| Sourced From Motorcyclistonline.com |
Event organizers did their best to lend gravitas to the start of the inaugural TTXGP. This was, after all, history in the making-the world’s first clean-emissions, carbon-free international racing competition. Members of the U.K. Parliament and other dignitaries mingled amongst engineers and riders in parc fermé, while journalists from around the globe jostled for the perfect pre-race quote. Then the 5-minute warning sounded, and the racers rolled into position for the traditional staggered TT start in front of the historic Glencrutchery Road grandstand. But even the anticipatory atmosphere and legendary location couldn’t save the start from being anti-climactic. “That sounds just like a VCR rewinding,” a nearby journalist muttered as the fast qualifier, a Suzuki GSX-R600 converted to electric power, unceremoniously whirred away from the starting line.
