TT stars head to Japan
Wednesday 24 September 2008
TT
Isle of Man TT stars John McGuinness, Ian Lougher and Richard ‘Milky’ Quayle will visit Japan next month.
The Department of Tourism and Leisure has facilitated the trip to Miyakejima Island, off Tokyo, for the trio.
Miyakejima Island wants to create its own version of the TT to boost local tourism and the economy following the major eruptions of 1983 and 2000, and the visit is intended to promote that aim.
A Japanese road race was the ambition of popular TT rider Jun Maeda, who died in 2006, and his former manager Fumiyo Asada has taken up that vision.
McGuinness, Lougher and Quayle, who is now a TT Rider Liaison Officer, will be taking part in a controlled parade lap of the 30 kilometre course, as well as meeting local government representatives, motorsport officials and fans.
They will also give advice on the course and how to create a road racing event in Japan, as well as taking part in a chat show and press interviews.
The trip is part of a long-term programme that saw Shintaro Ishihara, Governor of Tokyo, and the mayors of two islands off the Japanese coast visit the Isle of Man in 2006 to experience the TT races.
The cost of the riders’ trip is being funded by Miyakejima Island and sponsor companies.
Tourism and Leisure Minister Martyn Quayle said:
‘This is an excellent opportunity to raise the profile of the TT and the Isle of Man in Japan, which is one of our key economic markets.’
‘It also shows the popularity and significance of the TT races and the riders who take part.’
‘Milky’ Quayle added:
‘I’m really looking forward to going over to Japan and representing the TT races.’
‘Japanese fans are among the most knowledgeable and dedicated and I can’t wait to get out on a bike and see what the circuit is like.’