Racing: has TTXGP found a home in 2010?
Demonstration laps at NurburgringIf last weekend's world superbike round at Nurburgring was a portent of things to come, the inaugural FIM-endorsed TTXGP electric series may have found himself a home in 2010.
The Isle of Man TT electric race-winning Agni Motors bike, an Indo-British construction, was at Nurburgring and put through its paces by former WSBK rider Mauro Sanchini on Saturday, and then by leading freelance journalist Alan Cathcart on Sunday.
The Agni is to be replicated and on sale for racing early in 2010 for use in domestic feeder series for the world title.
"It was a different and totally unique experience," said Sanchini. "The first thing you note is the weight, then the fact that when you twist the throttle the bike starts off gradually with smooth electric delivery.
"When you pull off the throttle the bike just freewheels like a bicycle and this makes it a bit difficult to get round the corners, but then you get used to it, just like you get used to the fact that they don't make much noise. It was really enjoyable but I don't think they'll be replacing superbikes any day soon!"
Azhar Hussain, the managing director of TTXGP, said: "It's a great honour for us to be able to showcase the TTXGP electric bikes as part of the Superbike event here at the Nurburgring.
"We are also proud to share with the teams a practical roadmap that will allow them to be part of this adventure and make history. The Agni winning bike combined with the DNA of the first developmental supersport platform, the TTX01, allows for delivery to the market of a total package which has been bred and proven on the toughest road race circuit in the world, the Isle of Man TT.
"This new bike, the TTX02, will allow teams to have a running start at being part of the next generation of motorsports, the TTXGP."
A calendar is still to be released for the 2010 inaugural world title, but Hussain has already revealed the five rounds will be held across Europe, Asia and the Americas, most probably as support races at WSBK or world endurance rounds.
But after being so enthusiastically accommodated at Nurburgring last weekend, WSBK is probably the front runner to host the battery brigade.
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