Auto-Cycle Union representatives met with motorbike enthusiast and businessman Azhar Hussain to discuss his plans to stage the world's first high-speed clean emissions Grand Prix on the mountain circuit during next year's TT.

Mr Nelson told the Examiner after that first meeting: 'It's still very much pie in the sky, if I can put it like that. I can't say at this moment that it will definitely happen. Mr Hussain has got some ideas which he has put to us. But he needs to come back with some more ideas and some more suggestions.

'The main thing is that we don't know how many machines there will be and how many people to ride these things. You can't put a race on for five people. I can't say there's not going to be problems. But we will help all we can.

'We need to talk to all the other partners involved in TT2009. It's possible but there's still a lot of work to be done.'

Subsequently, however, the ACU announced it was giving the event its full support.

Mr Hussain said that ACU Events was 'on side'.

He insisted that ACU would be in charge of all safety elements and standards of safety would be 'exactly the same' as that for the main TT.

Mr Hussain said only licensed riders would compete and the TTxGP would not compromise the TT.

>> 'Green TT' entrepreneur outlines ambitious plan
25 June 2008

He said: 'It's not a stunt. We treat the TT with total respect. It will not take anything away from the TT but add something to it. The first year is going to be interesting but in the years to follow it will get more of a following.'

Approval in principle for the event has been given by the Council of Ministers.

Local Government and the Environment Minister John Shimmin said: 'My understanding is that the ACU is fully aware of the initial proposals and constructive dialogue is going on which hopefully will lead to a positive outcome.'

Expressions of interest are being sought from international corporations, universities and high tech institutions.

The event, which is separate from the TT and will be held as three one-lap races after the Senior Race is completed, aims to showcase a diverse range of two and three-wheeled vehicles capable of reaching Grand Prix race speeds – proving that going green does not mean going slow.

>> Clean emissions races planned for TT 2009
23 June 2008

THE latest poll on Isle of Man Newspapers website www.iomtoday.co.im focussed on the issue of clean emission racing due to take place at the 2009 TT races, asking if this was a positive step for the event.

There was an even split between the yes and no votes, the former option edging the majority by just one vote with 45 per cent (119 votes) agreeing that innovations like this are needed if the TT as an event is going to survive. The 'no' voters argued that TT fans want quality race action, not gimmicks - 44 per cent (118 votes).

The remaining 11 per cent (27 votes) weren't sure, indicating perhaps the event needs to be tested somewhere else first.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Send your comments to newsviews@newsiom.co.im

YOUR COMMENTS

Hello, As organisers are looking for suggestions for a challenge how about who can do the fastest lap on one gallon of fuel? This would challenge technology and address a green issue to see how a manufacturer can still make a performance motorcycle that is the most economic. It would be possible to use the professional riders and should take up no more time than a parade lap. Manufacturers who are serious would be able to make a claim that they have the most economic performance motorcycle by proving it in front of thousands. The electric stuff is gimmicky and I have to agree it does not fit in well with the TT image (There are plenty of permanent tracks that could hold an event).
MARK