The contract to supply support vehicles, including ‘roads open/closed’ vehicles for TT2010 with the Department of Tourism has been won by Douglas resident businessman and Manxman Adrian Kermode.
Mr Kermode told our newsroom that he had always dreamt of being involved with the TT in this way since his teenage years. As a 15 year old apprentice working for Mylchreest’s Motors young Adrian asked Mr Brian Mylchreest if there was any chance of riding passenger as he did a trip in the roads closed vehicle. His wish was granted and Mr Mylchreest took him round in a white Rover SD1 saloon. He vividly remembers the experience and is thrilled at now having the opportunity of being in the drivers seat himself.
The Department of Tourism put the contract out to tender and announced the award in a press release today. While Corkill’s Motor Group no longer have showrooms on the Island, owner Adrian Kermode explained that they regularly service Island based vehicles at their headquarter showrooms in Chester and collect and deliver vehicles at the docks. However the business, that started from the Isle of Man, is still very much run from the Island.
The company responded with a formal tender following a request for expressions of interest issued by the DTL in October 2009. The company will provide 12 of the latest Porsche models including the Porsche Cayenne, Panamera and 911 models. They will be used to help manage the running of the event including course inspection and roads open and closed duties. The deal also offers the opportunity for the Isle of Man and the TT Races to be promoted through the channels that Porsche own and operate including media and dealerships.
Adrian Kermode, commented: “Porsche are delighted to be playing such an important role in one of the world’s greatest motorsport events and it is a perfect fit with our company’s corporate and brand values. I have been a fan of the TT since childhood and fondly remember working on the scoreboard as a boy scout and my Mother also helped for many years in the race office. I’m delighted to once again be actively involved with the event.”
Tourism Minister, Martyn Quayle said “It is very pleasing to welcome Porsche’s involvement in the TT and it should hopefully encourage other prestigious brands and companies to become commercial partners.”
He continued: “I’m pleased that the TT course car contract will remain on the Island with a Manx based company and would like to take this opportunity to thank David Mylchreest from Mylchreest Motors for the role that he, his family and company have played for many years.”
