The first qualifying session for the 2018 Isle of Man TT Races, fuelled by Monster Energy, got underway in perfect conditions on Saturday evening.  Dean Harrison and Michael Dunlop topped the Supersport and Lightweight leaderboards having lapped at 125.797mph and 120.875mph respectively, the latter inside the class lap record, albeit unofficial to lay down an early marker for the Bennetts Lightweight TT Race on Wednesday 6th June.

The session was slightly delayed due to oil being cleared between Cronk ny Mona and Signpost and it was 6.25pm when Rider Liaison Officer Richard Quayle set off with newcomers Adam Lyon, David Jackson and Davey Todd for their escorted lap although Jackson only got as far as Ballig Bridge before stopping with a machine that was reported to be smoking.  

At 6.53pm, the session proper started and Martin Jessopp (Riders Motorcycles Triumph) and Peter Hickman (Trooper Beer by Smiths Triumph) were first away, swiftly followed down Glencrutchery Road by Harrison (Silicone Engineering Kawasaki) and Michael Rutter (Paton), the latter the first of the Lightweight machines away.

Michael Dunlop (MD Racing Honda) and Conor Cummins and Ian Hutchinson (both Padgetts Racing Honda) were also away early in the Supersport class with Lintin (Dafabet Devitt Racing Kawasaki), Danny Webb (IEG/KMR Kawasaki) and Ian Lougher (Paton) going out on their Lightweight mounts. Also out on a Lightweight David Johnson was also out on a lightweight bike, the Aussie a late-replacement for Ian Hutchinson on the RST/KMR Kawasaki.

Cummins was first to complete a lap and he was fastest with 123.207mph swiftly followed across the line by Dunlop (122.607mph), Harrison (121.793) and James Hillier (121.356). However, late starter Dan Kneen slotted into second as he lapped at 122.700mph on the Jackson Racing Honda. Hutchinson eased his way back in with a lap of 118.030 but Gary Johnson was out of luck though and stopped at Crosby Crossroads.

Ivan Lintin was comfortably fastest in the Lightweight class at 118.196mph on the first lap followed by David Johnson (115.253), Rutter (114.684), Lougher (114.394) and Derek McGee (113.919). Joey Thompson was an early retirement at Ballacraine.

Second time around and Cummins upped the pace to an impressive 125.152mph with Harrison moving up to second on the timesheets with 124.587. He was closely followed by Hickman (124.313) and Kneen (124.319) with Hutchinson upping his speed slightly to 119.734.

Meanwhile, in the Lightweight class David Johnson improved to 117.029mph no mean feat given this evening was the first time he’d sat on the bike with team-mate McGee going equally well at 117.571 and Italian Stefano Bonetti just behind on 117.119. Lougher and Webb had also lapped in excess of 116mph but Gary Johnson’s woes continued as, having made it back to the paddock, he stopped at Quarter Bridge on the WK Moto.

At the head of the field Hillier improved his speed to 122.769mph on his third lap but Michael Dunlop went quicker at 123.715mph whilst Lintin (121.918) and William Dunlop (121.249) were also quickening their pace.

However, it was Harrison who was making all the headlines on his fourth lap and he flashed across the line at 125.797mph to go to the top of the leaderboard although Michael Dunlop was only half a second slower at 125.741mph. Kneen was another rider to post an impressive fourth lap as he improved to 124.703mph to go fourth quickest with Hutchinson setting his first 120mph+ lap of TT2018 with 121.327mph.

Lintin was also flying having gone back out on his Lightweight machine and his lap of 119.908mph put him some 23 seconds clear of second-placed McGee. The Southern Irishman was eventually bumped back down to third though as Michael Dunlop lapped at 118.952mph on the Paton. But Lintin left it late to go even quicker still at 120.660mph only for Michael Dunlop to upstage that with his 120.875mph lap, which was just inside James Hillier’s lap record from 2015.

The newcomers also impressed during the course of the evening and although Lyon was initially the quickest at 114.793mph on his Honda Superbike, he was upstaged by Todd who posted a speed of 116.044mph on his Superstock mount. Not to be out done though, Lyon went quicker still, this time on his 600cc Yamaha at 116.45mph.

The sidecar newcomers also had their speed controlled lap at the head of the field with John Holden, Tony Baker and Dave Molyneux leading Francois Leblond/Marlene Couillard, John Saunders/James Saunders, Darryl Rayner/Wendy Campbell, Brian Alflatt/Aaron Gorman, Paul Leglise/Ben McBride, John Shipley/Andrew Haynes and Mike Roscher/Shaun Parker around.

Japan’s Masayuki Yamanaka was reported to be off in the Supersport session at Whitegates but after being assessed at Ramsey Cottage Hospital and transferred by airmed to Nobles, he was reported to have sustained a minor ankle injury.

