Success for TT Day at Bike Show

Thousands of bike fans descended on the NEC in Birmingham for ‘TT Day’ at the International Motorcycle and Scooter show on Saturday and were entertained by TT stars past and present. They also had the chance to meet their heroes and get memorabilia signed on the Duke Video stand.

The show kicked of with a Chat Show on the Blackhorse Stage hosted by BBC Commentator and former TT star Steve Parrish with questions to John McGuinness, Michael Rutter, Guy Martin and Dave Molyneux. Steve grilled John about his 130mph lap and talked to Michael about his 2008 TT plans with Ducati.

Steve then welcomed TT legends and former winners Phil McCallen and Mick Grant onto the stage and also found time to talk to legendary motorsport commentator Murray Walker about his TT memories, including his father Graeme, a former TT winner and his own experience at the Centenary TT. Finally the ‘young guns’ Conor Cummins, Gary Johnson and Ollie Linsdell were welcomed onto the stage to talk about their aims and ambitions for TT2008.

Next up was the ‘Question of TT Races’ quiz game with John McGuinness captaining a team with Murray Walker and Dave Molyneux against Michael Rutter’s team of Phil McCallen and Guy Martin. Rounds included anagrams of famous TT spots, the picture board and guess the disguised rider. John team scored an easy 18 points to 9 victory with Dave Molyneux displaying his wealth of local knowledge.

Finally the ‘Jester Interactive’ challenge saw Michael Rutter gain revenge against John with a comfortable victory on the Sony Playstation TT game. John will be hoping that this form doesn’t carry into TT 2008 where he is expecting a close race from Michael on the Mountain Course.

The TT Marshals Association was also well represented at the show, and considerable keen interest was shown by bike fans in marshalling at TT2008. They were also able to persuade some of the riders to don the famous orange bib when they hang up their leathers.

Adrian Earnshaw, MHK, Minister for Tourism and Leisure, who attended the show, commented:

“This has been a great for promoting the Isle of Man and the TT races and I’m sure it will help boost the number of visitors to the Island in 2008”.

Finlay McAllan, Managing Director, MCIE, organisers International Motorcycle and Scooter show commented:

“The Isle of Man TT races are one of the greatest motorsport events in the world and the celebration of its centenary at this year’s Show was a fantastic addition to the entertainment line-up. To have so many legends of the TT appearing all on one day added tremendous excitement for the thousands of bike fans who attended”.

Murray Walker MBE added:

“The Isle of Man TT is the greatest motorsport event of any kind in my opinion. Nowhere has the tradition of the TT.”



For more information contact:
Simon Crellin, Redpoint PR
Tel: +44 (0)20 8871 9477
Mob: +44 (0)7976 568 222
E: simon@redpointpr.co.uk