The Isle of Man TT Races has signed Graham Chronographs as the official timing partner for the TT Races. The premium watch company is owned by Anglo-Swiss company ‘The British Masters SA’.

The long term deal is a first for the world famous races in which riders starting at ten second intervals compete against the clock on the 37¾ mile Mountain Circuit. The winners of each race and the riders with the fastest qualifying time in the solo and sidecar classes will receive a brand new Graham Chronograph.

Eric Loth, CEO – Graham Chronographs, commented:

"I am delighted that Graham Chronographs are now the official time keeper for the Isle of Man TT Race. As a motorcycle rider myself I have always been aware of the history and significance of this road race and its British heritage, making it a fantastic partnership for Graham.”

In signing the deal at the National Bike Show at the NEC today, Martyn Quayle, Minister of Tourism and Leisure of the Isle of Man Government said:

“It is highly appropriate that a sports event that relies so much on timing down to thousandths of a second should partner with Graham Chronographs, a prestigious brand whose watch design reflects the rugged nature and endurance of the TT.”

Graham Chronographs logo will appear on the closed circuit timing screens, trackside clocks and digital displays, on circuit signage and podium branding.

Many of the sponsors of the TT have also confirmed their continued involvement, either through multi-year deals or by renewing their existing sponsorships.

Manx based telecoms company Sure Mobile, the trading name for Cable & Wireless on the Isle of Man, was delighted with the success of the popular Sure Mobile Sidecar races in 2008. Sure operates as the official telecom supplier and provides race officials with the latest state-of-the-art technology such as mobile phone handsets and Blackberry devices.

Sure’s Commercial Director in the Isle of Man, Simon Last-Sutton, says it is a positive move forward:

“I, personally, am very excited about our involvement with the TT, both this year, and again in 2009. The TT is probably what the Isle of Man is best known for, and for us to be involved with the event for three years now shows just how committed we are to the Island, and to the people who live here. Having the support of the Manx Government and such fantastic ambassadors for the TT like Nick Crowe, really makes our commitment worthwhile.”

Martyn Quayle, MHK, Minister for Tourism and Leisure, Isle of Man Government, commented:

“I’m delighted that a local Isle of Man business is playing such an integral partner for the event. Sure has been a really good supporter of the TT with financial backing as well as equipment and expertise.”

Graham Watches is the seventh sponsor to commit to the TT Races since the beginning of the year and joins Relentless Energy, Arai Helmets, Yamaha, Maxxis Tyres and Scottish Life International, the Isle of Man based international life assurance company.

CEO of Scottish Life International David Kneeshaw said:

“The TT Races go from strength to strength and as a locally based business there are strong commercial benefits to us being associated with the event. We’re also keen to support local sport.”

Reflecting on the successful partnerships commencing this year, Martyn Quayle commented:

“This really is a new era for the TT and the quality of our commercial partnerships reflects the increasingly professional approach to the event. We are already starting to see the impact that the new television deal is giving the event as partners believe that the TT can help them to achieve their business objectives. “

All the deals have been negotiated by Windsor based agency Signature Sponsorship, who manage all of the commercial contracts for the TT and there are still opportunities for businesses to become involved with the TT Races. The money generated is invested back into the races and contributes towards the operating costs and in particular the investment in safety of running this historic event.