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The 'GREEN' TTXGP: Claimed to be the world's first Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Race, the TTXGP was run on the morning of the Senior TT day. The TTXGP was somewhat hastily organised and featured ZEV Racing Motorcycles. Rumoured power sources covered a broad spectrum of Battery and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technologies, ultimately the entries accepted all used Battery Powered Electric Drive Systems. I have taken great interest in the evolution of Electric, Hybrid and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Drives for many years and in particular the Electrical Safety implications. With Electrical Safety issues upmost in mind I visited the TTXGP Pit area, located opposite the TT Paddock, on the grassed oval forming part of the Nobles Park complex. Sadly there was not a huge number of entries, some teams were very well equipped whilst others were operating out of a basic tent. The immediate feedback I received was very positive the Teams openly discussing technical aspects of their entries, it was actually quite enlightening to hear 'Mechanics' talking about battery locations, ampere ratings and motor torque curves rather than jet sizes, cam profiles and the like.
THE TTXGP PIT AREA: With an Electrical background I was extremely attracted to this evolutionary change to Motor Racing, ultimately nothing 'in the pits' really concerned me from a safety viewpoint and following discussions with most Teams it became apparent that high voltage battery stacks (1kV allowed by the rules), were rejected in favour of nominally 100 volt (or less) stacks with high current flow preferred. I still consider 100 volts as unsafe to touch with high current available and hope to witness significant improvement with Teams utilising insulated gloves, boots etc. in the future.
DUMMY GRID: TTXGP Motorcycles looked very purposeful racers on the Dummy Grid. Top marks to all entrants for achieving machinery of this calibre in such a short space of time.
THE TTXGP START: A poignant moment in the history of motor sport, the first ZEV Racing Motorcycle, (Mission Motors Bike No.1), leaves the starting gate, the image I captured makes a little extra statement, note the array of 'conventional' Fuel Churns hiding the view of the start from the TT Grandstand.
THE TTXGP WINNING TEAM: The majority of TT fans appeared satisfied with the race and result, to witness finishers was of course a great thing as many predicted not one machine would get around the mountain. It truly was amazing sitting in the Grandstand listening to the TTXGP Machines literally whistle past, albeit at a somewhat sedate pace.
THE LIGHTER SIDE: There were some amusing labels on some of the TTXGP Bikes and since this was a 'green' race I ensured my Hire Car was a Toyota Prius which I duly took around on a lap of the TT course to establish my 'Hybrid Lap Time'.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY IN MOTOR SPORT: I have posted on numerous websites about safety implications, referencing published Hybrid Vehicle Safety Bulletins and most recently reviewing and commenting on Formula 1/KERS safety issues. Whilst the inaugural TTXGP race was generally a success that in no way diminishes the need for great care with the implementation of Electrical and ultimately Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology in all forms of Motor Sport. Please review some of my published opinions with regard to Electrical Safety in Motor Sport by clicking this link.
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I LOVE NEW TECHNOLOGY, TABLETS, LAPTOPS, DIGITAL CAMERAS, MOBILE PHONES/WIRELESS BROADBAND, GPS, ETC. ALL SO COOL AND 'PORTABLE'......
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