We’re at the time of year when motorcycle sport is getting into its stride in both the World Superbike and MotoGP championships. For some fans, however, there are only two weeks that really matter, and they are the last week in May and the first week in June, for that is when the Isle of Man dusts off the marshal’s flags and the grandstands, closes the roads and welcomes the modern-day gladiators to its shores.
The TT is the oldest motorcycle race in the world and not far off the oldest motorsport event on two or four wheels. It is also by far the most dangerous, although, judging by the men and women who strain to get there every year, it’s obvious that potential glory outweighs the spectre of death.
South Africa is well-represented in international circuit racing thanks to the Binder brothers, Darryn and Brad, who race in the Moto2 and MotoGP World Championships, respectively. What is less well-known is that, for the past eight years, another South African sportsman has been putting himself and his machine to the unbelievable strains and stresses of the 60.75 km of town, country and mountain roads that make up the Isle of Man TT course. That man is AJ Venter.
The TT is not a place for the faint of heart; the top riders cover a lap, complete with 219 corners, at an average of 220km/h in around 17 minutes, with top speeds well in excess of 300 km/h.
But here’s the rub; the vast majority of riders who take part are doing it for personal glory. Prize money is virtually non-existent; even the podium places pay very little in comparison to other forms of international motor sport, even while the danger is multiplied many times over the antiseptic closed circuits that MotoGP uses.
Therefore, to even begin to contemplate competing at the Isle of Man TT is to face cripplingly huge expenses, even more so if you have to transport everything half way around the world instead of simply half way across the Irish Sea from the UK mainland.
Venter has competed eight times at the TT, and each time, there has been just as much juggling of stretched-thin finances as there has been time on the bike. That he has finished the majority of the races is remarkable; that he has had top ten finishes is unbelievable, given the budget he has had to work with.
Step into the picture Zunaid Moti, successful businessman, philanthropist and owner of FuturExotics cars on Sandton Drive. He has petrol and oil running through his veins, and when he was exposed to the infinite excitement of the TT and, more importantly, met AJ Venter, he knew he had to get involved.
The result is an incredible sponsorship deal worth R4.2 million over three years to give AJ the boost he needs to really make his mark at the TT (not that he hasn’t already!) It cannot be overstated how much this will mean to Venter’s efforts over the two weeks that comprise the TT event – one practice week and one racing week. With that kind of backing, he can concentrate on getting the best out of himself, the bike and the circuit, without continually having to hustle for the next set of tyres, litre of petrol or even the next meal. As a TT rider, you are constantly on the edge every second of every day of the two weeks, but smooth off one of those edges – in this case, finance – and a lot of others will be smoothed off as well.
The TT takes place over the last week of May and the first week of June. In recent years, television coverage has improved out of all recognition, and you can listen to live radio commentary from the races. Of course, there are also multiple ways of following the action online, including, of course, AJ’s own social media profiles. Do yourself a favour and tune in and support AJ and the South African flag he is waving over there; you won’t be disappointed.
For more information, visit: www.iomtt.com
