Complete list of confirmed TTXGP riders released

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.

[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