After a gruelling 24-hour battle, the Honda TT Legends team has completed the 76th annual Bol d’Or, placing ninth in the race overall and sixth in the Endurance World Championship class to claim 19 points. 
 
The race took place in challenging conditions at the Magny Cours circuit in France, with intermittent rain and cold temperatures making for an eventful 24-hours. Cameron Donald, John McGuinness and Simon Andrews competed for the Honda TT Legends, with Donald taking part in the running race start at 3pm yesterday. 
 
The team began well, maintaining a steady pace through the changeable weather to hold fifth place until the early hours of Sunday morning. As dawn broke, Andrews was forced to make an unscheduled pit stop with a quick shift issue that was quickly rectified. The team re-joined the race in sixth place behind Yamalube Folch Endurance. 
 
As the weather deteriorated further, the Bol d’Or almost came to a premature end for the Honda TT Legends when Donald lost the front end and suffered a high speed crash on the back straight. In line with EWC rules, the uninjured Australian pushed the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade back to the pits, where the team set to work repairing the extensive damage.
 
The well-rehearsed TT Legends crew fixed the bike with co-ordinated expertise, successfully returning it to the race with McGuinness at the helm in under 20 minutes. The slick repair saw the team maintain sixth position in the EWC class, while running ninth in the race overall. The final two hours passed without incident and the Honda TT Legends completed the race to claim 19 championship points. The race was won by SRC Kawasaki with SERT and Monster Energy Yamaha in second and third respectively. 
 
Neil Tuxworth
 
I think the best we could have expected was fifth in that race. We couldn’t have come any higher at the pace we were going at. We still finished sixth overall in the EWC race which is good considering we lost time doing repairs after Cameron’s crash. It’s certainly been the most difficult endurance race that we’ve done and the one with the most problems. We’re going to analyse everything that has happened, figure out where the issues lie and continue from there. Hopefully we can have a better race the next time out. 

John McGuinness
 
Not the result we came for but it was one of our strongest rides yet. We were holding fifth and looking good in very difficult conditions. It was a gruelling race with temperatures as low as 2 or 3 degrees through the night. I got caught up in some of the bad weather and had to pit for tyres changes which meant I then had to do double stints with 50 or 60 laps at a time and that is hard work. After Cameron slipping off at probably 150mph and the bike cart wheeling its way though the gravel, luckily Cam was alright and the team did amazing job at getting the bike back out there. We wanted to be a bit further up but at least we’ve picked up some world championship points. 
 
Cameron Donald
 
After starting and finishing Le Mans last year I got to start and finish the Bol d’Or, which is really special. It was an absolute ordeal of a race. Everyone had their moments to shine and it was a big teem effort, but unfortunately we just didn’t quite come up with the goods. It was a little bit of bad luck and me skidding up the road didn’t help, but just to finish another 24-hour is a massive achievement. 
 
Simon Andrews
 
It feels good to finish my first 24-hour race. Ten months ago I was lying in a hospital and my first race back I’ve completed a 24-hour so I feel triumphant and I’m pretty happy. We were quick and we were safe, I did everything to the best of my ability and I’m going home with a smile on my face.
 
For news, videos and images follow @HondaTTLegends on Twitter, bookmark www.hondattlegends.com and subscribe to HondaProRacing on YouTube.

The final qualifying sessions for the 76th annual Bol d’Or took place at Magny Cours today with the Honda TT Legends securing 11th place on the grid for tomorrow’s 24-hour race. 
 
As the sunny morning weather gave way to threatening rain clouds, Cameron Donald, John McGuinness, Gary Johnson and Simon Andrews took to the French circuit one-by-one for the final four 30-minute qualifying sessions. 
 
Although Andrews posted the fastest lap for the Honda TT Legends, as the fourth rider his times do not contribute towards the team's final qualifying time. The combined fastest laps of Donald, McGuinness and Johnson will see the team start the opening race of the 2012 Endurance World Championship from 11th on the grid. The three-rider race line-up will be announced following morning warm-up. 
 
Neil Tuxworth – Team Manager
 
In general, we have not had any major issues during the practice and qualifying sessions. We had a minor technical problem that was quickly rectified and unfortunately Cameron had a small crash in his second session, but apart from that things have gone relatively well. It is a little disappointing that we have qualified 11th because as a team I feel that we are capable of more. Having said that, I think we will be much stronger in the race and I am certain that barring any problems, we should be able to achieve a top six position. Of course we would still like to fight for a chance to be on the podium, but this may prove a little difficult at the first round of the championship. 
 
John McGuinness
 
We’ve had a few little problems over the last two days and we’re a little disappointed to have qualified 11th. As a racer, you always want to be at the front. Hopefully all our issues are out of the way now and we can have a strong race. All we can do is look forward to the race and get stuck in. I’ve heard all sorts about the weather for the race but I think the forecast is rain so it’s going to be an eventful one. We’ll just get our heads down and get on with it.  
 