Monday’s schedule with open up with the first appearance of the Superbikes and Superstock machines at 18.20 with Supersport and Newcomers except Lightweight also part of the session.  At 19.25 it will be the turn of the Supersport, Lightweight and Newcomers all classes before the sidecars open their qualifying programme at 20.00.

Prescott Bike Fest 2018 is set to be the biggest and best yet having been extended to a two-day event. Not just two days doing the same thing though, much more than that. The popular, family-friendly event will return to the Gloucestershire hill climb on 16-17 June 2018.

Saturday isn’t about track action, that’s being kept for the Sunday but make no mistake, no track doesn’t mean not exciting. Sunday remains as marvellous a day as it’s always been. Together it all adds up to Two Amazing Days – One Winning Weekend.

As ever at Bike Fest, there will be extensive displays of historic, modern and racing motorcycles throughout the weekend with a Paddock Specials Show ’n’ Tell featuring the best in historic, customised, road, race, factory builds, prototypes, shed builds, wacky, jet powered and record beating machines. Literally everything from a 1903 Royal Sovereign, Salon Privé class winner thanks to Brian Glover to the ‘Warhorse’ – the World’s Fastest Monowheel and everything in between. You can chat away to the owners and bike builders on the Saturday and watch them take to the hill on the Sunday.

Prescott Bike Fest prides itself on its diversity and unlike a static bike show, Prescott gives you the unique opportunity to get up close and see, smell and hear and watch the bikes take to the historic hill climb course; “better than Goodwood”, said one visitor. All the classic marques are well represented with the likes of AJS, BSA, Royal Enfield, Douglas, Matchless, Cotton, Ariel, Norton, Moto Guzzi, Triumph to Velocette to lesser known ones. There are far too many to mention, but here are a few to whet your appetite;

• 1903 Royal Sovereign. The only known survivor from the London Machinist Company who produced motorcycles between 1902-1904. Found in a cellar in Birmingham by the previous owner, restoration had been commenced but he passed away before completion. The present owner purchased the bike and completed it in 2016. It has since been voted ‘Best Veteran’ at the 2016 Stafford Classic Bike show and class winner at the 2017 Salon Prive.
  
  
• 1922 Unibus. The granddaddy of the modern scooter. This example is believed to be the only working Unibus in the world and is normally tucked away in a glass case at the Jet Age Museum.  This is a unique occasion to see the machine in action. The Gloster Aircraft Company built a handful of these machines post WWI. Talented aviator/designer Harold Boultbee used aviation practice to design a truly “ahead of its time” (by some 30 years!) scooter.
  
  
• 1964 Bianchi 498cc Factory Grand Prix race bike designed by the renowned Italian engineer Lino Tonti. This bike has been built utilising original race shop spares with others being re manufactured using the original race shop drawings and casting patterns.
  
  
• 1968 BSA 750 special - This beautiful example of a classic British motorcycling icon is probably the finest BSA twin in the UK.
  
  
• 1969 Paton Factory Grand Prix bike. This tiny Italian manufacturer produced a small number of 4stroke 500 twins in the late 60s and early 70s which had great success in the World Championships. This bike was sponsored by Liverpool motor dealer Bill Hannah, a well-known sponsor at the time and was raced extensively.
  
  
• 1972 Mv Agusta Factory 750cc 4Cyl World Superbike. When Count Augusta heard that Ducati were entering the Imola200 round of newly formed world 750cc championship in 1972, at the very last minute he instructed the race shop to build and enter a factory 750cc bike to win the race. Arturio Magni the race-shop manager produced a small number of bikes for factory riders Giacomo Agostini and Alberto Pagani. This bike was ridden by Pagani.

Gracing the paddock will be iconic motorcycle builder Allen Millyard with five of his marvellous creations including his popular vintage looking (but don’t be fooled!) ‘Flying Millyard’ fitted with two cylinders from a Pratt and Whitney 1340 radial, and a 5.0-litre V-Twin, engine designed for an aeroplane! plus the Millyard crafted Honda SS100 V-twin, believed to be the smallest road legal V Twin motorcycle in the world - even Soichiro Honda would surely have admired this early multi-cylinder effort, a deceptively standard looking V-twin made using the engines from two SS50 sports mopeds.

Matt ‘Madcap McKeown’ creator of both the world’s fastest shopping trolley and the world’s fastest hearse will unveil his new project – the World’s Fastest Wheelbarrow, being built especially for the event using a Honda Fireblade motorcycle engine!

Love it or hate it, Electric is here and BikeFest want to be among the first to showcase it, from high performance supersport motorcycles such as Energica - the ultimate expression of Italian luxury through to Super Soco an affordable urban inspired commuter bike for those who want to get from A to B as cheap as possible. Saturdays ‘Electric Avenue’ will feature the latest in road and race technology, an innovation zone from the Universities and their EV projects plus special displays featuring Formula E and the TT Zero. Of course, motorcycles will always remain at the heart of the event and you’ll be able to see, get close and question the experts in the latest electric vehicle technology too!

