The Department for Enterprise, promoters of the Isle of Man TT Races, has announced a ‘TT Lock-In’, including a virtual race between elite riders and international gamers.
Whilst the physical races are not going ahead this year, fans will be able to enjoy TT racing not seen in its 100-year history, the ‘Virtual TT powered by Motul’. Eight TT stars will be getting to grips with a new challenge by tackling the familiar course remotely via the newly released game, ‘Isle of Man TT: Ride on the Edge 2’. To add further excitement, the riders will be paired with experienced gamers from around the globe battling it out to achieve the best aggregate time to see who will be crowned this year’s ‘Virtual TT 2020 Champions’.
Among the line-up is Isle of Man local, Conor Cummins, who will be taking part alongside other TT Races regulars, Peter Hickman and Davey Todd. Their teammates, leading international gamers, hail from Russia, USA, and the UK, plus racing legend Steve Hislop’s son Aaron.
As part of an eight-day digital TT entertainment programme starting June 6th, viewable via the Official TT website iomttraces.com, Facebook page and YouTube channel, ‘TT Lock-In’ will blend some of the greatest solo and sidecar moments from the track in the TT’s long illustrious history with live interviews, personal insights and revelations from the TT Races’ biggest stars.
TT fans can look forward to a week of exclusive TT themed entertainment from the past, present and future, hosted by Vlogger Chris Pritchard and double TT Race winner Steve Plater.
Broadcast live via the ‘TT Lock-In’ virtual studio, Chris and Steve will be joined by a ‘who’s-who’ of TT racing to provide their own unique views and personal insights to the series. Fans will have the chance to submit their own questions and messages for John McGuinness, Dean Harrison, Carl Fogarty, Phillip McCallen, Rob McElnea, Peter Hickman, Brian Reid and Cameron Donald as well as multi-sidecar TT race winners Ben Birchall and Dave Molyneux.
Lyle Wraxall, CEO of Digital Isle of Man, added:
‘The ‘Virtual TT powered by Motul’ is an exciting project that provides us with the chance to engage with new and different fans around the world. It will open doors to explore digital channels and opportunities for the island such as our new esports initiative.
Thanks to our network, our technical excellence, collaboration with gamers, motorsport and developers, and world-leading infrastructure, we have been able to produce an event that I’m sure will cement our position as a forward-thinking and adaptable home for digital innovations and businesses.’
A complete schedule for the free ‘TT Lock-In’ can be viewed on the IOM TT website, and fans can watch via iomttraces.com and the TT Races Official Facebook page and Isle of Man TT Races Official YouTube channel.