Tork India Victorious At Snetterton TTXGP
Jim Lovell And Tork India Take the checkered flag at Snetterton Image Credit: Dipam Patel and eGrandPrix
Tork India took first place in the opening round of TTXGP UK series at Snetterton this weekend. This win was somewhat of a surprise as their mostly new 2010 T002X electric motorcycle had never been tested under race conditions. Issues getting their bike onto the Isle Of Man kept team leader Kapil Shelke and his team from racing TT Zero while Team Agni, ManTTx and Kingston University were able to complete a full weekend of testing under race conditions.
During practice on Friday, Tork India managed to sort all mechanical issues including a ground clearance issue with the Battery Management System (BMS) mounting location and a blown motor. Some suspension tweaks and tire changes had them qualifying second fastest on Saturday, the day before the race.
In: Racing, TTXGP · Tagged with: 2010 TTXGP UK, Jenny Tinmouth, Jim Lovell, Kapil Shelke, Racing, Rob Moon, Snetterton, Team Tork, Tork India, TTXGP UK series
US Highland Executives Killed In Plane Crash
US Highland founder Mats Malmberg
Today, US Highland founder Mats Malmberg, Director of Operations Damian Roddich and COO Chase Bales died in a plane crash at Tulsa International Airport. Our sincerest condolences go out to US Highland and the families of these men. The three of them had been a part of launching one of the most aggressive US powersports companies in history, including an extremely promising electric hub motor. After the jump is a clip from a recent interview with Mats and Chase. No question their absence will greatly affect the company but I would be surprised if their vision is not permanently ingrained in the company they left behind.
In: Industry, News, People · Tagged with: Chase Bales, Damian Roddich, Mats Malmberg, plane crash, Tulsa, US Highland
The 2010 TTXGP UK Round 1 And North America Round 3
Electric Race Bikes Fastest At TTXGP Mosport Practice
The TTXGP UK series is set to kick off this weekend with round 1 at Snetterton. As with most TTXGP races, the grid is a great mix of familiar male and female racers and bikes and a few new electric race teams. Expect Team Agni to lead most of the race with a good fight from the fast and race proven ManTTx. James McBride is familiar with the bike and had a great showing at 2010 TT Zero. We may see a Mavizen on the podium this weekend too though all three bikes entered have never been raced and may have some bugs to work out.
2010 ManTTx Racing Bike
Kingston University learned some hard lessons at the 2009 TTXGP and will be out to win as they were in 2009. Tork India went the distance in 2009 with a third place Open Class win on the Isle Of Man. They have a mostly new bike for 2010 and as a veteran electric race team will be out to show us some speed. It is really shaping up to be an exciting race. If you can’t make it to the track check out the TV coverage on ESPN if you live in the UK.
In: Racing, TTXGP · Tagged with: Canada, eGrandPrix North America, eGrandPrix Racing, eGrandPrix UK, electric racing, Mosport, Snetterton, TTXGP, TTXGP North America Championship, TTXGP UK Championship, TTXGP UK series
US Highland Announces Magnetronic Hub Motor
Today, Oklahoma-based US Highland announced an electric hub motor for use in electric drive powersports applications. They have been working on this “magnetronic” motor for the last 2 years with a company called Millennial Research. Millennial Research, who appear to be owned by US Highland, claims the motor will consume up to 70% less battery power than the competition while weighing 40% less. While they don’t mention who “the competition” is, we will have to see how the motor measures up against current favorites such as the MotoCzysz D1-10, the Enertrac Hub motor, Agni 95R and an AC-20 when it shows up on a motorcycle.
I stumbled upon details of the motor back in February 2010 when it was mentioned by a company called Dynamic Solutions Research. I could not not find any information on what “magnetronic” technology is. If you know, please leave a comment as I would love to learn more about it.
It is great to see another US based powersports company enter the expanding electric motorcycle industry. many electric motorcycles companies are bypassing the dealer network and doing direct sales with mixed results. US Highland’s non-conventional, dealer based network that allows customers to order their bike on a kiosk after test riding a demo machine may prove to be a great way to sell electric bikes.
To find out more about US Highland and their innovative dealer network, factory spec production bikes and long history check out my posts on OtherMakes.net. The full press release is after the break.
