TT riders, team bosses, manufacturers, sponsors fans and journalists from around the world were on the Isle of Man this week for the official launch of TT2011 fuelled by Monster Energy.
They enjoyed weather conditions that wouldn’t be out of place in June and were treated to a Premiere Screening of TT3D, the press launch at the Calf Sound in the South of the Island and a the public launch and chat show at the Villa Marina.
The riders and their team bosses revealed their thoughts ahead of the 2011 campaign in an evening of interviews hosted by Manx Radio sports journalists Tim Glover and Chris Kinley at the Villa Marina. The event was packed to capacity as fans eagerly caught up with the news ahead of this year’s races and enjoyed stunning edits of the 2010 TT Races TV footage.
Leading the line up was 2010 history maker Ian Hutchinson, alongside team boss Shaun Muir, who talked in detail about his progress from injury sustained at the end of last season. Fans also heard from local hero Conor Cummins, who went so close to victory in the 2010 races, ahead of his comeback at Brands Hatch.
Fifteen time champion John McGuinness was joined by team-mate Keith Amor, the pair having travelled through the night following their creditable World Endurance debut for the Honda TT legends team. John, who confirmed that he would be taking the number 1 plate this year, will be hoping for better luck in 2011 following a 2010 TT campaign that saw him fail to achieve a single podium.
Other leading contenders scheduled who attended included Bruce Anstey with his new team boss Clive Padgett, Ryan Farquhar, Michael and William Dunlop, Ian Lougher and Cameron Donald. Ever popular Guy Martin appeared with his new team bosses Hector and Philip Neill. The Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing team were also joined on the couch by their new recruit, Frenchman Guillaume Dietrich who looks set to become a popular rider on the Isel of Man. BSB star Simon Andrews also appeared during the show and talked about his 2011 TT Races debut.
The sidecars were represented by double 2010 winner Klaus Klaffenbock and his passenger Dan Sayle, while Simon Neary/Paul Knapton and 2010 Race 1 runner up John Holden will be discussing how they will be trying to emulate the Austrian in 2011. They were also joined in the line up by ex World Champions the Birchall Brothers and Tim Reeves and his passenger, Frenchman Gregory Cluze.
The electric motorcycle racing world was represented by American Mark Miller, the 2010 TT Zero Race winner, who told fans that he believes that he can emulate his 2010 achievement and break the 100mph barrier. Other guests include multiple world champion Phil Read and Yamaha Classic Race Team boss Ferry Brouwer who outlined their plans to honour the 50th anniversary of the Yamaha Race team.
Download your Official 2011 TT Races Pack here