FIM Cuts Two Legs Of Current e-Power Series
The FIM cut Doha and Assen from it’s e-Power electric motorcycle racing programs list of 6 race venues. Keeping with e-Power tradition, FIM gave no reason for the decision. FIM claims interest from teams is high but it appears it’s not high enough to support six races in 2010.
In about 6 months the electric motorcycle racing world went from one high profile race in 2009 at the Isle Of Man to three competing organizations and an abundance of high profile of venues. Three crowns are up for the taking and it appears there is not enough incentive or teams to fight for all of them. In racing, the value of the crown is usually measured by the caliber of teams fighting for it.
It is inevitable that one crown will be the most coveted. With no official entries it seems ePower would be the least desirable but it is still too early to tell. Very few teams have signed on to any of the series other than TTXGP and it is unclear if they are exclusive to that series. To increase interest the FIM has offered €1000 (£875) for each rider in each race of e-Power.
Further complicating matters are vague stances from all three organizations (TT Zero, e-Power and TTXGP) on whether teams running in a competing series can also run their series. TT Zero will be held the same week as the second stop of TTXGP at Road America which makes competing in both events near impossible without multiple bikes, riders and support teams.
Today MotoCzysz, one of last years top Isle Of Man electric hopefuls confirmed participation in TT Zero for 2010. This is a big win for the Isle Of Man TT who is running the event and it’s Department of Lesure and Tourism who is promoting the event.
Source: Ivar
In: Racing · Tagged with: 2010 e-Power schedule, Assen, Doha, eDrama, electric motorcycle racing drama, FIM e-Power, FIM e-Power schedule, TT Zero, TTXGP
MotoCzysz Supports TT Zero And Will Return To IOM For 2010
MotoCzysz confirmed today that they will race TT Zero at the Isle Of Man in 2010. The e1pc of 2009 has received many improvements including a “proprietary electric motor controller drive system”. Michael Czysz also voiced his support for TT Zero being integrated into the TT program and called it “one of the purest prototype classes left in racing”. In effect Czysz is voicing approval of the Isle of Man Department of Tourism and Leisure decision to start it’s own series separate from Azhar Hussain’s TTXGP who ran the event in 2009.
Last year the the stunning, 3 motor MotoCzysz e1pc was a favorite to win the all electric motorcycle race at Isle Of Man but did not finish the race due to motor issues. This year Czysz had a lot more time to prepare and no doubt will bring a much improved and solid machine. Rumor has it the bikes power will be much more impressive than last year which is saying a lot.
See the full press release after the break.
In: Racing, TTXGP · Tagged with: 2010, 2010 TT Zero, Michael Czysz, MotoCzysz, MotoCzysz E1pc, TT Zero, TT Zero Teams
Quantya Unveils Squter P1 Scooter And MMX Motocross Bike
Quantya is unveiling a new electric scooter called the Squter and a mini MX bike called the MMX at Swiss-Moto in Messe Zurich today. Both utilize the 40 Ah battery similar to the Strada and Track but the Squter will use a 74 Volt nominal system that was rumored to be in development for a sportbike last year. Previous Quantya models have used a 52 Volt nominal system. The MMX appears to inherit the naked aluminum subframe similar to the prototype Supermoto that has been making appearances on the web.
The specs for the Quantya model range are listed below.
Source: Quantya UK
In: Quantya · Tagged with: 74 Volt, electric scooter, kids bike, mini bike, mini electric motorcycle, mini MX, MMX, MotoSwiss, Q-PARX, Scooter, Squter, Squter P1
eGrandPrix Race Series Lineup Complete | North American Championship Series Schedule
eGrandPrix completed the TTXGP venue list by adding Road America in Elkhart lake, WI as the June stop for the US series. The torcherous Isle Of man course may be off the list for 2010 but RA is no cake walk. It’s beautiful rolling hills and long, partially uphill straight will sap battery packs and spin motors to their design limits. These short tracks are just as much uncharted wilderness for electrics as the Mountain Circuit was in 2009. The IOM may (or may not) have left eGrandPrix high and dry but they definitely helped open the door to an amazing series of electric motorcycle racing with buy in from world class venues.
Bringing the bikes to the crowds of American, Canadian, Italian and European fans will also be great for visibility of the series and electric drive in general. Last year I had some heated conversations about electric with my friends around the late night campfire near turn 7 at Elkhart Lake. This year Azhar and eGrandPrix are putting their money where my mouth is so the conversations should be even more exciting this year. Can’t wait!