In: Electric Motors · Tagged with: brushless, DC, Dennis Palmer, Dynamic Solutions Research, Hub Motor, magnatronic, magnatronic hub motor, magnetronic, Mats Malmberg, Millennial Research, OTCBB:UHLN, permanent magnet, UHLN, US Highland
Brunel X-Team Finishes Strong At TT Zero, Regardless of DNS
Brunel X-Team (left to right) Adam White, Edmund Bright, Paul Owen, Koen Matthys, Gregory Da Santos, Timothy Clarke
During the Isle Of Man TT Supersport Race 2, Paul Owen was seconds behind rider Paul Dobbs. Both were riding a race they loved, pushing for a fast average speed and to make a good showing for their sponsors. A pre-race comment by Owen warned Dobbs “I’m only 10 seconds behind you, mate.” The comment was returned with a smile that will most likely remain etched in Owen’s memory forever. During the race, Paul Dobbs suffered a fatal crash near Ballygairy.
When Owen saw the track marshall waving the yellow flag, he stopped to help Dobbs, and in doing so, threw away his race and also missed his chance to ride in TT Zero on the Brunel X-Team BX-10 electric motorcycle. No one, including Brunel University team, would have it any other way. Paul Owen is a hero and may Paul Dobbs rest in peace after pursuing his passion.
I won’t pretend to understand the culture and history that make up the Isle Of Man TT, but it has to be one of the coolest races out there. Pictures of wide open superbikes on the edge of traction, inches from stone walls, flying through the air and struggling to toss their riders, has captured my imagination for years. If a rider breaks down, he will have a cheese sandwich and a beer handed to him by fans. Riders live the TT year round and the fans respect that. The focus and dedication of these riders makes the selfless actions of Paul Owen even more impressive. However, by stopping to help his friend, some long, hard fights ended short of their goals.
In: People, TT Zero · Tagged with: 2010 TT Zero, 2010 TT Zero Teams, Brunel BX-10, Brunel University, Brunel X-Team, dns, Isle Of Man TT, Paul Dobbs, Paul Owen, TT Zero, TT Zero Teams
MotoCzysz Wins The 2010 IOM TT Zero
Mark Miller and MotoCzysz took top spot at the Isle Of Man TT Zero zero emission race today.Though disappointed at barely missing the 100 mph average lap time, Miller stuck to the game plan to cross the line with some battery power in reserve. It turns out that game plan was smart, as second place finisher Rob “Bullet” Barber on the Team Agni Z1 had plans to push MotoCzysz hard right from the start in an attempt to make Miller go too hard trying to catch up.
Jenny Tinmouth on the second Agni bike (Z2) had a great seesaw battle with James McBride on the ManTTx machine. Jenny’s dustbin free Agni was faster than the ManTTX showing more low end power. McBride was geared high and was able to close the gap on Jenny in the straights and ultimately took third place.
George Spence on the #9 Kingston University bike came across the line in fifth place which is fantastic considering their DNF in the 2009 TTXGP at the Isle Of Man.
DNF’s included Peace eRider who dropped out at the Sulby Straight. SERT Racing, which had motor issues in the first practice session, stopped at Ramsey. Last year’s third place rider Mark Buckley did not finish either. He was riding the new Ecolve Bolt TT entry. HTBlauva and Evo Design were non-starters.
Hit the break to watch the TT Zero post race press conference.
In: Racing, TT Zero · Tagged with: 2010 TT Zero Results, Electric Motorcycle Racing, Isle Of Man TT, Jenny Tinmouth, Mark Miller, press conferance, results, Rob Barber, Team Agni, TT Zero, Video, Z1, Z2
There’s More Than Magic Smoke Swirling In The 2010 MotoCzysz e1pc
MotoCzysz e1pc - Photo by Amadeus Photography via Popular Science
We have all have heard about and seen the power of the 2010 e1pc. Last week the pictures and this week the proof on the track of the amazing 131.1 mph through the Sulby speed trap. The MotoCzysz e1pc has again won the motorcycle enthusiasts’ hearts with brute force power and elegant design.
Yesterday, Wes Siler of HFL fame took an exclusive dive into the tech behind the 2010 e1pc on Popular Science. Yes, the power is amazing. Almost 500 volts from 12.5 kWh packs feed an oil cooled brushless internal permanent magnet DC motor smaller than an Agni 95 that has more continuous power than 3 95’s combined. 75 kW of continuous power equates to 250 ft-lbs of torque and 100 hp programmable to come on whenever Czysz feels it should. MotoCzysz’s rider, Mark Miller, averaged less than 40% throttle during the race, says Siler. No question this is all amazing engineering and performance.
