Ryan Farquhar returns to join John McGuinness and Gary Johnson in strong line up

One of the most successful Classic teams of recent years, Team Winfield, has confirmed its return to the Mountain Course in 2014 with an all-star three man attack on the Classic TT Races presented by Bennetts.

The team had mixed fortunes at the inaugural Classic TT in 2013 but Roger Winfield’s outfit will have one of the strongest teams on the Island in August with John McGuinness, Gary Johnson and the returning Ryan Farquhar riding in the Bennetts 500cc Classic TT and Motorsport Merchandise F1 Classic TT Races.

As per the 2013 event, 20 times TT winner McGuinness will contest the Bennetts 500cc Classic Race on board a 500cc Paton where he’ll be joined by Farquhar on an identical machine.

McGuinness will be hoping for better luck than he endured in 2013. Having shown early pace in qualifying, an electrical problem that plagued the team throughout much of qualifying returned on race day forcing him to retire from the race early on. Farquhar meanwhile has tremendous history with Winfield and the Paton machine having won the 500cc Classic Manx Grand Prix on no less than five occasions between 2007 and 2012.

37-year old Farquhar, who recently announced he was coming out of retirement to contest the Bikesocial.co.uk Lightweight TT Race, will also line up in the Motorsport Merchandise F1 Classic TT Race for Team Winfield where he’ll be joined by Brigg based rider Johnson. The duo will both compete on F1 Harris Yamaha’s with Johnson having ridden a similar machine in 2013, lapping at close to 118mph and running as high as third before being forced to retire.

Farquhar and Winfield also have previous form in the Classic Superbike category, the combination having won the corresponding race at the Manx in 2009 and 2011.

Commenting on his stellar line up for the Classic TT, team owner Roger Winfield said: “We are delighted with our riders for the Classic TT. We really enjoyed the first event last year despite not having much luck in the races themselves. But that is racing and we intend to come back stronger. I really felt for John who was desperate to win the 500cc Race last year. He’ll be the man to beat going back this time, but we have made his job a little bit harder, by recruiting Ryan to ride the other bike and his results on it in the past are there for all to see!”

He continued: “Gary did a superb job for us last year on the Yamaha. We have developed that bike significantly over the winter and both Gary and Ryan will have a race winning package for the F1 Race.”

Road safety charity the IAM is offering tips from Britain’s top advanced driver, Peter Rodger. Following severe weather warnings of storms over the coming days, the IAM is advising on how to drive in windy weather.

In the wind

· Strong winds can also unsettle your car and even change your direction of travel. Grip your steering wheel firmly and also be ready for the effects of the wind on other road users, particularly motorcyclists and flat-sided vehicles like lorries.

· Plan your journey – is there a route with less exposure to the weather and less risk of fallen trees?  Choose a sheltered route if you have the option.

· Strong winds are not constant, they are usually gusty so ensure you hold the steering wheel firmly.

· Overtaking high sided vehicles or driving past buildings can result in a sudden gust from the side as you clear.

· Give cyclists, motorcyclists, lorries and buses more room than usual.  They get blown around by side winds easily.  Even pedestrians can be blown about.

· Watch trees and bushes on the roadside - their branches can show you how strong the wind is.  Look well ahead, that way you don’t need to take your eye off the road and you can see any windy patches before you get to them.

· Go slow enough to cope with the gusts.  Wind can get under a car and reduce its handling and braking significantly.

· Keep an eye on what is happening to other vehicles – where they are affected will give you a pre warning.

· Go slowly enough to cope with the tree that has fallen right across the road, just round the bend where you can’t see it.

· Be careful of debris, try and have space beside you in case you need to dodge it.

In the rain

· Before you set off, set your heater controls – rain can makes the windows mist up in seconds. You don’t want to be fiddling with controls when you should be concentrating on the road.

· See and be seen. Put your lights on – as a rule of thumb, whenever you need to use your wipers you should also turn your dipped headlights on, and before overtaking put your wipers on their fastest setting.

· Keep your eyes on the road ahead and plan your driving so that you can brake, accelerate and steer smoothly – harsh manoeuvres will unbalance the car.

· Slow down. In the rain stopping distance is at least doubled. Giving yourself more space also helps to avoid spray, especially when following a large vehicle.

· If you have cruise control, avoid using it on wet roads – you need to pay more attention to the road surface conditions and alter your speed gently.

THE year’s classic motorcycling calendar is now underway in style as a 12 time British champion and legend of the race track regaled showgoers with his tales of past glory at the Carole Nash Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic.

