Important milestones in the history of the TT will be celebrated during the 2008 races.
At Monday evening’s official TT2008 launch party if was confirmed a series of events will be held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Ducati’s involvement in the Isle of Man festival.
The celebrations will also mark the 30th anniversary of the great Mike Hailwood’s TT comeback.
The prestigious Ducati Museum in Bologna has agreed to transport some of its most famous exhibits in a week-long exhibition at the TT Grandstand in Douglas.
The first Ducati TT entry, the 125cc Desmo Ducati, and Tony Rutter’s F2 TT-winning Ducati will be on display.
Plus, on the 30th anniversary of his incredible TT comeback, Mike Hailwood’s 1978 Ducati will be returning to the Isle of Man.
There will also be plenty to see for fans of more modern bikes, including Casey Stoner’s 2007 MotoGP World Championship-winning Ducati Desmosedici, Carl Fogarty’s 1994 World Superbike Championship-winning 916 Ducati and Neil Hodgson’s 2003 World Superbike Championship-winning 999 Ducati.
Ducati will also be holding a special parade lap, prior to the Senior Race on Friday June 6 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its relationship with the TT, and the 30th anniversary of Hailwood’s triumphant return.
Fans will get the chance to see some of the most exotic Ducati machines in existence, ridden by some of the greatest Ducati riders.
Isle of Man Tourism and Leisure Minister Adrian Earnshaw, speaking at Monday’s launch, revealed it is planned the first bike away will be an ex-Hailwood machine ridden by the great man’s son David.
Ducati will also be offering guided demonstration rides, using machines from their latest range, starting from the TT Grandstand throughout race week.
There will be more news from Monday’s launch throughout this week, so keep checking the news page of the Official Website of the Isle of Man TT.
Read all about the 2008 TT by downloading the Press Pack in Adobe PDF Format (1.8Mb). Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader from Adobe.com.
Simon Crellin