Honda (UK) is delighted to launch two stunning Special Edition CBR1000RR Fireblades – one ‘Hutchy’ and one ‘McGuinness’ – to commemorate the achievements of these two legendary TT road racers.
Both bikes feature awesome special-edition paintwork celebrating Honda’s amazingly successful Isle of Man TT campaigns with two record-breaking riders: Ian Hutchinson and John McGuinness.
Ian Hutchinson tore-up the record books at this year’s TT races with an unprecedented five out of five solo wins in the Superbike, Superstock, Senior and two Supersport races. To mark his success on his Padgetts Honda race bikes, the ‘Hutchy’ CBR1000RR celebrates that amazing feat with a brilliant pearlescent white paint scheme that features a map of the 37.73-mile Isle of Man TT course, outlined around the top of the bike. A red line faithfully follows the twists and turns of the historic mountain course, complete with corner names. Both side fairings of the Fireblade are emblazoned with a commemorative decal illustrating all five of Hutchinson’s victories at this year’s TT races and, his overall TT Championship victory. There is also Ian’s unique ‘Hutchy’ graphic on the tank, along with his signature.
The John McGuinness special-edition makes an ingenious play on the fastest man around the TT course’s name. John has traditionally used a representation of a pint of the black stuff on the back of his leathers, and the ‘McGuinness’ CBR1000RR takes this a stage further by turning the Fireblade into a two-wheeled pint of it! A beautiful and intricate paint-scheme replicates the look of a pint, complete with dew-drops of condensation on the fairings and the creamy white head that only the perfectly poured pint has. John’s bike is also adorned on the fairings with a gold map of the TT course and his lap record of 131.578mph and, each bike is also autographed by John, enhancing its exclusivity even further.
Both riders are made up that their Island exploits are being celebrated in such a way. Hutchy said: “It’s exciting and really nice of Honda to make these Special Edition bikes. Better still, I’ve been given the first one which is such a lovely gesture. It’s an awesome bike to ride the Fireblade – how we did in the Superstock race shows how good it is. I won’t be riding mine though: it will be going straight in the living room! On the paintwork, the skill and attention to detail is just stunning. When you go up close, you can see just how pearlescent the white paint is, it’s an amazing piece of work.”
McGuinness remarked: “I’m so proud to have a Special Edition bike like this. I’m honoured that Honda has recognised my achievements at the TT in this way and it cheers me up after a 2010 Isle of Man campaign that was hit by bad luck. I feel part of the Fireblade programme now with my wins on the current ‘Blade and previous versions, so it’s very special to know people can buy this bike. With the one that Honda has given me, like Hutchy, I’m not going to use it, it will join my collection. I’ve got an older style ‘Blade, a V-twin SP-1 and a number of other Hondas. I’m always going to keep hold of it. The paintwork is amazing and every owner’s bike will be unique, as each of the bubbles on the bodywork is done by hand and different every time. It’s a work of art.”
Both bikes are available now to order, from Honda motorcycle dealerships across the country, in both standard and ABS-equipped versions. The ‘Hutchy’ or ‘McGuinness’ Special Edition ‘Blades are just £1,000 above current Fireblade on-the-road prices, meaning these truly memorable editions are priced at £11,725 OTR, or £12,375 OTR with the added comfort of Honda’s amazing electronically-controlled C-ABS braking system developed specifically for sports bikes. Both machines are also available with Honda’s current great 0% APR and 2/9% APR finance offers which end on 30 September 2010.
To find out more about the Special Edition Fireblades or for further information about Honda’s great range of scooters and motorcycles, genuine parts, accessories, latest offers and forthcoming events, visit www.honda.co.uk or your local Honda Motorcycle dealer who can be found using the ‘Dealer Search’ facility within of www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles, or call 0845 200
Web: www.honda.co.uk / www.honda-racing.co.uk
YouTube: HondaUKMotorcycles / HondaUKRacing
Twitter: @Honda_UK
The Lincolnshire rider's spectacular crash at Ballagarey resulted in his bike catching fire and the race being red flagged. "I was just hungry for the win and pushing hard. I'm still here so it could have been worse," said Martin. "I'm just going to carry on doing what I do. I want to race my bikes, I want to win and I want to enjoy it." 
