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Running on Fumes

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First TTXGP Electric Motorcycle Race

Friday, June 12, 2009

The TTXGP is the highest-profile electric motorcycle race to date, with Team Agni’s Rob Barber taking the win. Using an exhibition race at the most famous circuit on earth to promote the fledgling electric motorcycle is a brilliant stroke, but will the concept gain traction?

The Team Agni TTXGP entry topped the first practice timesheet with Ron Barber at the helm.

Rob Barber claimed the first-ever TTXGP victory, but how will history remember the feat?

It seems the TTXGP has had a fixed reception at the Isle of Man TT. Our correspondent from the Island (fortunately we have one as the TTXGP site is terribly slow at delivering news!) has noted the quiet of the electric bikes are sometimes associated with the laughter of the TT audience. Probably explaining the glib reactions of some of the riders we heard listening to the TT radio reports (Dan Keen sounded faintly mortified after turning the course second-fastest on the Manx-based ManTTX during practice).

Yet, Rob Barber’s quotes after the first timed practice sounded more optimistic.

“Fantastic, absolutely amazing support!,” said Barber after Tuesday’s practice. “People waving and shouting… fantastic! One of the best experiences in my life... It’s amazing what a battery powered bike can do.”

Now Barber’s name is etched in the books as the first-ever TTXGP winner. Will his accomplishment be remembered as a historical quirk, or the beginning of something big?

What do you all think: Is the TTXGP a big deal, or big bust?

Post Tags: TTXGP, Isle of Man electric TT

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Comments

uberbox -The Future June 15, 2009 09:37 AM
I think that Eventually we will see some sort of alternative motor technology race bikes. Hell, even F1 is experimenting with KERS, and KTM is doing the same with some of their GP machines. However, it's going to be a long time until we see say, MotoGP running electric motors. I could see them switching to alternative fuels first, such as ethanol, then hybrid motors, and eventually electric. Also, I think that this will happen more in the spirit of developing technology for street use and not so much because of political motive.

Dr. John -The Future June 12, 2009 02:55 PM
As much as love the roar of any racing engine, I feel like the horse racing fans of a hundred years ago. We are seeing the future. No matter what we would like, this is the racing of the next hundred years.