Thousands of enthusiasts sheltered from the cold in the packed halls at Newark Showground on January 4-5, where they surveyed the rows of stunning classics and the array of trade and autojumble stands.

But it was 1980s race ace Roger Marshall who stole the show, as crowds gathered to listen to his entertaining and revealing on stage interviews with former TT winner Steve Plater.

“There were plenty of people who gathered around the main stage to hear Roger’s Q&A and they certainly weren’t disappointed,” said exhibition manager Nick Mowbray.

“He shared memories and moments, both high and low, from a successful and storied career, as well as recounting meetings and battles with iconic names such as Joey Dunlop and Wayne Gardner.”

Malcolm Wheeler, current editor of Classic Racer magazine and a fellow 1980s competitor, also took part in some of the on stage activities: “Roger was on top form up there and shared some highly entertaining episodes from a clearly eventful life and career,” said Malcolm.

“It was also great to talk to him about the rich history and promising future of racing in the East Midlands – fuelled by Cadwell Park – and his current involvement as a judicial steward in BSB.”

The former factory Honda and Suzuki rider was also on hand to give out the show’s awards – presented to the best in restorations, displays and club stands.

Graham Holloway’s 1955 650 Triumph T110 was selected as Best In Show, Tony Cookson’s 1956 750 Triton Cafe Racer picked up Best Restoration and Garry Kendrick’s 1978 900 Ducati MHR was chosen as the show’s premier private entry.

Along with the classic motorcycle sections of the show, the Scooter World Hall was back by popular demand – a dedicated area that showcased the best in UK scooter clubs and private entries.

Scooter sport celebrities John and Norman Ronald were there for a Q&A session with Classic Scooterist editor, Mau Spencer.

The Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance even dropped in on proceedings to collect funds raised by organising team Classic Bike Shows at a special auction at Newark Showground in June.

With 2014 marking the event’s third year, the Carole Nash Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic has firmly established itself as the top classic motorcycling event in the region and looks set to carry on a tradition of being the classic calendar curtain raiser for years to come.

Ace Cafe London's annual Elvis "Jailhouse Rock" Birthday Party Night, features the exceptional singer, songwriter and performer, Paul Ansell, frontman and "voice" of the rock n' roll band "Number 9" - Paul has worked with many of the rock n' roll greats, including Elvis's Sun guitarist, the legendary Scotty Moore - with DJ Bill Guntrip on the decks, from 9pm - 2am on Saturday 11th January.

This evening includes opportunity to win a range of prizes including a special "Jailhouse Rock" black & white hooped "Chino" from La Rocka! as well as copies of Vintage Rock Magazine, pairs of tickets to attend the cafe on occasion of the annual Gene Vincent Tribute Night on Saturday 8th February, a meal voucher for two and a CD set of three volumes that showcase the music from the "King's" personal jukebox.

Courtesy of the UK label Vee-Tone Records - "The Memphis Jukebox", Volumes 1.2.3, is a selection of tracks carefully chosen by Vee-Tone to demonstrate the young Elvis Presley's wide musical tastes, including Blues, Rhythm n ' Blues, Rockabilly and Rock n' Roll.

David Gillespie of Vee-Tone Records said; "This is a truly unique and historic collection. Whilst many of the records individually will have been heard before, together they give a remarkable insight into Elvis's life and musical influences. Every time you press "play" to listen to this collection, you are recreating a moment in time, a moment in Elvis's life when he would press "play" on his personal jukebox in Graceland".

To be in with a chance of winning, just retain your entry raffle ticket.

Entry £10
Sorry no under 18's

www.larocka79.com
www.veetonerecords.com
www.vintagerockmag.com
www.ace-cafe-london.com

12 times FIM Trial World Champion Dougie Lampkin will face stiff opposition when he comes up against 4 times British Champion and current World number 6 James Dabill as the pair go head to head at Manchester Motorcycle Show – 11/12th January 2014.

Over a course designed and built by the renowned Martin Lampkin – Britain’s current two most successful Trial riders will contest a series of dual lane races that will decide who will become the undisputed King of Manchester.

Sparks are sure to fly, so make sure you are there to see this epic battle between two of the best vertical warriors on the planet.

For trade enquiries contact Kelly Delaney on 01775 768661 or 07967658560, or email [email protected]

For more information about What's On and Show FAQ's see www.manchestermotorcycleshow.co.uk