The 28-year-old, back on the Island to support the Southern 100 meeting, added: "The crash hasn't changed a single thing, nothing.
"You can't dwell on these things.
The 2009 Southern 100 Solo Champion had planned to race at the Billown meeting but was not passed fit to ride.
"I can see where they are coming from. I still have a few breaks in my back and bits and bobs," he conceded.
"They are stable fractures but they said it wouldn't take much to turn them into unstable ones.
"It wouldn't take much of a knock to paralyse the job but I'm itching to get out an race."
Martin plans to return to racing at Silverstone on Tuesday in a World Supersport test.
The keen mountain biker plans another return to the island this year as he is also targeting a top 20 finish in the End-2-End race in September.
"I must have done 200 miles on push bike since the accident and I can't wait to give it a good crack," he said.
The rescheduled second round of the British Enduro Championship took place this past weekend in Scotland and Moose Racing riders swept the podium taking home wins in the Elite, E1 and E2 classes.
David Knight led the way to the top of the podium in convincing fashion taking wins on both Saturday and Sunday to secure the overall Elite-class win.
Factory Suzuki Off-Road rider, Tom Sagar put together two solid days of racing as well en route to taking home the E2 class overall.
Factory Suzuki Off-Road team manager, Paul Edmonson made an on-track appearance and was able to fight back from a mistake on Saturday to take the win on Sunday and the overall E1 class victory.
The third member of the Factory Suzuki team was Lee Edmonson who was competing in his first race back from injury. Lee also raced in the E1 class and came home in the runner up position.
After the race, Paul Edmonson commented, “Tom produced an extremely strong ride over the weekend, the bike performed as he liked and to take the lead this early on is a real confidence boost. I’m pleased to have put another Suzuki on the top step, although I’m aching a fair bit today! And with Lee coming back into his first round after injury it’s been a great weekend all round.”
Stateside, the sixth round of the Can-Am GNCC series was in action at the MotorcycleUSA.com Yadkin Valley Stomp in Yadkinville, N.C.
Series points leader, Josh Strang was looking to get back to his winning ways and was poised to do so after grabbing the holeshot. Strang led until a frightening second-lap crash forced him to make a pit stop.
“I got sideways over a little jump in the woods and I clipped a tree and my hand went off the bars and when I grabbed on again I got a handful of throttle and it shot me into a tree,” said Strang. “I went down pretty hard and it rang my bell.”
Strang would go on to finish ninth but is still in the driver’s seat in the overall championship hunt with a 19-point lead over Thor’s Charlie Mullins.
In the XC2 class, Moose Racing’s Jesse Robinson crossed the line with a well-deserved third place.
The GNCC series will take a couple of weeks off before heading to Somerset, Penn. on May 22 – 23, 2010 for the Moose Mountain Ridge GNCC. This will be the official halfway point in the 13-round championship.
Be sure to stay tuned to MooseRacing.com for the latest race updates, gear and accessories.
About Parts Unlimited
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Parts Unlimited continues to promote racing through its campaign WE SUPPORT THE SPORT®, helping to drive consumers to dealerships, while entertaining its dealers through hospitalities at the events it sponsors.
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As the industry leader in motorcycle/ATV parts and accessories, Moose has dedicated itself to providing riders and racers alike with the highest quality and best performing products available. With thousands of items ranging from riding gear, jackets and boots to gaskets, t-handles and fender bags, Moose has you covered. Whether you’re trail riding with friends, hunting in the woods or jumping Supercross triples, Moose offers the most comprehensive list of products in the industry to satisfy all your riding needs.
British Supersport Championship star Dan Cooper has confirmed he will ride at the 2010 Isle of Man TT.
The Gloucestershire racer is the latest promising British rider to commit to taking part in the TT
After taking the British 125cc championship in 2006, Cooper has built a career in supersport, steadily progressing from 15th in 2007 to 11th in 2008 and fifth in the championship last year.
