Padgetts Grand Prix Racing, the team behind TT stars John McGuinness, Steve Plater and Ian Hutchinson, have had a further boost to their 2009 campaign on the Isle of Man with news of sponsorship from Manx Telecom.

It’s the first time the Island’s premier telecommunications company has sponsored a team at the TT with the distinctive blue Manx Telecom logo taking a prominent position on Padgetts bikes’ fairing during this year’s Festival fortnight.

The logo will feature on Hutchinson’s 1000cc in the Superbike and Senior TT races, as well as on his Supersport and Superstock machines.

Manx Telecom branding will also be displayed on the Superstock bikes being ridden by McGuinness and Plater. Padgetts team T-shirts and baseball caps will also carry the Manx Telecom logo.

And, there’s a further treat for race fans, as it’s also been agreed that a Padgetts  Honda racing motorcycle will be on display at the Manx Telecom shop in Victoria Street, Douglas during the TT fortnight.

Padgetts have been one of the star names of the TT over decades of racing. This year is their 50th appearance at the Festival with in excess of 16 TT wins during this period.

McGuinness is now part of TT folklore having claimed the hallowed 130 mph lap record around the 37.75 mile mountain course.

Between them, the three Padgetts racers have amassed a total of 16 TT victories.

Manx Telecom Marketing Director, Andy Bridson, said he was excited to be supporting one of the top teams at this year’s TT.  'Manx Telecom, the supplier of the only 3G mobile broadband network on the island, is delighted to be supporting Padgett Racing and three of the Island’s fastest competitors around the TT circuit. 

'We look forward to John, Ian and Steve having a successful week’s racing'.

The owner of the Padgetts Racing Team, Clive Padgett, said he hoped to build a long term relationship with Manx Telecom: 'l am really proud to be getting involved with Manx Telecom for TT 2009. It is excellent for Padgetts to be working alongside one of the top Manx companies.

'I would especially like to thank Andy Bridson and the rest of the Manx Telecom team for their help and interest in working with Padgetts Racing for TT 2009'.

Pictured: Owner of the Padgetts Racing Team, Clive Padgett, with Manx Telecom's Marketing Communications Manager Voirrey Barron and Marketing Director Andy Bridson.