North American Championship Series
May 14-16: Infineon Raceway – Sonoma, California, USA
June 3-6: Road America – Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, USA
July 8-11: Mosport – Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada
August 13-15: Virginia International Raceway – Alton, Virginia, USA
Other TTXGP Regional Series…
TTXGP UK series
3rd & 4th July Cadwell Park
17th & 18th July Snetterton
11th September Castle Combe
2nd & 3rd October Brands Hatch
TTXGP Italian series
June 26th – 27th: Magione
July 24th – 25th: Franciacorta
September 4th – 5th: Franciacorta
September 25th – 26th: Mugello
TTXGP Final / UEM European Championship
October 23rd & 24th : Albacete, Spain
In: TTXGP · Tagged with: Albacete, Brands Hatch, dates, eGrandPrix, Elkhart Lake, Infineon Raceway, Mugello, North American Championship Series, Road America, schedule, TTXGP, ttxgp schedule, venuses, Video, VIR
Mission Begins Search For New CEO, Sets New Launch Date And Plans A New Model
The speed at which teams prepared electric race motorcycles for the 2009 TTXGP brought great hope that electric motorcycles could be taken from design to showroom with lightning speed. It turns out it’s not quite that easy. The intricacies of making an electric motorcycle refined, reliable and legal takes a lot longer than the 6 months some teams took to get a bike to the TTXGP starting line. Adding a recession to the mix does not help matters. These are some of the factors Mission Motors Interim CEO Jit Bhattacharya cited when telling Asphalt & Rubber the Mission One launch will be delayed from late 2010 until the second quarter of 2011.
The delay was announced as Mission Motors founding CEO Forest North ended a great run as CEO. Forest led the effort to commercialize the first high profile electric superbike through its ground breaking design, Isle Of Man debut and setting a production electric motorcycle land speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats. He told warned the powersports world “electrification is coming” and he helped make its arrival look cool.
Honestly I sometimes forgot Mission had not sold a single motorcycle which is testament to the strength of the brand Forest help build. No doubt Mr. North will end up applying his strengths to another company but Mission has begun a search for a leader to transition the company from startup to sustainable business which requires a different skill set.
“Read More” to learn about Missions second model and see a video of Forest North talking about the Mission One.
In: Mission Motors · Tagged with: delay, Forest North, Jit Bhattacharya, launch, Mission Motors, Mission One, Mission Too, Mission Two
Chip Yates On SWIGZ.com Pro Racing Electric Superbike Progress
Last week I had a chance to ask Chip Yates some questions over email about the progress of the SWIGZ.COM Pro Racing Electric Superbike program. Chip’s responses tell us his team’s ambitious performance goals are on track and they are quickly signing on sponsors. SWIGS.COM Pro Racing remains the only electric motorcycle race team to put the cards on the table for 2010 in regards to target performance.
In late 2009, Chip announced he had assembled a team including two MIT grads turned aerospace engineers to develop an electric superbike to compete in the TTXGP race series. The press release mentioned some very impressive and somewhat controversial goals for the SWIGZ.COM bike including the ability to turn AMA SuperSport lap times (GSX-R600) and a KERS system to return braking energy back to the battery.
Since the announcement, the electric motorcycle racing landscape has changed dramatically with the entrance of the FIM e-Power series and the TT Zero race replacing TTXGP at the Isle Of Man. Some races have conflicting schedules that will force teams to choose one event or the other. Chip explains what series the team will run and which they will not. Unfortunately the team is not releasing any of the electric drive specs and vendors yet but some details should be announced next month.
See the full Q&A with Chip Yates after the break.
In: People, Racing · Tagged with: AMA, Chip Yates, data modeling, electric superbike, Electric Superbike Program, ICE vs. Electric, interview, MATLAB, Race Bike, superbike, SWIGZ, SWIGZ.com, SWIGZ.COM Pro Racing
Vectrix To Relaunch At 2010 International Powersports Dealer Expo
Vectrix has emerged from backruptcy after being purchased by GP Batteries. Their official relaunch will take place at the International Powersports Dealer Expo on February 12 – 15 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The press release issued by Vectrix USA states Vectrix has already started shipping parts and products and is planning the relaunch to let customers know they plan to grow. Interestingly the press release states part of this growth will into “other vertical professional markets”. I will post clarification on what this means when I get it.
See the full press release after the break.
In: News · Tagged with: Dealer Expo, GP Batteries, International Powersports Dealer Expo, press release, relaunch, Vectrix, Vectrix USA
Isle Of Man Gives Their Take On TT Zero Replacement Of TTXGP *UPDATED*
The Isle Of Man issued the following statement in response to speculation on why TTXGP was replaced by TT Zero at the Isle Of Man TT for 2010.
Update: See Azhar Hussian’s response to the Isle Of Man statement at the end of this post.
Statement From The Isle Of Man Government Regarding TT Zero And TTXGP Ltd.
Following speculation and unsubstantiated claims regarding The Isle of Man Government’s decision to run their own clean emissions event as part of the 2010 TT races, The Isle of Man Government’s Department of Tourism and Leisure wishes to put on record the facts regarding their decision.
The Department began formal negotiations with the TTXGP Ltd team in July 2009 with a view to running another clean emissions event on The Isle of Man in 2010. On 2 September 2009, the Department formally agreed in principle to run an event and this was confirmed in writing to TTXGP Ltd. A proposal, including a financial support package, was communicated to the TTXGP team on 7th October, 2009. This proposal was rejected by the TTXGP Ltd management team. Subsequent to the original proposal TTXGP Ltd announced in late November, 2009 – without prior consultation with the Department – their plans for an event in Paris which conflicted with the TT period and effectively prevented TTXGP from participating in the allotted schedule in TT 2010.
