EXPERTS are predicting that an electric bike will break the Isle of Man TT 100 mph barrier at next year’s TT, with a number of teams in with a chance of achieving the honour.
Improvements in technology through extensive research and development around the world have led to the prediction that the extra speed will be found to claim the £10,000 prize up for grabs from the Manx government.
The American Segway Racing MotoCzysz team came within a fraction of breaking the 100 mph barrier at this year’s TT, with winner Michael Rutter setting a 99.64 mph lap in the TT Zero race, beating team mate Mark Miller’s speed of 96.82 mph in 2010.
Experts are now saying that the record will go in 2012. Mark Guthrie, managing director of sponsors SES Satellite Leasing Ltd, said, "Based on last year's performance we are confident that at least one team will go through the historic 100 mph mark for an electric machine for the first time, which will be a monumental achievement.”
SES is one of the teams already committed to return to the event in 2012 and a number of new teams have hinted they will be on the Isle of Man to take up the challenge.
It will be the fourth running of the TT Zero race, showcasing the best technology from around the world. So far, 20 teams have competed in the race, representing eight different countries. Nine machines took part in this year’s race, but more are expected for the 2012 event.
Rutter’s time this year was 22 mins 43.68 seconds, 54 years after Bob McIntyre achieved the first 100mph lap on a conventional bike. To beat the 100 mph barrier, the time is 22 mins 38.28 seconds. Weather conditions were good around most of the course for this year’s event, and will clearly play an important part in a record bid in 2012.
Miller was second at 98.288 mph and George Spence at 88.435 mph, taking the University prize for Kingston. Allan Brew (MIT) and Yoshinari Matsushita completed the top five with John Burrows also achieving a finish by pushing his machine over the line.
Rutter said after the race, "99.6 mph - that’s the story of my life. I tried to conserve battery life and stay smooth. It’s a totally different way of riding, but I really enjoyed it.”
Isle of Man Economic Development Minister John Shimmin said, "It is great to see many of the established teams continuing to build and improve on their first year achievements, while it is always encouraging to see new teams joining in the event.
“I am particularly struck by the wide variety of teams who each use the event for different purposes – from university teams as part of their curriculum to high profile outfits looking to build commercial enterprises – and I am pleased that the Isle of Man has been able to facilitate their efforts and give them a platform and showcase for their work."
