TT 2009 programme announced
Thursday 18 September 2008
TT
After what was described by MCN as the ‘best TT ever’ and comparisons made with the epic Senior Race between Steve Hislop and Carl Fogarty in 1992, the Department of Tourism and Leisure has confirmed the 2009 TT programme will follow the same format as ‘08.
Fans at the this year’s TT were treated to some of the closest racing in history, culminating in the sensational Dainese Senior TT where the lead swapped eight times between Bruce Anstey, Cameron Donald and eventual race-winner John McGuinness. Meanwhile, Sidecar aficionados are still talking about the wheel-to-wheel dual between three-wheel legends Dave Molyneux and Nick Crowe.
The DTL has confirmed the Billown circuit in the south of the Isle of Man will host a revamped day for two-stroke TT racing, with two, two-leg 125cc Ultra-Lightweight and 250cc Lightweight races over 8 laps.
The rider with the best aggregate points score over the 16 laps of the two legs will be declared the winner of each class. The organisers will look to build on last year’s inaugural event with a more competitive field and concentrated rider recruitment for those races has already begun.
The rider recruitment programme continues to go from strength-to-strength with recent newcomers Cameron Donald and Steve Plater both registering maiden wins and multiple World Champion sidecar driver Tim Reeves scoring the first podium for a newcomer since Jock Taylor in 1978.
The solos also saw an incredible 9 individuals filling the 15 places on the race-week podiums.
Gary Johnson, a newcomer in 2007, will be looking to improve on his sensational performances at the TT, which included a standout fourth in the Superbike race.
Recruitment has already started for the 2009 TT and Rider Liaison Officers Richard ‘Milky’ Quayle and John Barton have been visiting a number of events in the UK, Ireland and Europe.
The team is also watching international events closely for new talent and new teams from around the world are already expressing an interest in taking part with swelled grids of quality riders expected for TT 2009.
Tourism and Leisure Minister Martyn Quayle said:
‘The 2008 TT races demonstrated the success of the rider recruitment programme with some of the closest races ever seen on the Mountain Circuit. 2009 will be more of the same, but we are already in negotiation with an exciting list of riders keen to test themselves on the course and there will also be some new team announcements and hopefully some new manufacturers joining the event, which can only improve the line up.’
‘We are also looking to attract a larger grid for 2009 although we won’t compromise on the quality of rider taking part.’
Cameron Donald, who secured his first and second TT wins in ’08, added:
‘The 2008 TT was one of the greatest experiences of my life and I’m already looking forward to adding to my wins.’
‘Roll on 2009!’
The entertainment programme is also set for a complete overhaul in time for the 2009 TT. The existing activities will be reviewed and a new programme put in place.
Mr Quayle said:
‘I believe we need to improve the entertainment experience for fans in 2009. We’ve focused our attention and concentrated our resources up to now on the racing side of the TT but we’re now ready to look at massively improving the fans experience.’
‘We are currently in talks with a view to announcing a programme shortly which will include music, events and experiences. We also want to improve facilities for spectators during the races and are looking into ways that we can create better viewing spots for fans.’
He continued:
‘The 2009 TT also marks the 50th anniversary of Honda Racing’s debut on the Isle of Man and we are in talks with Honda, and all of the other major manufacturers, about creating a number of events and activities Island-wide.’
‘The Parade Lap in 2009 will be focused on celebrating Honda’s anniversary and will reflect the heritage and success of the company at the TT.’
The 2009 TT also sees a world first scheduled for the Isle of Man with the ground-breaking clean emissions Grand Prix race run by TTXGP. The race will showcase a diverse range of vehicles and racing teams all eager to prove their credentials in the brave new world of clean emission transportation.
TT Schedule
Free Practice May 30
Qualifying Practice June 1-5
Saturday June 6
Superbike TT Race
Sidecar TT Race 1
Monday June 8
Scottish Life International Superstock TT Race
Relentless Supersport Junior TT Race 1
Wednesday June 10
Relentless Supersport Junior TT Race 2
Sidecar TT Race 2
Friday June 12
Senior TT Race
Saturday June 13
Lightweight TT Race
Ultra-Lightweight TT Race
TTXGP Schedule
Practice – June 8-10
TTXGP Race – Friday June 12