Cameron Donald
 
I’m feeling upbeat. We’d like to be up higher but we’re not. I don’t think anyone really improved today in terms of all the teams as the conditions weren’t as good as yesterday. We’ve made some more changes to the bike and we seem to be improving in that direction. Let’s see what happens tomorrow – the way the weather forecast is, all the dry track work could be out of the window anyway so we’ll just wake up and see what tomorrow brings.
 
Gary Johnson
 
I managed to go half a second quicker today so I’m happy enough with that. I think there’s more to come and I’m hoping I can close the gap a bit more in morning warm-up. I’m still learning the track and learning the bike, but it’s coming together nicely. 
 
Simon Andrews
 
The team have done a great job today. We’ve had a few issues and Cam had a bit of a crash so they’ve really had to graft. The conditions were tough today with spots of rain during my session, but I went well and ended up second fastest so I’m happy with that.
 
Follow the Bol d’Or live on Motors TV or FIM-TV.com on Saturday 14 April from 10.20 to 11.30 and 14.30 to 22.00 and Sunday 15 April from 10.30 to 15.30. Live timing will be available on FIM-LIVE.com from 14.30 on Saturday 14 April. 

For news, videos and images throughout the event follow @HondaTTLegends on Twitter, bookmark www.hondattlegends.com and subscribe to HondaProRacing on YouTube. 
 
2012 Bol d’Or schedule
 
Saturday 14 April
 
10.30 – 11.15 Warm-up
 
15.00 Race begins 
 
Sunday 15 April
 
15.00 Race ends

Join Compass Expeditions as they depart from Ace Cafe London on the morning of Sunday 20th May 2012 bound for Magadan, at the terminus of the Road of Bones, a journey of 17,800 miles.
  
Compass Expeditions became the first commercial group to ever successfully ride the legendary Road of Bones after eight adventurous riders and four co-riders set out from Ace in 2011, returning tired and dirty, but elated 102 days later.
 
With a crew of three, fourteen adventure riders and four co-riders, Compass Expeditions invites motorcyclists of all machines and interested parties to join them for breakfast between 7.30am - 8.30am and wave them off as they attempt to ride across a quarter of the earths surface.
 
Ride leader Mick McDonald says "Yes it may seem like an un-godly hour, but an early start will fade into insignificance as the days turn into weeks that then turn into months of this epic expedition."
 
For more information:
www.compassexpeditions.com
www.londontomagadan.com

FOR THE PETER JAMES INSURANCE BROMLEY PAGEANT OF MOTORING

The organisers of the Peter James Insurance Bromley Pageant of Motoring are planning a massive Ford celebration for this year’s show when returns to Norman Park, Bromley, on Sunday 10th June. Two of the marques most popular models – the Anglia and the Cortina – will be celebrated by classic car clubs and visitors.

Its 45 years since the Ford Anglia ceased production in 1967, having been on the production line since 1939. The early Anglias were very simple vehicles with few features and the distinctive upright radiator. By the end of its time, the model had much more of an American influence. From the E04A to the Super Anglia 123E, Bromley Pageant will pay tribute to them all.

Another Ford celebrating an anniversary is the Cortina, which is 50 years old. The Cortina was Ford's mass-market and compact car and sold extremely well, making it very common on British roads but also Britain's best-selling car of the 1970s.

The Pageant is the biggest one-day classic vehicle show in the World, featuring around 3,000 automotives including classic cars, bikes, trucks, motorcycles, tractors, stationary engines and much more. From family favourites through to thoroughbred exotic sports cars, there is a marque to suit every passion, from Morris to Porsches, Triumphs to Jaguars. It’s a truly international show with Italian exotica, American Muscle, Japanese performance as well as the best of British coming together for the ultimate ‘great day out’.

The popular ‘One Make’ section continues where vehicles of each make and model can be entered and parked together. From Mini’s to Ferraris, around 1,000 cars featured in this area last year. Entries are now open for this incredible feature and entry for the vehicle is free (both driver and passenger require tickets) and includes a free show programme and plaque.

The organisers are continuing to expand the classic bike area and are welcoming more bikes to the show this year than ever before by offering free space to classic bike clubs. Also individual owners can get in for just £5. This area has constantly grown over the past few years and is now a significant part of the show.

The main arena will have fantastic entertainment with live music, special guests and car parades while those looking to buy can visit the huge Cars for Sale area. The Pageant also hosts one of the biggest classic vehicle trade shows in the UK with hundreds of Autojumble and trade stands selling the latest products, parts,services and new vehicles on display.

Ticket prices are £11 for Adults when booking in advance or £14 on the gate. Senior Citizens tickets cost £8 in advance and £10 on the gate. Children’s tickets are £5 in advance and £6 on the gate. There is also a family ticket on offer for two adults and two children at just £26.50 when booked in advance and £33 on the gate. Show opens from 9.30am to 5.30pm and parking is free.

To book tickets call the hotline on 0844 412 4638 or book online at www.bromleypageant.co.uk where you can also download booking forms for clubs, cars for sale and one make entries as well as getting the latest updates.