Last year's inaugural TTXGP ushered in the beginning of zero emissions motorcycle racing. Several teams from the world over scrambled to put together an electric motorcycle for one simple mission: to complete one lap of the nearly 38-mile Isle of Man mountain course faster than the rest. Though many failed, the race proved to be enough of a success that it will continue this year, though under a different promoter. When it came time for Azhar Hussein, founder of TTXGP, the original promoters of the event, to renew its contract with the Isle of Man for 2010, an unceremonious split occurred between him, officials from the Isle of Man and the FIM. Details regarding the reason for the split vary depending on which side you ask-the FIM claims Hussein rejected a financial support package and subsequently scheduled an event in Paris. Hussein denies these allegations and still remains bitter about the fallout, but he remains committed to racing and has started the rival eGrandPrix series to promote clean emissions racing on a national level in many regions around the world.
Despite the controversy, zero emissions racing will continue for a second year at the Isle of Man under a new name-TT Zero-and will now be promoted by the Isle of Man Tourism and Leisure department. The race is scheduled to run on Wednesday, June 9, at 4:30pm, following the Royal London 360 Superstock and Supersport races. On top of all the prizes and awards, as extra incentive the Isle of Man government is putting up an extra £10,000 (approx. $16,000) to the first team to record a 100mph average lap. During last year's race, Rob Barber and his Team Agni motorcycle recorded a fastest lap time of 25 minutes 53.5 seconds, which equates to an 87.434mph average lap. Reaching a 100 mph average lap-or "the Ton"-is a tall order, especially in the race's second year of existence.