The 2010 Isle of Man TT is upon us! The first week is practice week then it’s into the races from June 5th. The IOM TT has continued to grow in popularity with fans from around the globe and within the motorcycle racing community. Last year we saw Valentino Rossi visit the Isle of Man and pay tribute to the riders past and present with a ride around the famous circuit accompanied by Giacomo Agostini. This year we see another MotoGP star, Jorge Lorenzo ride around the circuit with Spanish legend, Angel Nieto.

The MotoGP connection doesn’t stop there however as Aussie IOM TT superstar Cameron Donald will take Loris Capirossi’s Rizla Suzuki MotoGP bike around the circuit for blast, bringing back the premier class if only for a demonstration lap. Loris will in turn take a GSX-R1000 out for a spin and a wave to the crowd to help celebrate Suzuki’s 50 years of international racing.

Grand Prix bikes will however be represented in racing form thanks to Team FTR who will be runnign a Moto2 GP bike in the Senior TT. Ollie Linsdell will be piloting the bike with aim of matching or bettering the 600cc Supersport lap times.

Ever the innovators, the Isle of Man TT organisers have once again brought back the TT Zero race with participants like first time entrants Ecolve, a London based company that manufactures electric scooters, 666 Road Racing Limited, a leading UK carbon component suppliers, Swedish Electric Racing Team (SERT) who are busily converting Ant West’s CBR600RR from the now defunct Stiggy Racing Team into an electric storm.

Showing the newbies the way will be Team Agni, the winners of the inaugural clean emissions race on the Isle of Man in 2009, the highly successful Team ManTTx Racing as well as motorcycle innovators MotoCzysz from the USA who will be hoping improve on their 2009 bike and break the 100mph average to claim the £10,000 prize put forward by the Isle of Man Government.

For us Aussies, we get to see not only Cameron Donald blast through the mountain course but newcomer David Johnson of Adelaide. David has been competing in the British Superbike Championship this year and will look to following the footsteps of Cam.

David says of his debut:

“I’ve always been aware of the TT Races and it has been an ambition of mine to compete at the biggest road race in the world. I’d hoped to make my debut in 2009 but my BSB commitments ruled me out so it’s great to be able to take part at last.

2010 IOM TT newbies

I know people like Guy Martin, Conor Cummins and of course Cameron (Donald) really well and will be hoping to pick up as many tips from them as possible. I am also working hard at learning the circuit at the moment. The TT is a huge challenge but I’m really looking forward to it and am confident of giving a good account of myself.”

Two marques to watch at the Isle of Man TT this year will undoubtedly be KTM and BMW. KTM are making their debut at the mountain thanks to Redline Motorcycles and will contest the Superbike, Superstock and Senior TT Races. James Edmeades, a competitor at the 2006, 2007 and 2008 events will be doing his utmost to put the KTM at the pointy end of the field.

BMW who have set the world alight with their stunning S1000RR are hoping to continue the surprises at the Isle of Man TT with German ace Rico Penzkofer in charge of a full Superbike-spec machine. It will be the first time since the late 70s that an official BMW team has contested the TT, when Helmut Dahne and Hans Otto Butenuth tore up the course.

Event Schedule

Saturday May 29
1820-1830hrs – Solo Newcomers’ controlled lap
1830-1955hrs – Solo untimed practice
2000-2015hrs – Sidecar Newcomers’ controlled lap
2015-2050hrs – Sidecar untimed practice

Monday May 31st
1820-1955hrs – Solo practice
2000-2050hrs – Sidecar practice

Tuesday June 1
1820-1955hrs – Solo practice
2000-2050hrs – Sidecar practice

Wednesday June 2
1820-1955hrs – Solo practice
2000-2050hrs – Sidecar practice

Thursday June 3
1820-1955hrs – Solo practice
2000-2050hrs – Sidecar practice

Friday June 4
1820-1955hrs – Solo practice
2000-2050hrs – Sidecar practice

Saturday June 5th
1200hrs – Superbike TT Race 6 laps
1500hrs – Sidecar TT Race 1 3 laps

Monday June 7th
1045hrs – Supersport TT Race 1 4 laps
1415hrs – Superstock TT Race 4 laps

Wednesday June 9th
1045hrs – Supersport TT Race 2 4 laps
1315hrs – Sidecar TT Race 2 3 laps
1630hrs – TT Zero Race 1 lap

Friday June 11th
1230hrs – Senior TT Race 6 laps

Photography © Stephen Davison | Pacemaker Press International

The 2009 Sydney Motorcycle Show just keeps getting better with even more to see and more stars to chat to going into what promises to be the best show yet. Plenty of manufacturers will be there showing off the latest and greatest in bikes with masses of accessories on sale. Check out some of the events and items on show:

Greg Hirst

Greg Hirst’s 32-year involvement within the Australian motorcycle scene is documented in his latest book, My Motorcycling Life – Part 2, which will be launched at the Sydney Motorcycle Show this week.

The book is made up of a light-hearted collection of tales that talk about the two-wheel lifestyle and the positive and co-operative nature of those that live it.

Greg has worked closely with a number of politicians and re-counts his experiences with former Prime Minister John Howard and his recent attempts to get both Mr. Howard and current PM Kevin Rudd aboard his Harley-Davidson.

His book also tells of his work with a variety of community groups and changes made to traffic regulations affecting motorcycle riders.

Greg will be on hand to launch the book on stage at the Sydney Motorcycle Show on Saturday November 21 at 3pm, along with former NSW Liberal Transport Minister Bruce Baird, Labour’s Federal Member for Parramatta and more.

Diverse range of new models

Over 110 exhibitors will fill the dome and halls of Sydney Showgrounds from Friday November 20 to Sunday November 22, showcasing the best there is to offer in new motorcycle models and accessories, apparel, safety gear and services.

Suzuki Stars to visit the show

Team Joe Rocket Suzuki young gun Josh Waters and three-times Australian Superbike Champion Shawn Giles will be signing autographs and greeting fans this weekend from the Suzuki Motorcycles stand at the 2009 Sydney Motorcycle Show.

They will be joined on the stand by Isle of Man Superbike Champion Cameron Donald (Team Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing) this Friday only.

Friday 20 November

Who: Josh Waters, Shawn Giles & Cameron Donald

Time: 11.30am-12.00pm & 2.30pm-3.00pm

Where: Suzuki Expo Stand, 2009 Sydney Motorcycle Show

Saturday 21 November

Who: Josh Waters & Shawn Giles

Time: 12.00pm-12.30pm

Where: Suzuki Expo Stand, 2009 Sydney Motorcycle Show

Saturday 21 November

Who: Shawn Giles

Time: 3.00pm-3.30pm

Where: Suzuki Expo Stand, 2009 Sydney Motorcycle Show