Electric racer to join petrol ranks in 2014

For the first time ever, electric motorbikes will go head to head with their petrol-powered counterparts in 2014, with British team Darvill Racing gaining special dispensation from the ACU and Southern 100 club to compete in road racing events on the Isle of Man.

The team, who have yet to announce riders, will race at the Isle of Man TT, Southern 100 and Manx Grand Prix, as well as entering short circuit championships ThundersportGB on the mainland and the
Andreas Championships on the Isle of Man.

The team will also be supported by American manufacturer Brammo Motorcycles, who have run successfully in American and World electric championships, and will be providing the Darvill team with their new ‘production’ racer the Empulse TTX.

Darvill Racing Team Principal Alex Aitchison said: “We are extremely pleased to be given the opportunity to be the first team to compete with ICE machines in a pure road race event anywhere in the world. We are looking forward to working with the ACU and Southern 100 club. Spending time with Gary (Thompson) and his team it is evident that the ACU are committed to being the leading light in the field.

Derek Nicholson, President of the Southern 100 Club: “Since the first Southern 100 was run in 1955, the club has always been progressive in its thinking and this year is no exception as we will witness the very first motorcycle race which will see ‘conventional’ racing machines competing with and against electric powered machines at the 2014 Southern 100 International Road Races. A first for Billown and the Isle of Man, in fact for the world.”

Gary Thompson, ACU General Secretary and Clerk of the Course for the Isle of Man TT: “We are extremely pleased to be working with Darvill Racing – a brand that is synonymous with success, passion for racing, and the development of innovative and cutting edge machinery. Electric Vehicles are now at an advanced enough stage that they can compete with conventional technologies and we are proud to be in a position to support the inclusion of the first mixed race on Roads anywhere in the world. It is truly an exciting time for motorcycle racing.