Fans prepare for TwitGP
Added on Wednesday, April 21st, 2010 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments
Fans prepare for TwitGP
Following the cancellation of this weekend’s MotoGP Grand Prix in Japan, a band of keen biking fans have refused to have their weekends spoilt with the launch of TwitGP – the first ever sporting event to be held on Twitter.
Former BBC MotoGP presenter and keen Twitter user Suzi Perry has been signed up as the “virtual presenter” for this one-off event, which has already gained huge levels of celebrity support, with Ross Noble, the Stereophonics and motoring TV presenter Tiff Needell amongst the names throwing their support behind the concept.
MotoGP rider Jorge Lorenzo and 125 rider Bradley Smith, the Fiat Yamaha Team, Valentino Rossi’s mechanic Alex Briggs, BBC MotoGP reporter Matt Roberts and Eurosport MotoGP commentators Toby Moody and Julian Ryder have also got involved, whilst there will be “wildcard” rides for WSB rider Max Biaggi and GP legend Mick Doohan.
More than 4,200 followers have already signed up to follow this one-of-a-kind Grand Prix, which will include the Friday practice and Saturday qualifying before the main event on Sunday.
Motorcycle News’ Sport Editor Guy Procter has donated a special, photoshopped version of MCN Sport magazine to talk up #TwitGP and the Fiat Yamaha team has donated a signed Valentino Rossi team shirt as a competition prize to be given away later this week.
“My crazy friend was so upset that the Japanese MotoGP had been postponed that he came up with the idea of having a ‘virtual’ race,” Suzi Perry told technology magazine T3. “After a hilarious conference call with him and another deluded buddy, the three of us set to work to make it happen.
“It is a bit of fun really that has turned into a full time job! We will have practice on Friday, Qualifying on Saturday and the Race on Sunday. In less than 2 days almost 3,500 folk are following including actual riders, press, teams, bands (Stereophonics) and celebs (Ross Noble).
“We have an official logo, media passes and pit passes being displayed by some of our followers, special tyres have been provided by Twitstone and of course there will be a rousing party to celebrate on Sunday night which is sure to rival Live Aid, virtually. We are @TwitGP and we will be the first ever virtual sporting event on Twitter.”
More information on TwitGP can be found at http://twitgp.blogspot.com/
Don’t forget that you can also follow Insidebikes on Twitter at www.twitter.com/insidebikes.
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