Dedicated helpline for TT fans
Friday 21 November 2008
TT
An advice line to help fans plan their visit to the Isle of Man TT has been launched.
There is now one dedicated phone number you need to get up-to-date answers to any queries you may have – 01624 686815.
Tourism and Leisure Minister Martyn Quayle said:
‘We’ve listened to feedback from fans about how difficult it is to arrange their TT trips and we believe that having, and promoting, an advice line will help people get to the Isle of Man and boost visitor numbers.’
Meanwhile, the advertising campaign for the 2009 TT, launched in October, is now in full swing.
The campaign focuses on the riders, featuring stars from the current crop of Mountain Circuit stars.
The line-up includes 14-times TT winner and outright lap record holder John McGuinness, fellow winners Cameron Donald, Bruce Anstey and Steve Plater, Sidecar greats Nick Crowe and Tim Reeves, rising stars Gary Johnson and Conor Cummins, plus the ever-popular Guy Martin.
In each advert the rider is given a name to reflect their TT personality – for instance McGuinness is ‘The Master’ – and a comment they have made about the TT is featured.
The quote from McGuinness, made after he won the 2008 Senior TT and equalled Mike Hailwood’s race win tally, reads:
‘The TT is so close at the front now – I’ve never pushed so hard as I did today. All my 12 years of experience went into winning that one!’
‘The job’s a dream...to match Mike Hailwood’s TT record is incredible, just fantastic.’
‘I’m looking forward to coming back next year to see if I can win some more!’
The advertising campaign will appear in leading UK and Ireland motorcycle titles and on line.
It has also been confirmed that a performance-based card game has been developed for the 2009 TT races.
The card game features the best performances from all of the leading riders and cards are won and lost on statistics such as fastest lap, most TT wins and number of appearances on the Mountain Circuit.
As well as being available for purchase from Motorsport Merchandise outlets, the game will also be available in a special Irish Racer Magazine spread and on-line.
TT and Motorsport Manager Paul Phillips said:
‘Fans love statistics and TT followers are among the most knowledgeable sports fans in the world.’
‘This game is designed to appeal to both bike fans and non race fans alike and will, we believe, also prove really popular with younger TT fans.’