OK, forget all that tire roasting power. One of the coolest things Wes reported on is the aerodynamics built into the e1pc. I think the question of whether MC will streamline has been answered. They don’t need to. The Czysz team engineered into the bike a new way to skin the power robbing cat that is wind resistance.
In: MotoCzysz, TT Zero · Tagged with: 2010 MotoCzysz e1pc, areodynamics, dustbin, E1pc, eDD, fairings, magic smoke, Michael Czysz, MotoCzysz, streamlining, Suitcase, Technical, technology, wind resistance
Some Answers And More Questions For The 2010 TT Zero
Today is Race day! Canceled due to bad weather. Latest schedule puts TT Zero at 11 AM CST.
Yesterday A&R presented the question of whether MotoCzysz would streamline the e1pc. As luck would have it this week is very busy and I don’t have much time to write about TT Zero. Here are a few more questions that will have a serious impact on the outcome of the zero emission race at the Isle Of Man.
Where’s Jenny Tinmouth’s Agni?
Team Agni is fielding two teams for 2010 TT Zero. Rob “Bullet” Barber is back to defend his 2009 TTXGP title. The second rider Jenny Tinmouth, the fastest woman around the Mountain Course, has not been seen on an Agni bike yet. Due to technical issues her bike was not ready for either practice or qualifying. Insiders report Team Agni is confident the bike will be ready for tomorrow’s 4:30 PM (IOM Time) TT Zero Final.
Hit the break for more…
In: Racing, TT Zero · Tagged with: 2010 TT Zero, dustbin, Jenny Tinmouth, Racing, Rob Barber, TT Zero
A Diverse Podium Tops Off TTXGP At Road America
The natural light streaming into the new Orion Tech Center at Elkhart Lake made the perfect launch pad for the electric bikes at TTXGP North America Round 2. Michael Barnes on the Lightning Motors bike pulled strong up the hills and down the long straights for the duration of the race to lock in a convincing win. Ground clearance issues Barney experienced at Infineon were taken care of with some suspension changes and the EV1 motor stayed cool to the end.
Zoe Rem locked in second place on the Agni bike (with Zero logos) becoming the first woman on the TTXGP podium. Her only complaint about the bike was some inconsistent power delivery but she was visibly stoked with the finish. The long straights prevented the seesaw battle Shawn Higbee had experienced on the Agni bike with Barnes in Round 1 at the tight Infineon Raceway track.
More information, pics and video after the break…
In: Electric Motorsport, TTXGP · Tagged with: Brian Richardson, Jennifer Brome, Lightning Motors, Orion Tech Center, Racing, Raul Aguilar, Team Norton Electra, Thad Wolff, TTXGP, TTXGP North America Championship, TTXGP Results, Zoe Roe
Electric Comradery Continues After First TT Zero Practice
Arvind Rabadia Helping Werkstat At TTXGP Infineon
IOM published a summary of the first practice session of TT Zero, the zero emissions race of the Isle Of Man TT. As the report mentioned, Rob Barber on the #1 Team Agni X01 had the fastest practice time of the three teams that attended the practice session. Team Agni is looking good to defend their #1 plate. Mark Miller on the 2010 MotoCzysz e1pc finished second fastest after an all too familiar premature battery depletion close to the finish. Miller posted a 129 mph top speed before excessive throttle ran the ten 1.25 kWh packs dry. Michael Czysz (say “sizz”) is confident this will not happen on race day and he may be able to prove it today in the second practice lap. SERT Racing had mechanical issues that prevented them from completing the full practice lap.
I was able to get more information from Team Agni about the details of the practice session. At the TTXGP race at Infineon I had the pleasure to speak briefly with Arvind Rabadia, electric racing veteran and leader of Team Agni. He was in the pits with the Zero / Agni team but it was not uncommon to see him working his way up and down pit lane and even wrenching on the competing Mavizen bike. Team Agni not only inspired the design of the Mavizen bike, they also advised 3rd place finishing Electric Race Bikes on how to build their bike which finished 3rd at Infineon.
In: Racing, TT Zero · Tagged with: 2010 TT Zero Results, Arvind Rabadia, results, Team Agni, TT Zero, TT Zero practice
