The British Motor Museum has announced another exclusive ‘Evening With’ event on 15 September with Richard Porter, former writer and script editor for the world famous TV shows Top Gear and The Grand Tour, in the hot seat! Richard will be sharing some of his favourite stories from the many exciting, unusual, and occasionally unbelievable moments spanning his fascinating career in cars.

Richard has worked with Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond on Top Gear - a TV show that earned an Emmy, a BAFTA nomination and an entry in the 2013 Guinness World Records as the most watched factual TV programme in the world. In 2016, he followed the iconic presenting trio to The Grand Tour which became one of Amazon Prime Video’s most viewed original series.

Richard is now a prolific author with over 25 books under his belt, including four volumes of the Boring Car Trivia series, and is one half of the popular Smith and Sniff podcast, alongside co-host Jonny Smith.

Returning to the Museum to ask the questions and get the best stories from Richard will be fellow TV presenter and self-confessed car hoarder Paul Cowland. There will also be an opportunity for audience members to pose questions to Richard on his career and motoring tales during a Q&A, followed by the opportunity to have an item signed by the man himself!

Stephen Laing, Head of Collections & Engagement at the British Motor Museum, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting another exclusive ‘Evening with’ event next month which is sure to be an entertaining and intriguing evening in the company of two die-hard car enthusiasts!”

Visitors will also be able to explore the Museum's collection of over 400 historic British cars, and browse the latest feature exhibition 'Beep-Beep, Yeah!’. There will even be a tasty hot supper to enjoy before the main event. Tickets cost £50 each.

As this event is outside regular Museum opening hours, Annual Passes are not valid. Limited places are available, so early booking is advised. For more information please visit the website www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/whats-on/an-evening-with-richard-porter or call 01926 895300.

MotoGP weekends have always drawn attention from motorsport fans, but lately they’ve become more than just race days; they’re turning into full-on social events for the biking community. Across the UK and beyond, bikers are using MotoGP weekends as an excuse to meet up, ride out, cheer for their favourite riders, and soak in the shared passion for two wheels. Whether you’re heading to a local pub screening or riding out to Silverstone, MotoGP is becoming a reason to gather, not just to spectate.

A Shared Passion That Fuels the Ride

What makes MotoGP weekends such strong magnets for meet-ups is the shared love of bikes, speed, and skill. Riders from all over the country find common ground in the roar of the engines and the drama of the track. Watching a rider lean into a corner at 200mph isn’t just exciting, it’s inspiring. It sparks conversation, debate, and admiration that carries on well after the chequered flag. For many bikers, that energy is contagious, turning an ordinary weekend into something worth planning around.

MotoGP also brings together people from different biking backgrounds, sports riders, cruisers, tourers, and café racers alike. The racing might be on slick machines built for the track, but the love of the ride unites everyone. That shared passion builds stronger friendships, makes meet-ups more meaningful, and keeps the biker community connected through every race on the calendar.

With the next MotoGP race on the 2025 calendar set for the Hungarian Grand Prix at Balaton Park Circuit, plans are already in motion, ride-outs, pub viewings, campsite meet-ups, and for some, a bit of wagering to add an extra layer of excitement to the weekend. While official race odds haven’t been released yet, riders in top form like Marc Marquez are already drawing attention. He was recently priced at 1/250 to win the 2025 MotoGP World Championship by some of the best bookmakers not on GamStop in UK betting markets.  Many punters will be watching closely for updated odds on the Hungarian GP, especially on platforms known for offering competitive MotoGP markets, fast payouts, welcome rewards, free bets, odds boosts, and fewer restrictions than online sportsbooks tied to the UK’s self-exclusion scheme. For those who live for the thrill of the ride, combining the race with the right platform makes the entire weekend even more unforgettable.

At the heart of it all, MotoGP weekends are about more than just the race, they’re about the people who show up for the same reason: the love of the ride. Whether it's the sound of the engines, the stories swapped over coffee, or the unspoken bond between bikers, that shared passion is what keeps the wheels turning long after the podium celebrations end.

