Racing: Electric motorcycle title a goer

It's now official -- the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) has given the upcoming electric motorcycle championship a name and a few provisional dates to boot.

In order to promote zero emission and alternative energy motorcycles, the FIM has launched the e-Power International Championship, or EPIC for those who love acronyms.

The EPIC will join the likes of the MotoGP, Superbike, Endurance, Motocross, Supercross, Trial, Enduro and Speedway events that fall under the FIMs umbrella and can be expected to benefit the research and development of electric motorcycles and scooters for both racing and production.

The following is the provisional e-Power International Championship 2010 calendar:

- 18 April: Le Mans, France (Opening race of the Le Mans 24 hours)
- Date TBC: Albacete, Spain (Opening race of the Albacete 8 hours)
- 12 September: Nevers-Magny Cours, France (Opening race of the Bol d'Or)
- 14 November: Doha, Qatar (Opening race of the Doha 8 hours)

FIM president Vito Ippolito had this to say: "The FIM, as the governing body of motorcycle sport, must take into account current environmental problems. This is why, in the framework of our agreement with the United Nations Environmental Programme, we put in place every year initiatives aimed at making the motorcycle world aware and reminding us of our duties towards our planet.

"With the same goal and in order to promote new energies, the FIM is pleased about and proud of the creation of the FIM e-Power International Championship that will be managed by the Road Racing Commission (CCR). We hope to gather many teams around this project in preparation for the future of our sport," added Ippolito.

Already there are companies like Mavizen (pictured) that have released race-prepped electric superbikes race-prepped electric superbikes purpose built for top-flight racing, and interest in the new championship from competitors to investors is expected to grow rapidly.

Claude Danis, the president of the Road Racing Commission, hinted that more dates could be added: "Details on the organisation of this championship will be announced in the coming weeks and other dates should be added to the 2010 provisional calendar.

"The CCR is enthusiastic to support this new championship. We have already seen the interest of the organisers, who like us, are concerned about environmental issues and who want to be involved in competitions using new energy for the benefit of the motorcycle racing of tomorrow," concluded Danis.