Itv 4, classic TT tv deal

[steve-e]

Tuesday 9th July 2013

ITV4 TV Deal Set to Boost Inaugural Classic TT Audience

ITV has confirmed that it will screen a two-hour special covering this year's inaugural Classic TT meeting on the Isle of Man. North One TV will produce the programme, which will be aired on ITV4 on Wednesday 28th August from 9pm. The show will also be distributed globally to many of the international broadcasters already showing the award winning TT highlights packages, including Discovery Velocity in the USA and Network 10 in Australia.

Matt Smith, one of ITV Sport's leading presenters, who currently hosts Uefa Cup Live and Champions League shows, will anchor the show. Established TT Races presenters Steve Parrish, James Whitham and Steve Plater will join him as co-commentators.

The two-hour show will cover all of the Classic TT Races from the two race days including the blue riband 500cc race, the 350 and 250cc Race and the Formula 1, Formula 2 and Formula Classic race. The races will feature a stunning array of machines ridden by leading TT stars going head to head with Classic racing specialists

TT 2013 race winners John McGuinness and Michael Dunlop will be reprising their head to head in the 500cc Race while other TT stars that have signed up to take part in the meeting include Bruce Anstey, Conor Cummins, William Dunlop, Guy Martin, Cameron Donald, James Hillier and Gary Johnson who will battle experienced classic racing specialists including Olie Linsdell, Chris Palmer, Chris Swallow, Alan Oversby and Roy Richardson.

The riders will be appearing on priceless machines from iconic marques such as Paton, Matchless, Norton, MV Agusta, BSA, Moto Guzzi, Ducati, Vincent, AJS, Aermacchi and the established Japanese manufacturers, Honda, Kawasaki and Suzuki while the world renowned Yamaha Classic Racing team will also be participating in their first and only competitive race meeting before being disbanded.

Away from the racing, a number of motorcycling legends and former World Champions are scheduled to appear in the Classic Racer Classic TT 'Lap of Honour' which will also feature in the TV programme. Topping the bill will be fifteen-time World Champion Giacomo Agostini, who will be also be appearing in a special parade lap with John McGuinness recreating the 1967 TT Races, while world champions Freddie Spencer, Carlos Lavardo, Steve Baker and Kork Ballington, who will all be on the Island during the event, will also feature in the show.

Neil Duncanson, Chief Executive, North One TV, commented: "We'll be looking to really get under the skin of the event and capture the thrilling sights, sounds and action. We won't just be looking at the racing but will be producing a number of features that cover all aspects of the festival. There's a huge amount of content packed into a short period and with so many great racing names past and present, the challenge will be to fit everything into a two hour show."

Laurence Skelly, Political Member, Isle of Man Tourism, commented: "This is a great platform to profile both the inaugural Classic TT and the Isle of Man worldwide. It will also assist us in achieving our long term commercial revenue objectives for the event and help to generate additional visitors to the Isle of Man."

______________________________
For further editorial information contact:

Simon Crellin
Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling Press Office

[Bob B]

Wot, no sidecars?

If you can't hear the irony klaxon turn the volume up ...

[rugbyfan]

Wot no coverage of the upcoming young racers in the Manx GP?

It appears to me that the powers that be only want riders from BSB who bring the media circus with them.

[Wine Girl]

But at least it's bikes & the IOM on the telly

[Bob B]

Agree with Sam, MGP has for years been known as 'the Clubmans TT' as a way of introducing riders to the Island. The whole media/BSB style circus will destroy the MGP.