Electric Motorcycles Charge Up Fall Cycle Scene DIS to Host First Electric Motorcycle Race on Sunday DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. During this weekend’s Fall Cycle Scene motorcycle activities, for the first time in track history, Daytona International Speedway is hosting an electric motorcycle race with the TTXGP. TTXGP, the world’s first zero carbon sanctioned motorsports event, held practice sessions on Friday with qualifying set for Saturday afternoon and the five-lap main event scheduled for Sunday morning. This is the fourth season for the TTXGP and the first time the series has held a World Final in North America. Veteran motorcycle competitor Eric Bostrom is among the five racers entered for Sunday’s race riding for Team Icon Brammo. He has high hopes for the series and the continued development of the electric motorcycle. “I think that it’s definitely going to become a part of the motorcycle industry,” Bostrom said. “How long it takes us to get the bike to be competitive for long race distances against the gas bike, that’s going to be our immediate hurdle. Right now we are already proving that we can run the lap times of the gas bike. The initial part is really positive.” Daytona International Speedway is putting the electric motorcycle’s straightaway speed to the test this weekend and Bostrom has been impressed by how the bike has handled the steep 31-degree banking. “It’s a lot like a gas motorcycle without the noise,” Bostrom said. “We have been working on the handling of the machine and its super planted. It sails around the banking. That was the most outstanding thing. I didn’t know what to expect coming here. We’ve never been on a fast race track before. Daytona puts a different kind of stress on everything. I thought the bike was going to peter out at top speed and it didn’t. It kept pulling.” Bostrom said he posted a top speed in the 160 mph range but hopes to see that improve with the continued development of the bike. One biggest adjustment in riding the electric motorcycle is the absence of the noise typically heard on a motorcycle powered by gas. “It’s something to adjust to but there’s certainly a real peacefulness when you’re riding it,” Bostrom said. “You’re not numb to the sensations. You ultimately have a lot more road feel. That world has opened up to you. That’s probably the biggest thing I noticed, just getting to hear the wind and the road and sometimes the discs, you actually hear them rattle. On the gas pedal bike, none of those things would ever happen. You would just listen to the hum of the motor. It’s really a different experience but it’s amazing how quick the human mind adapts to it. “It’s a really fun development process. The motorcycle is a motorcycle. It’s got two wheels and a twist throttle, you couldn’t be happier.” Also on the schedule: In addition to the TTXGP, also on the racing schedule will be the AMA Roadrace Grand Championships, vintage racing from American Historic Motorcycle Racing Association (AHMRA) as well as Championship Cup Series (CCS) sprint races and the American Sportbike Racing Association (ASRA) finals. Free demo rides/displays: Motorcycle enthusiasts can test-ride the newest rides from top manufacturers as well as visit with over 100 of the nation’s top aftermarket product vendors in the display areas outside the race track throughout the weekend. Bikini contest: The annual Hooters bikini contest and Hot Leathers Fashion Show will be staged in Thunder Alley on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2 p.m. Tickets for Fall Cycle Scene start at $10 and an Advance Super Four-Day Ticket is available for $50 and includes access to the infield, Sprint FANZONE, garage and free parking. Tickets can be purchased at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com, by calling 1-800-PITSHOP or at the gate. Race fans can also stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Pinterest for all the latest news all year long.