Dainese has been unveiled as the Official Safety Partner of the 2008 TT Races.
As part of the deal the two Superbike races will be known as the Isle of Man Dainese Superbike Race and the Isle of Man Dainese Senior TT Race.
The famous TT Traveling Marshals will also wear Dainese protective kit.
The Italian company, which specialises in safety products for active sports enthusiasts, is planning a series of special events in the Isle of Man to mark the partnership. Lino Dainese, who founded the company in 1972 and is managing director, will visit the Island during the TT.
The Villa Marina in Douglas will host a free exhibition of race suits worn by some of Dainese’s 53 motorcycle racing world champions, including leathers that have protected riders such as Barry Sheene, Kenny Roberts, Valentino Rossi and Troy Bayliss. It will be the first time that such a collection of leather suits has been displayed outside Italy.
The company also plans to fly in world champions from around the world, with Giacomo Agostini and Carl Fogarty heading the celebrations.
Isle of Man Tourism and Leisure Minister Adrian Earnshaw said:
‘We are delighted to have Dainese as the official safety partner of the TT races as it is a company with a fantastic heritage.’
‘We are particularly pleased that they are playing such an active part in TT2008 with their exhibition and the race champions that they will be bringing to the Island.’
Last month, Dainese signed a deal with TT star and British Superbike campaigner Guy Martin. He is helping to develop the D-Air system the company is pioneering in MotoGP.
The 25-year-old Lincolnshire rider, who finished second in last year’s Superbike and Senior races, is thrilled to be involved with Dainese.
He said:
‘This is a huge honour.’
‘I’ll be doing everything I can to win this year, and I’ll be working hard with Dainese in helping to develop the D-Air system.’
The system features an inflatable collar that helps to protect the rider by detonating instantly in the event of an accident.
Dainese’s Lerrj Piazza explained:
‘We have been developing rider safety aids since the company was formed. Dainese was first with the back protector and now we are leading the way with our inflatable air technology.’
‘We will be collecting valuable data from telemetary that Guy Martin will carry in his suit, and this will help us develop a road-going safety system.’