On 21st December 2009 TTXGP Ltd advised the Department that due to their plans for Paris and their consequent inability to participate in the scheduled race in TT 2010, they proposed not to have a clean emissions race in TT 2010 and would aim to come back to the TT in 2011. TTXGP were advised that if they could not reschedule their proposed Paris event, in order to attend TT 2010 for the scheduled date, the Department would develop and manage its own clean emissions race. This was confirmed to TTXGP Ltd on 24th December, and subsequently a meeting between the Department and TTXGP Ltd was held on 15th January 2010.
TTXGP Ltd were invited to reconsider their position regarding the Paris event to enable their participation in TT 2010 on the scheduled date, but declined the opportunity to do so. The Isle of Man Government then confirmed its intention to organize its own clean emissions event and would provide a press release to TTXGP Ltd for any comments. At the request of TTXGP Ltd, the Isle of Man Government deferred the issue of its press release. Immediately after 15th January, the Isle of Man Government initiated its contingency plan in order to organise its own clean emissions race.
The Isle of Man Government made a significant investment in the TTXGP in 2009, both financially and through officer time across a number of departments. In order to protect this investment, the Isle of Man Government’s Council of Ministers decided that if the Department was unable to reach agreement with TTXGP Ltd that it should run its own event. Regulations for the new event, TT Zero, were issued this week. This race will be run as a stand-alone class as part of the 2010 Isle of Man TT races meeting.
The Department is confident that with the support of the teams and riders, and the experienced third party agencies that are involved with running the TT Races, they can build on the 2009 TTXGP race.
The teams and riders will now have direct access to funds from the Isle of Man Government to assist with their travel and other costs associated with their participation and will also benefit from the integral association with the TT races that the event will now have.
The Isle of Man Government remains totally committed to clean emission motorcycle racing and the development of the technology that is associated with clean emission machines.
An update from Azhar Hussain of the TTXGP / eGrandPrix:
I can only say that we are sorry that we won’t be there. I want to say deep heartfelt thank you to the many many people from the Isle of Man who have sent us messages of support and encouragement.
I can confirm the question of Paris or issues of financial packages were not factors in the decision making and am disappointed that it is being suggested so. We remain surprised about the decision as we did everything possible to make this happen. The decision to downgrade the zero carbon class and replace it with a vintage bike parade was made solely by the Isle of Man.
Moving forward, we are totally committed to the success of all our stakeholders and are building partnerships to spark a thriving and self sustaining eco-system around zero carbon motorsports and transportation. The economic and technical dividend in working with TTXGP is tangible, achievable and timely. Over the coming weeks, we look forward to sharing with you what that means. TTXGP is an open invitation to be on the grid for next generation of motorsports. We welcome all to be part of it.
In: Racing · Tagged with: 2010, 2010 TT Zero, Azhar Hussain, IOM TT, Isle Of Man, Simon Crellin, Speculation, statement, TT Zero, TTXGP
Brunel X-Team Returns In 2010 With The BX-10
2009 Brunel X-Team BX-09
Last year the engineering students of West London’s Brunel University X-Team brought the BX-09 to the Isle Of Man TT. In a very short time frame they completed the Triumph Daytona 675 based electric, got it to the start and with the help of TT rider Steve Harper completed the race. They brought up the rear in 2009 but that is no small feat considering many entrants did not make it to the starting line.
Brunel X-Team has a new website for 2010 which confirms Steve Harper will stay on to race and work with the 2010 Brunel students. The 2010 electric race bike will be called the BX-10. It also looks like X-Team plans to be back at the Isle of Man this year for TT Zero:
Brunel X-team were happy to have Steve Harper racing the BX-09 at the 2009 TTXGP at the Isle of Man, which he successfully got across the line in 9th place and as the top UK University team.
Steve has been racing since 2000, mainly competing on the Isle of Man, finishing 3 Manx GP’s and 3 Isle of Man TT’s.
2007, the centenary year at the TT, saw Steve competing in the super bike class, finishing 30th on a Suzuki 1000 K6.
Brunel X-team are looking forward to developing BX-10 along side Steve during their intensive testing schedule leading up to this year’s event.
Check out a video of the BX-09 testing at Jurby in 2009 after the break.
In: Racing · Tagged with: 2010, 2010 Isle of Man TT, 2010 TTXGP Teams, Brunel X-Team, Brunel X-Team BX-10, BX-10, BX10, IOMTT, Isle Of Man, Stephen Harper, Steve Harper, teams, TT Zero, XTeam
Video Infers Zero S Will Soon Get More Power
Zero Motorcycles posted a video of a guy from the Engineering department doing a burn out on a Zero S. The info on the video says it’s “a test of more powerful and unreleased powertrain.” I contacted Zero and they told me they recycled all the powdered rubber from the test and the smoke was just CGI effects edited in after the fact. Unfortunately I did not get any specs of the new electric powertrain… yet.
I’ll keep trying to dig up some information but there is no arguing that more power is a good thing. Meanwhile check out my review of the Zero S I wrote after the short test ride late last year.
Click the break to see the Zero S Video…
In: Zero Motorcycles · Tagged with: burnout, development, electric powertrain, engineering, Video, Zero Motorcycles, Zero S
