YAMAHA KEEPS TT RACES TRAVELLING MARSHALS ON ROAD AND TRACK
Leading Japanese motorcycle manufacturer Yamaha is the official Motorcycle partner for the 2013 Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy. The deal sees the company provide eight bikes for the travelling marshals throughout qualifying and racing at the 2013 meeting.
The company has provided a number of high spec Yamaha YZF R1s and R6s and the popular Yamaha FZ1 Fazer. The 2013 R1, the most advanced Supersport machine developed by Yamaha, takes its inspiration from Yamaha’s MotoGP bike and is powered by a 998cc in-line 4-cylinder engine. The R1 features an innovative crossplane crankshaft and kicks out high levels of linear torque, which makes for superior traction – perfect for the challenges and tight corners that the TT Mountain Course presents.
The R6 was also born on the racetrack with outstanding engine and chassis performance with ultra responsive handling and adjustable front forks for optimal track performance.
The bikes have been sourced from Yamaha Motor UK with assistance from the Isle of Man’s authorised Yamaha dealership Road and Track and all of the machines that are used around the TT course will be available to buy shortly after the event.
Travelling Marshals were first used in the 1935 TT Races. The marshals are positioned around the 37¾ mile course and are able to provide a rapid response to any incidents. All of the bikes carry medical equipment that can assist in managing a casualty. They also carry out duties such as course inspection, observe machines on the course for visible faults such as oil leaks or loose fairings and review and report any course incidents.
The travelling marshal position is by invitation only and all the marshals have previous race experience of the Mountain Course, having competed in either the TT or the Manx Grand Prix. The current team has eight Manx Grand Prix wins and a TT podium between them and all of them are first aid trained and play a vital role in the Isle of Man TT races safety programme, which relies on fast responses.
Simon Belton, Marketing Manager, Yamaha, commented: “We are proud to once again be the official Motorcycle partner of the Isle of Man TT Races. The Travelling Marshals play an integral role in the event and their involvement in the event is a really good showcase for our bikes performance capability.”
Trevor Hussey, Director, Head of Motorsport, Isle of Man Government, commented: “Yamaha’s involvement in the TT Races is symbolic of the blue chip brands and companies that are now involved in the event. The company has a long history of success on the track and I’m delighted that they are playing such an important role in the delivery of the event as well.”