From Living Room Screens to Trackside Gatherings

While some still prefer watching the action from their sofa, more and more bikers are hitting the road to experience MotoGP with others. Some ride to racetracks like Silverstone to catch the action in person, while others gather at biker-friendly pubs and campsites with big screens and barbecue smoke in the air. It’s not just about watching the race, it’s about being part of the atmosphere.

Trackside weekends offer the full package. You get to watch qualifying and race day live, browse the paddocks, meet other fans, and maybe even spot a pro rider up close. It turns a race into a proper weekend out, often with camping, live music, and plenty of socialising around shared stories and classic bikes. These weekends have become mini-festivals for riders who want more than just a televised race.

For those staying local, pubs and cafés known for being biker hangouts often host special MotoGP viewings. These spots become the go-to venues for groups of mates or riding clubs to link up, talk bikes, and enjoy the race together over a pint or Sunday roast.

Planning Rides Around the MotoGP Calendar

It’s not unusual now to see riders planning their road trips to match up with the MotoGP schedule. A summer route through the Peaks or down to the coast can easily end with a group stopover somewhere screening the race. B&Bs and campsites listed on biker-friendly platforms have picked up on the trend and often promote race weekend availability.

Some riding clubs go even further, organising official ride-outs that lead to a MotoGP viewing. It gives the trip a shared purpose and builds that buzz leading up to the race. Whether it’s the season opener in Qatar or the high-stakes final in Valencia, these weekends become bookmarked highlights in the riding season.

Even international MotoGP rounds are drawing UK bikers abroad. Trips to Misano or Assen turn into weeklong adventures, with ferry rides, group touring, and a few nights soaking up the European race scene.

Conclusion

MotoGP weekends have evolved into something more than just a race day on TV. They’ve become a reason to connect, ride, and celebrate everything that makes biking exciting. Whether you're watching at a pub with your riding crew, camping out at Silverstone, or planning a trip around the European rounds, these weekends are now a must on the biker calendar. They bring energy, community, and shared passion, making every throttle twist feel part of something bigger.

Image - Free to use under the Unsplash License
Taken from the recent MotoGP race at the Sepang F1 Circuit in Malaysia.

 article supplied

Automotive industry charity, Ben, today reveals that a former car valuer turned performance poet, John Cassidy from Nottingham, has released his debut book of automotive-inspired poetry, parody and satire, following a transformative coaching journey.

John, a talented writer and performer who is also neurodivergent, walked away from a dealership career in late 2024 after recognising his heart was no longer in it. Feeling increasingly detached and overwhelmed, he reached out to Ben for coaching at a pivotal moment in his life.

Now known as The Car Showroom Poet, John’s new book marks a remarkable personal and professional rebirth, enabled by Ben’s tailored support. Through six coaching sessions, he gained the structure, belief and clarity needed to bring his creative ambitions to life. He was then able to break down overwhelming goals into manageable steps, completing a book manuscript and also prepared his one‑man show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025.

The book, now on sale through Amazon, blends reflective memoir, poetry, parody, satire and the lived experience of working in the automotive industry.

John said: “Reaching out to Ben felt like someone finally saw me and understood that my journey, although unconventional, was valid. Coaching helped me break my ambitions of writing a book into bite‑sized steps, turning inner chaos into real progress.

“By the time we finished my final coaching session, I held a completed manuscript in my hands, ready for publishing. The process helped me refine my writing and helped me believe in myself - that I am a writer. My book is truly unique and will appeal to car and poetry enthusiasts, but it also straddles memoir, songwriting, media and comedy. I would recommend Ben’s coaching to anyone in the industry who feels stuck in their personal or professional lives - it truly changed my life.”

To read and watch John’s full story, visit www.ben.org.uk/johncstory.

Ben’s free and confidential coaching service is open to anyone who works or has worked in the UK automotive industry. For more information, visit www.ben.org.uk/lifecoaching.

To purchase your copy of The Car Showroom Poet book, visit: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1806233428