducati NA, Pegram has been able to build a successful team around the Ducati 1098R - he won 3 races last year and finished fourth overall. With the Club, which is only limited to 10 people, the members will get a first-hand experience with American motorcycle racing...take the link for more information.

http://tinyurl.com/ylx6czb

Wednesday Afternoon Moto News - SWIGS.COM Pro Racing & Ilmor Viper 152

SWIGS.COM Pro Racing's Chip Yates has been working hard on his TTXGP project machine - his team has been working just as hard and they have even signed on some more sponsors. The team is on track to meet their performance goals; it looks like they may be able to produce an electric racing motorcycle which will lap as quickly as a Suzuki GSX-R600. The ePower, TT Zero and TTXGP confusion is not helping, though. Good interview...

http://tinyurl.com/yfdmfbc

The Ilmor and Viper Motorcycles joint venture has been merrily plugging along and they have finally released some information on their 152-cubic inch V-twin engine - it has been built and is running just fine! That is good news for the group as they prepare to launch the new custom cruiser engine on the worldwide market. They have even been able to hook it up to a dyno, but have not released any number yet. The first machine to sport the Viper Motorcycles-Ilmor V-Twin will be the Diamondback Super Cruiser, which is scheduled to be sold in the second half of 2010.

http://tinyurl.com/yhzn9lw

More Afternoon Moto News - TTXGP Out of Isle of Man! David Bettencourt RIP & Norton, New

The TT Zero event, which just happens to be run by the ACU, is displacing the Isle of Man round of the TTXGP. There is a great deal of information after the link, so you should probably just go there to read the details. But, it just gets really sad when money and politics (which are everywhere) start to make our sport more complicated and harder to deal with. This move by the Isle of Man Tourism people is simply idiotic. I hope that the TTXGP sues them!

http://tinyurl.com/ycbw8nq

David Bettencourt has died while fighting leukemia and awaiting a bone marrow transplant. David's father, Dick, founded Bettencourt Honda over 65 years ago, and the name is a big part of the motorcycling culture. The dealership has sponsored hundreds of racers in its time. David was a championship-level dirt track and ice racer and will be remembered as a good friend to many people.

http://tinyurl.com/ydhfvx4

Nort0n, the new Norton that is, will be at the MCN Motorcycle Show in London. Honestly, did you expect any different? Of course Norton will be there!

http://tinyurl.com/ya7kceh