Star-studded launch for TT exhibition
A fabulous display of photographs celebrating 100 years of the Isle of Man TT was unveiled at a star-studded opening in London.
The Getty Images Gallery in Oxford Circus is playing host to 100 Years on the Roads – A History of the Isle of Man TT Races.
The exhibition features images from Getty’s extensive archive as well as renowned road racing photographers, and includes pictures charting the TT’s history from the car races of 1904 through to the Centenary event and the record-breaking 130.354mph lap by John McGuinness.
Following last Wednesday’s invitation only opening, the display is open to the public in London until April 19th. It will transfer to the Isle of Man and be on show in Ramsey from early May until the end of June.
Wednesday’s private viewing saw key figures from the motorcycling industry, the financial world and some of London’s key national, broadcast and lifestyle media rubbing shoulders with TT riders past and present.
TT sponsors including Scottish Life International, Dainese, Audi and Sure Mobile also attended the evening.
The evening, hosted by BBC MotoGP commentator Steve Parrish, included a passionate speech from legendary “Voice of Motorsport” Murray Walker, who curated the exhibition.
He talked about his love for the races and the Isle of Man, and encouraged anyone who had not visited the Island to get over and experience what he called ‘the greatest motorsport event in the world’.
The audience was thrilled to hear about the experience of racing down Bray Hill from 13-times TT winner McGuinness, while Guy Martin entertained the crowd with his inimitable brand of humour.
Steve Plater was also on hand to talk about his experiences at the Centenary TT, where he became the fastest ever newcomer and 2007 Superstock winner Bruce Anstey outlined his determination to win a Superbike race this year.
The evening also saw the launch of the new Audi TTS, which was displayed outside the gallery. In a recently agreed commercial deal Audi will provide the course cars for the TT in 2008.
Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing and Padgett’s Manx Gas Racing Honda also parked their bikes outside the gallery to give Londoners a close up look at a race bike.