In 2010 he is hoping to move even further up the standings as part of the official Triumph factory team.
At the 2010 TT, Cooper will contest both Monster Energy Supersport Races for the experienced PRF Racing team.
He said:
“I was over on the Isle of Man for last year’s TT as part of a trip organised by the Hailwood Foundation and that really whetted my appetite for doing the TT.”
“I’m really looking forward to getting out on the course and having a proper look ahead of the first practice and will be doing as much research as possible to try and learn the circuit.”
TT rider liaison officer Richard ‘Milky’ Quayle added:
“Dan is one of a crop of very promising young riders who are committing to the TT early in their careers.”
“It’s great to see that talented riders with real potential are now interested in racing on the Isle of Man and shows the growing strength of the event.”
As part of the Isle of Man TT, and following the success of last years inaugural exhibition, Ace Cafe London is honoured to have again been invited to showcase a motorcycle, "TT Ton Up", related exhibition at the Sayle Gallery, providing a focal point for fans on Douglas seafront.
This years exhibition featuring the legendary 59 Club, which in 2009 celebrated its 50th anniversary, will include material drawn from the extensive and remarkable collection of Mike Cook who recently published "Cowboy's Fifty Nine Club Story", a book documenting the history of the club from its founding in 1959 as a charity, church based, youth club, through its subsequent evolvement as a motorcycle club under the stewardship of the late Father Bill Shergold.
On Thursday 10th June, from 7.30pm, the Gallery will be hosting an open evening and "get together" with the 59 Club, Mike Cook will be signing copies of his book and a short film about the club's 50th anniversary will be screened.
The exhibition runs from Saturday 29th May to Sunday 13th June.
Open Daily 10am - 5pm
www.saylegallery.com
www.the59club.org.uk
www.ace-cafe-london.com
CinemaNX, the film financing and production company backed by the Isle of Man Government, has announced that principal photography has started on its eighth feature film, TT3D.
TT3D will follow the riders and rivals as they battle to conquer the infamous Isle of Man TT circuit. With unique behind the scenes access, TT3D promises to be a unique insight into the lives and minds of modern day road racers.
To be filmed in the Isle of Man, Ireland, England and Los Angeles, TT3D will examine what it takes, from both man and machine, to tame the TT.
Department of Economic Development Minister Allan Bell MHK is delighted that his arrival at the Department responsible for physical production on the Island will co-incide with the making of this most-appropriate Manx film-documentary. “I am thrilled to see this project coming to fruition,” said Mr Bell. “I know it’s something that both Isle of Man Film and CinemaNX have been determined to get up and running for some time. TT3D heralds what looks like being a busy year for the Island’s film industry.”
Directed by acclaimed Motor Sports and Commercials Director Richard De Aragues, the film utilises a range of archive footage along with the latest 3D technology and high definition equipment to capture this unique and visually stunning festival of motorcycle road racing.
“The TT has been filmed before, however, not until now have the tools existed that could do justice to those that have competed over the 37¾ miles that make up the legendary Mountain Circuit”, said Director, Richard De Aragues.
Scheduled for release in 2011, NX have already secured 3D screens from their theatric partners at Vue Cinemas. Vue CEO, Tim Richards commented, “I saw the NX mood reel for TT3D and thought the spectacle was truly awesome – this just has to be seen on a 3D screen”.
The film is being produced by NX Directors Steve Christian and Marc Samuelson.
Isle of Man Film
Address:
Department of Economic Development
Hamilton House
Peel Road
Douglas
Isle of Man
British Isles
Post Code: IM1 5EP
Telephone: 01624 687173 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 01624 687173 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Fax: 01624 687171
With just weeks to go before the 2010 Isle of Man TT bursts into life, Scottish sensation Keith Amor has confirmed he will race.
His involvement was thrown into doubt after he split from the JMF/Millsport Racing team. However, Amor, who took two podium finishes at the 2009 TT, has announced he has secured a full complement of machinery for the 2010 TT.
