Entel’s HT900 ATEX radios are a winner at Isle of Man TT 2006
With a proven track record in the supply of intrinsically safe ATEX products, Entel is proud to have been associated with this year’s Isle of Man TT Races. Through Integrated Radio Systems, one of Entel’s key dealerships, Klaffi Alfa Boilers Honda Team, represented by competing rider Martin Finnegan, hired HT920 ATEX radios together with CHP900D ear-defending headsets. The races are held over a fortnight each May/June and involve top motorcyclists racing round the island’s world-famous 37.5 mile TT circuit.
Widely regarded as the severest test of men and machinery in motor sport, the very nature of the event means that swift and reliable communications are essential, often across a wide area where the competitors are based, such as the Parc Fermé, assembly area, paddock and scrutineering bays. Most importantly, the communications equipment used in the refuelling pits must be intrinsically safe, to comply with strict local and European directives. Up to 100 competitors can be expected to refuel at least once during the 6-lap races.
The Klaffi Alpha Boilers team used the ATEX comms kits to coordinate race equipment and personnel, calling up race wheels and instructing the pit signaller, whose job it is to advise Martin Finnegan of his race position, and signal to him when he must call into the pits for refuelling and new tyres. With riders travelling at around 190mph, clear, effective communications are essential!
The team were delighted with the Entel ATEX comms kit supplied by Integrated Radio Systems. Said team manager, Barry Symmons: “The Entel equipment performed faultlessly for us during the entire fortnight, from charging in the purpose-made chargers to the functional belt-clips used on our fireproof overalls. The radios’ strong construction, loud receive audio and ease of operation all contributed to our well organised and professional team operation.”
Martin Finnegan was 4th in his first Superbike race, 6th in two support races and in the final event was in 6th place, setting the fastest lap by an Irish rider, when the exhaust on his Honda Fireblade unfortunately cracked, forcing him to retire from the race – unlucky! But Martin is determined to do even better in the Isle of Man TT’s centenary races in 2007, so here’s hoping the Klaffi Team and Entel continue to make a winning combination!