Aside from all the incredible machinery, there’s a stellar line-up of entertainment to keep the whole family entertained. On the Saturday there’s ‘Gin & Jazz Fest’ in the Clubhouse – 50 regional gins plus legendary jazz vocalist Tina May, considered as one of the finest jazz vocalist's in the UK, performing throughout the day with supporting acts. Meanwhile the Orchard will be rockin’ with ‘Brews and Blues’. A huge marquee will feature over 20 regional and craft beers, plus a stunning line up of live blues and rockabilly bands.

Throughout the weekend there’s non-stop live music, special guest appearances, ‘On the Edge Stunt Show’, Show ‘n’ Tell area, passenger ride experiences, large kids zone, over 100 quality trade stands, clubs, a beer tent, the Blood Bike Village and great food. You can grab yourself a bargain or maybe treat yourself to a new bike from one of the dealers or manufacturers represented including Harley Davidson, Ducati, Triumph, Honda and MV Augusta.

Prescott Bike Festival is a ‘Must Do’ day out for all motorcycling enthusiasts. What’s more, all event proceeds of the event go to The Nationwide Association of Blood Bikes and Severn Freewheelers. 

For tickets and more information, visit: www.prescottbikefestival.co.uk

London, May 25th 2018. United by a genuine passion for the heroic years when motorcycling really began, Dainese Settantadue and The Bike Shed are coming together to celebrate the industry’s most exclusive event this year in London.

“The Bike Shed London is the perfect platform for sharing authentic pieces of history and tales of true heroes on two wheels,” says Cristiano Silei, CEO of the Dainese Group. “The unique atmosphere of the Tobacco Dock makes the Dainese journey of discovery all the more immersive.”

“We are extremely proud to have Dainese Settantadue as the co-headline sponsor of The Bike Shed 2018,” confirms Anthony “Dutch” Van Someren, founder of The Bike Shed. “Our brands set themselves the same goal of giving customers and fans the best possible experience and the very best products, without compromise. The Bike Shed and Dainese Settantadue share a passion for motorbikes and for motorcycling culture.”

This is the first time that Dainese Settantadue has appeared at The Bike Shed London. The brand draws authentic inspiration from the history of motorcycling clothing, that of the heroic years, offering garments that combine exclusive yet never nostalgic elegance with technical solutions that are able to satisfy the very highest safety standards.

The star of the first Dainese Settantadue collection is the leather jacket, a garment that unites generations of motorcycle lovers and never goes out of fashion. The three lines are called Archetypes, Speed Leather and Demon Flower. All created with meticulous attention to detail, they are inspired by the icons of the past. Archetypes takes cult products like the bomber jacket, the classic leather jacket loved by bikers, rockers and 60’s-70’s travelers alike, and brings them up to date. Speed Leather, meanwhile, features jackets such as Toga72, Rapida72 and Freccia72, which are openly inspired by the racing suits that Dainese used to produce when the company first set out on its journey. The exciting new partnership with New York artist Othelo Gervacio has resulted in Patina72, the highlight of the Demon Flower line. Patina72 is made of drum-dyed leather that has been brushed by hand. It takes its name from the work that Othelo created to embellish the lining of the jacket and that characterises the themed T-shirts.

Over the weekend of May 26–27, motorcycling enthusiasts can discover the entire collection in the exclusive Great Gallery at the Tobacco Dock in London. Giacomo Agostini, motorcycling legend and honorary member of the Dainese and AGV family from the outset, will be there to celebrate Dainese Settantadue’s premiere at The Bike Shed.

Cognate Lyon, France 

- Chris Warwick

The Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team are aiming to get their season back on track this weekend as Leon Camier and Jake Gagne prepare to take on the fast and furious Donington Park circuit for round 6 of the FIM World Superbike Championship.

A rigorous recovery regime following his accident in round 3 wasn’t enough to allow Camier to race at the previous round at Imola, however following another two weeks of treatment, the British star is in better physical condition heading into this weekend. Camier is hopeful of completing the whole race weekend, however the real test to gauge his fitness will come during Friday’s Free Practice sessions around the 4 kilometre (2.49 mile) long Donington circuit.

Fronting the other Fireblade, Jake Gagne is facing the challenge of yet again visiting a circuit he hasn’t raced at previously, however the American rookie has proven this season that he is a quick learner on the CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2 and he aims to be back in the points this weekend.

The Donington Park Circuit is a track of two distinct halves, with the first section comprising fast, flowing corners and elevation changes through sections such as Hollywood and the Craner Curves, while the second half is exemplified by flatter, tighter sections like the Fogarty Esses and Melbourne Hairpin.

Action starts at the Donington WorldSBK round with Free Practice 1 at 0945 local time (GMT +1) on Friday with Race 1 on Saturday starting at 1315 on Saturday and 1300 on Sunday.