Riding under the KBMG Racing banner, Amor will run BMWs in Superbike and Superstock classes and a Ten Kate Honda in the Supersport races. He will get his 2010 campaign under way at the north West 200 in four weeks.
Since the split with JMF, Amor has been working hard to secure enough sponsorship to mount his campaign, which should see him be a strong contender for honours.
Both the Superbike and Supersport machines will run in the black and yellow colours of Leo Vince, with the 600cc bike being supplied by Kojak Racing, while the Superstock bike is courtesy of long-time road race supporters W.A. Corless/Jackson Racing.
In addition, Moto Pistone will be providing all the servicing, transport, paddock support and workshop facilities for KBMG Racing, and Amor is confident he has the set-up that will give him what he needs to challenge for the race wins.
The Falkirk racer said:
“The last few weeks have been incredibly hard going, but thanks to the support of my loyal sponsors and friends, especially Bob and Carol at MotoGB for all their continued patience, we’ve managed to put together a strong package and I’m confident that I’ll be able to run at the front, particularly in the Supersport and Superstock classes.”
“Ten Kate are pulling out all the stops to provide me with a first rate Supersport bike whilst the BMW has already proved, both in Europe and in England, how strong it is in Superstock trim. The Superbike will be closer to ‘Evo’ spec than a full blown Superbike, but it will be reliable and quick so I’m looking to spring a few surprises in the premier class.”
“I’m feeling really optimistic about the season now and although I’ll arrive at the North West a little race rusty I’m mega-determined that this is going to be my strongest year so far.”
Amor is also riding in the TT Zero clean emissions race during the 2010 TT, racing the 666 Road Racing bike.
The 2010 Isle of Man TT is just weeks away, and last year’s TT Champion Steve Plater has again proved he is on top form.
The Lincolnshire rider was dominant at the second round of the National 1000cc Superstock Championship at Thruxton on Sunday. He took his HM Plant Honda to a hard-fought victory, making it two from two so far this season.
Plater headed the times throughout practice, and unofficially broke the lap record on his way to pole position. Hopes of a clean start to the race were dash when the Woodhall Spa star was clipped by another rider and pushed wide in turn one, coming out of the first corner down in eighth.
Unshakeable as ever, Plater set about recovering from the poor start and, by lap four, he was up to fourth. He then snatched third from Tristan Palmer and just two laps later was second and chasing Howie Mainwaring for the lead.
Over the remaining laps the pair battled, swapping the lead until Plater finally surged ahead as the chequered flag fell – his Honda just two tenths of a second ahead of Mainwaring.
It had been a smooth and impressive ride from Plater, a ride which saw him cut the lap record with a time of 1m 16.938s – 110.23mph on lap two of 15.
Plater said:
“Another lap record and another win which obviously is good for me and HM Plant Honda. The Fireblade is working so well to be honest and I am riding it well so the package is complete.”
“I nearly got run in to at the first corner so I lost some time, but I didn’t panic and just got my head down and came through the pack to slot in behind the front two. I sat there for a little while and then went on attack mode and hit the front just in case there was a stoppage.”
“That didn’t happen and I was able to stay in control and win the race.”
Plater now enjoys a 10 point championship lead.
It was also a good race for Manxman Conor Cummins.
The 2009 Senior TT podium finisher put in a superb ride to take his Team Blackhorse Kawasaki to a well-deserved fourth place.
The 23-year-old had been in contention for victory throughout the race, crossing the finish line just 0.977s behind winner Plater.
Keen to continue his Brands Hatch form, Cummins was on the pace immediately and secured third place in qualifying.
When the race started, the Ramsey man slotted into second and shadowed fellow Kawasaki rider Mainwaring for lap after lap.
With eight riders battling for the lead, Cummins was shuffled down to third on lap seven when Plate came past. A lap later it fourth as TT winner Ian Hutchinson took his Padgetts Honda through.
Cummins stayed with the lead pack of four and was threatening to snatch back his podium place until, heading into the final chicance for the last time, everyone was forced to back off by a yellow flag.
