Blogging the TTXGP: Mission Completes Successful Qualifiying Lap – Video + Photoset
June 10th, 2009 by Edward West
An awesome beginning to the world of electric motorcycle racing. The first qualifying lap for the TTXGP just took place.
Agni Motors had the top time, at an average speed of 84.9, MotoCzysz and eROCKIT had some technical challenges and pulled out partway though. It is likely that if these teams can post a successful showing at tomorrow’s practice they will be allowed to participate in the race. All others who started the qualifying lap qualified.
There were a variety of strategies in play for this first practice lap: some teams wanted to show strength, other teams were tailoring their speeds to gather data and safely qualify.
I got a bit emotional as the bikes were all setting off on the historic TT course- it was amazing to watch the beginning of a completely new chapter in both motorsports and transportation history.
The team was extremely pleased with our experience on the course, Tom Montano hit our time and speed targets precisely, allowing us to create a solid strategy for both the next practice and the ensuing race.
There was a mix of curiosity and skepticism from many of the self-described “petrol-heads” here at the TT, but as the bikes swiftly completed the practice laps, much of the skepticism turned to cheers and pats on the back.
I managed to snap a few photos, and take some video. I’m not much of a narrator, but I got footage of all the bikes starting, and in the pits ahead of the start of the lap.
The team is having a good time, and the accommodations in our paddocks area, thanks to Mark Fagan of Father Fagan’s Race Services, are fantastic. And, a huge thank you to our sponsors who made this possible, Infield Capital, EIG, Michelin, False Profit, AlpineStars, Arai, and Infineon Raceway.
