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British Isle of Man TT stars will be heading out to the Japanese Miyakejima Island, off Tokyo, next month to consult on a planned road race.
Richard Quayle, John McGuinness and Ian Lougher will make the trip to the island that wants to host its own version of the Isle of Man TT to boost the local economy after major volcanic eruptions in 1983 and 2000.
The trio will be taking part in a controlled parade lap of the 30 kilometre course, as well as meeting local government representatives, motorsport officials and fans.The trip is being facilitated by the Isle of Man Government’s Department of Tourism and Leisure and the trio will take part in a controlled parade lap of the 18.6-mile course and provide advice on the circuit lay-out.
‘Milky’ Quayle, TT Rider Liaison Officer, said: “I’m really looking forward to going over to Japan and representing the TT races. Japanese fans are among the most knowledgeable and dedicated and I can’t wait to get out on a bike and see what the circuit is like.”
McGuinness, Lougher and Quayle will also participate in a chat show and give Press interviews during the visit, which is designed to promote the potential for a TT-style road race in Japan – a long-held dream of former rider Jun Maeda who was killed at the TT in 2006.
Following Maeda’s tragic death, his manager, Fumiyo Asada, has pursued the potential for a road race on Miyakejima Island, which was hit by volcanic eruptions in 1983 and 2000.
It is hoped that the establishment of a major motorcycle race there similar to the TT would help boost local tourism and the economy.
Back in 2006, Shintaro Ishihara, Governor of Tokyo, along with the Mayors of two islands off the coast of Japan, travelled to the Isle of Man to gain first hand experience of the TT, fuelling their enthusiasm to press ahead with plans for an equivalent event in Japan.
Martyn Quayle, Minister for Tourism and Leisure, Isle of Man Government, said: “This is an excellent opportunity to raise the profile of the TT and the Isle of Man in Japan, which is one of our key economic markets. It also shows the popularity and significance of the TT races and the riders who take part.”
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