The result now places Cummins third in the championship with 26 points.
He said:
“It’s been a solid opening two rounds for me and it was great to be fighting it out at the sharp end of the field once more. I got a great start and hung in there throughout, but Ian (Hutchinson) kept defending his line on the way in to the final chicance in the last few laps and with the yellow flag being out on the last lap, I couldn't attempt to overtake.”
“The bike was flying and everything was working well - we had the right gearing and the suspension was awesome so it was a strong race all round for us and the final result could have gone either way. There wasn’t a lot of grip out on the circuit due to the heat, but we brought it home and, overall, it’s been a great weekend.”
“Oulton Park is one of my strongest circuits, so I can’t wait to get there and challenge again for the race wins. The overall package we have is as good as anything out there so a big thanks to all the team and sponsors for making it happen and they’ve given me the platform to show what I can really do.”
Hutchinson, who took two wins in one day at last year’s TT, held on to finish an impressive third. Later in the day he took his Padgetts Honda to sixth place in the British Supersport Championship race.
The National 1000cc Superstock Race was a tough one for 15-times TT winner and outright lap record holder John McGuinness. He could only manage 12th on the starting grid after being repeatedly baulked by other riders – there were 54 trying to qualify, making finding a clear lap very hard.
His starting position didn’t reflect his speed – adding together his best sectors, the Morecambe star could have been fast enough to start fourth.
His disappointment was compounded by a poor race start which saw him pushed onto the inside kerb, forcing him to back off and drop to 15th on lap one.
McGuinness put in a battling performance, drawing on all his experience, to fight his way back up through the field. First, he put himself at the lead of an eight-bike battle for 11th at the end of lap four, then he pulled away to challenge for a top 10 finish.
By lap 10 the Padgetts Honda ace was into ninth which, with the riders ahead setting the same pace, was where he would finish at the end of the 15-lap race.
The seven points were enough for McGuinness to maintain his sixth place in the championship standings.
He said:
“I've got mixed feelings after today’s race as, whilst it was nice to fight my way through the field, it’s frustrating at the same time as I’m sure if I could have got a clean first lap under my belt, I would have been in the group fighting it out for the lead.”
“The first couple of laps are becoming a bit of an Achilles heel for me and I need to dig deep and push as hard as everyone else because I know my race pace is as good as anyone else’s out there - if I can nail those first two laps, I know I can repeat the results I was getting last year.”
“It’s a solid finish and I’m pleased to still be sixth overall, but I know there’s more to come. The bike was absolutely awesome and the team did a superb job once more so I’m determined to give them the result they deserve at the next round.”
Gary Johnson, who finished in the top 10 in all five TT races he contested in 2009, including a superb third in the blue riband Senior TT, enjoyed a successful weekend at Thruxton.
Riding the AIM Suzuki, Johnson, still recovering for injuries sustained in a testing crash, took two second places in the EVO class of the British Superbike Championship.
Following a disappointing first round at Brands Hatch, where the Lincolnshire rider was forced to retire with mechanical problems in both races, Johnson was determined to get onto the scoreboard at Thruxton.
He had a strong showing in both races, not only taking second twice in his class, but also securing 14th and 18th overall.
Johnson said:
“I had a rubbish qualifying, I just couldn’t pull the lap times I did in free practice so I was disappointed with that, but I pulled it back in the first race. I got a good start and had a good, consistent run although I was struggling for grip out there, I know a lot of other riders were, but I seemed to be struggling a little bit more.”
“The suspension was a little bit stiff so we made a change for race two and slacked it off which helped the grip, but on the downside the bike was pushing wide on the corners and I couldn’t hold it. So the guys ahead just pulled away from me in the second race. I was a bit gutted with that as I felt I had more pace than them.”
“I was lucky not to fall at the chicane towards the end as two guys went down in front of me, but I saw them in time and just cruised round them. I was happy to get another second place, in fact to be fair, I would have been happy with third that time. The bike is coming on nicely now, its just a shame we didn’t have much pre-season testing time as we could have ironed out all the niggling faults then but its all coming together now and we should begin to move forward.”
