This week, Kingston University's Engineering (Motorsport) faculty unveiled the design for their new electric motorbike, which is to compete in this year's Grand Prix on the Isle of Man TT circuit.

The TTxGP Bike, sponsored by Populous (formerly known as HOK Sport), will be competing in what is being billed as the World’s first clean emission carbon-free Grand Prix. The race will be run alongside the regular Isle of Man TT races.

Kingston University is the first University in the UK to provide Motorcycle Engineering degrees, and the Team in charge of the bike’s design has been working on the concept since Summer 2008. The Lithium ion battery operated bike can reach speeds of over 70mph.

The Kingston team faces 23 competitors from seven countries. Some of the riders are previous Isle of Man TT winners, yet the Kingston team is confident of success with their rider being the Guinness World Record holder for fastest female lap of the TT circuit.

John Barrow, senior principal at Populous, said "We are very pleased to be sponsoring the Kingston University team in this project and it means a great deal to us that we are involved. Considering our experience with the design of sustainable motor racing circuits, it is very important to us to support such pioneering research and to promote young talent. We wish the Team the best of luck in the race in June".

For further information please contact
Sophie Therouanne at Populous (London)
Telephone: +44 (0)20 8874 7666
Facsimile: +44 (0)20 8874 7470
 
Email media@populous.com

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