Excitement is building ahead of TT 2008 as the Isle of Man Department of Tourism and Leisure unveils its latest campaign to raise the profile of the races.
The Young Guns campaign features young racers photographed at iconic spots around the Mountain circuit.
The cream of the young talent keen to make their name in road racing by competing – and winning – at the world-famous TT appear in the campaign.
The stars featured include Guy Martin, who scored three podium finishes in four races at the Centenary TT, Ian Hutchinson who claimed his maiden win at the event in 2007, and Manxman Conor Cummins, who seized the Duke road Race Rankings titles at the end of the season.
Other top young riders featured include William Dunlop, Martin Finnegan, Olie Linsdell. James Hillier and Gary Johnson.
The TT landmarks seen in the campaign include Kate’s Cottage, Sulby Straight, Kirk Michael, Ballaugh Bridge and Joey’s.
The campaign was created by Manx-based designer Pete Jones.
He said:
‘Traditionally, TT campaigns have simply featured shots of bikes, much like every other race, but the TT is a unique challenge and one taken up by some amazing young riders.’
‘This year we have focused in on these talented youngsters and we have stripped them of their bikes and leathers to get closer to their personalities. Each is pictured in their own clothes, and by placing them somewhere on the course they’ve never been to - except on a fast-travelling bike - makes them really reflect on the challenge that is the Isle of Man TT.’
‘Although a young group of riders, they represent the cross section of TT riders well – from the rookie right through to the TT winner.’
He added:
‘The other star of this campaign is the TT Course itself. Most of the locations will be instantly recognisable to any self-respecting TT fan, but there are a few that even the locals would struggle with!’
‘It’s far too easy to become oblivious to many features on the course, but when you’re photographing a TT winner in the doorway of a post office that opens out onto a race track, it reminds you what the TT is all about.’
DTL TT and Motorsport Development Manager Paul Phillips added:
‘This is a really exciting time for the TT and these adverts show why.’
‘The guys that we have featured in the campaign are, all we believe, potential TT winners and reflect the increasing standard of rider quality and increased competition.’
The Young Guns campagin will be seen in national, motorcycle and lifestyle media, as well as online, between this month and May 2008.
Download the Young Guns campaign here