Almost every race winner from the 2009 Isle of Man TT will be on hand to launch the 2010 event, it has been announced.
Fans will have a chance to mingle with race winners from the 2009 TT when the official media launch of the 2010 races takes place.
Superbike winner John McGuinness, Ian Hutchinson, who won a Supersport and Superstock race in the same day, Michael Dunlop, who maintained family tradition with a Supersport victory, Senior TT winner and reigning British Supersport Champion Steve Plater and Sidecar legend Dave Molyneux are all schedule to attend the launch.
Between them, those five account for every victory scored around the Mountain Course during the 2009 TT – with the exception of the electric-powered TTXGP event.
Also due to appear are Keith Amor, Gary Johnson and Manx favourite Conor Cummins – who all scored podiums in 2009 – as well as veteran Michael Rutter, who will be outlining his plans for the year.
Australia will be represented at the launch by two-times TT winner Cameron Donald, who is a favourite for victory this year after sitting out the 2009 TT with an injury, and Dave Johnson, one of the strong field of riders making their debuts at the TT this year.
In addition to hearing Moly talking about his plans for 2010, fans will be able to hear from his arch-rival Nick Crowe who, despite his own racing career ending after an horrendous accident during the 2009 TT, will continue his fierce rivalry with Molyneux this year. Crowe has launched his own sidecar team, and appointed Simon Neary as driver.
Although TTXGP is no longer part of the TT, clean emission racing continues in 2010 with TT Zero, and some of the leading teams will be on hand with their innovative machines to explain how they intend try and claim the £10,000 prize put up by the Isle of Man Government for the first 100mph lap by an electric machine.
The media launch will once again feature a chat show-style format, but there will also be team, rider and entertainment announcements from the TT organisers on the evening.
The 2010 TT Media Launch takes place at the Villa Marina in Douglas, Isle of Man, on Friday, March 19. It starts at 7pm and entry is free.
- Manx Electric Bike team ready to build on first year achievements
Team ManTTx Racing have confirmed that they will be competing in the 2010 TT Zero clean emissions race, which is part of the 2010 Isle of Man TT Races.
The Manx team competed in 2009 and recorded a lap time of 70.677 mph average speed around the 37 and 3/4 mile Mountain Course and were class leaders and second overall in the first qualifying session. Unfortunately rider Dan Kneen was subsequently injured and was replaced by experienced campaigner James McBride.
The team is based on the Isle of Man and is lead by Chartered Accountant David Craine. It also includes Keith McKay, an International and Manx Grand Prix racer. The crew includes Formula 3000 Engineer Phil Wall with Andrew Cowie, Joe O'Hanlon and Sean Mulvey making up the electrical engineering crew.
The team's machine has incorporated a Ducati spaceframe chassis. It has dual motors with a keyed output shaft. The powertrain is a one to one belt with a primary drive and wire-eroded pulleys. The battery system has 2x40Amp/Hr and 2x31 Amp/Hr packs.
The team are currently engaged in driveability testing at their workshop at Ramsey shipyard and have been running dynamometer trials. This week end they tested at Jurby Circuit and were not only very satisfied with the bikes performance and handling but gathered much information for ongoing improvements.
During the 2009 race the team was going well to Sulby but then one of the motor brushes broke and damaged the remainder on the right hand side motor. The resulting short circuits overheated the motor and resulted in the bike's retirement. However the team are confident that they have fixed the problem and are looking forward to competing again in 2010.
Team Manager David Craine commented: "We are really excited about flying the flag for the Isle of Man in this showcase event - everyone is determined to put together a really competitive bike. With James back on board this year we are confident that we can go well."
Hon Martyn Quayle, MHK, Minister for Tourism and Leisure, Isle of Man Government commented: "It is fantastic for us to have a competitive Isle of Man team in the TT Zero event as they very much help us to showcase what the Isle of Man can offer the world as a centre of technical, environmental and commercial development."
