The negativity is not a big problem, we have noticed a massive shift in opinions and interest over the 3 visits so far ranging from people who would rather turn their backs than even look at an electric bike, to comments such as "if this is the future I can't wait to ride one", so many people are coming round. And, with all due respect, the majority of current bikers are not the target demographic for electric bike racing. It is the future generations who will "benefit" the most from electric technology development. This is in fact the philosophy behind our bikes graphics; in the words of our boss "it is to appeal, and be memorable, to the kids". This is why we chose to take our bikes and riders to visit a couple of schools on teh island during our visit last year.
All we can do is build a bike to the regulations as they currently exist, and race it to the maximum of our abilities, and accrue the knowledge and experience that comes along with it.
Ask yourselves a question - if your boss came along one day and asked if you wanted to be a part of a properly funded team to take one of the most advanced bikes to the Isle of Man and set some historical records, would you worry overly much if it was electric or not? Or would you on principle turn down the opportunity of such an all-expenses paid experience?

Incidentally, there are strong indications that some serious players are looking at joining in this year, so maybe we won't necessarily have it all our own way after all (although we will be going all out whatever the competition).