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Category: Events and Shows

  1. Indian Motorcycle Challenger RR and FTR750 entertain the crowds at Goodwood Festival of Speed

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    Indian Motorcycle came ready to entertain with the big-bore thrills of the Challenger RR and sideways flat track action of the FTR750 at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed last weekend as legendary racer Jeremy McWilliams piloted the King of the Baggers racer and Brandon Robinson brought his American Flat Track expertise over from the US.

    Rubbing shoulders with the greatest riders, drivers and vehicles from all forms of motorsport, the Indian Challenger RR offered festival goers a unique chance to witness the thundering sounds of the King of the Baggers racer as Jeremy McWilliams smoked the Challenger RR rear tyre during full throttle rolling burnouts on the famous Goodwood hill. And it wasn’t just the crowds that were impressed as famous names from the history of motorcycle racing gathered around the Challenger RR at the start line to ask McWilliams what it was like to ride and race.

    “There’s not many, if any, events like this anywhere in the world,” said McWilliams. “Seeing these baggers racing on YouTube is one thing, but seeing and hearing them up close is something else, so it was great to put on a show for the Goodwood crowds with the Challenger RR. I think we’ve really surprised a lot of people with the sound and performance of the bike.”

    Offering collectors the chance to own a piece of history, just 29 Challenger RR customer bikes were created to celebrate the 2022 King of the Baggers crown. Built to the identical specification and setup as Tyler O’Hara’s #29 championship-winning bike, interested collectors should contact their Indian Motorcycle dealer as soon as possible to secure the last couple of bikes available to purchase.

    Totally dominant in American Flat Track Racing, the Indian FTR750 hit the Goodwood hill in the capable hands of Brandon Robinson who has amassed nine wins and 23 podiums over the course of the last five seasons and is currently third in the 2024 SuperTwins standings aboard his Mission Foods Roof Systems FTR750.

    Stepping in for Wrecking Crew rider and nine times American Flat Track SuperTwins champion, Jared Mees, who was unable to make the journey at the last minute, the chance for Robinson to be part of the famous UK celebration of motorsport culture that is the Goodwood Festival of Speed was a truly unique experience.

    “Goodwood Festival, what’s not the love? This place is insane,” said Robinson. “I didn’t really know what to expect. I’ve always heard good things about it, but then to be here, experience it and ride up the hill with all the nostalgia, the famous riders, drivers, and all the different machines that have been so influential in motorsports is incredible. To be a small little part of that is truly a blessing and I’m stoked to be able to ride the Indian FTR750 here. It’s just my favourite race bike from the last five or six years, it’s got so many wins, and it means a lot to be able to showcase that for our sport in front of all the people here. This place is nuts. I’ve never seen so many people in one place for a motorsport event in my life.”

    With seven consecutive American Flat Track SuperTwins Championships since Indian Motorcycle Racing returned to the series with the clean-sheet design, the FTR750 is the most sought-after ride in the flat track world due to its combination of a high-performance 750cc V-Twin engine and ultra-light steel frame that were developed in-house by Indian Motorcycle Racing.

    For more information on Indian Motorcycle visit IndianMotorcycle.eu and follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

     

     

     

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  2. A WHOLE LOTTA TORQUE ABOUT NORTON

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    The National Motorcycle Museum, in partnership with the Norton Owners Club (NOC), is thrilled to invite motorcycle enthusiasts to their ‘A Whole Lotta Torque About Norton’ Day on Saturday, September 28, 2024.

    This event celebrates the rich heritage of Norton motorcycles, featuring talks, demonstrations, and exclusive museum access, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

    Event Highlights:
    • Special Concession: NOC members enjoy entry to visit the Museum collection of over 1,000 British bikes, for only £5 (usually £15).
    • Expert-Led Talks: o John Naish: "Norton, Worst Brand in the World? A Look Through Its Press History" 
    Ashley Cutler: "Inside Norton Engineering"
    Brian Gillen: "What’s the latest from the Norton Factory"
    Alan Cathcart (Keynote Speaker): "The History of the John Player Nortons"
    • Fire Up of Nortons: Experience the thunderous roar of classic and modern Norton motorcycles.
    • Ample Access: Free parking (for cars and motorcycles) is available for all attendees.

    Join us at the National Motorcycle Museum for an unforgettable celebration of Norton motorcycles, organised in conjunction with the Norton Owners Club. Whether you’re a long-time enthusiast or new to the world of motorcycles, ‘A Whole Lotta Torque About Norton’ Day promises to be an informative and exciting event.

    For more details about the event, please visit the official event page at Norton Owners Club Events.

     

     

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  3. ‘Rock & Ride!’ Planet Rock RADIO Announced as Media Partner for the Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show sponsored by Carole Nash.

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    The famous event, held at Stafford County Showground, over the 12-13th October 2024 is the number one classic motorcycling event in the world. With thousands of bikes on display, live stunts, the famous Bonhams auction and World Champions Carl Fogarty and Frankie Chili as star guests -  the show attracts thousands of visitors from across Europe.

    "We are incredibly excited to partner with Planet Rock for this year's October Stafford Show," said Nigel Hole, Event Director, "Their dedication to classic rock and its culture aligns perfectly with our passion for classic motorcycles. We look forward to bringing their listeners closer to the action at the show and sharing the excitement of it with them."

    Planet Rock, the UK’s leading classic rock radio station, is renowned for its passion for music and its dedicated community of listeners. As the official media partner, Planet Rock will bring its unique energy and enthusiasm to the show, providing exclusive coverage, interviews and promotions, plus behind-the-scene guest content to its audience.

    Planet Rock's Head of Marketing, Jon Norman said: "Bikes and Rock music go hand in hand, so to be media partner to “The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show, sponsored by Carole Nash, is a perfect partnership.”
     
    Planet Rock Radio Announced as Media Partner for the Classic Motorcycle Mec
     
     
  4. The Gloucestershire Vintage & Country Extravaganza will make a welcome return to South Cerney Airfield, near Cirencester, on 2-4 August 2024

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    A major star of the show is the magnificent steam section, which is packed with 30 miniature steam engines, 70 stationary engines and 60 full-size steam engines of all descriptions. For many visitors, seeing the fabulous line-up of showmans’ engines, with their gleaming, twisted brass, really is a highlight. The ‘Demonstration Arena’ puts the mighty machines to the test, and there’s even the opportunity to drive one. Also, don’t miss the grand parade of miniature steam in the Alec Tanner arena, and be sure to check out the steamrollers in action.

    Every mode of vintage transport is represented, and in motion – from a huge display of heavy haulage commercial and industrial trucks, mixed with classic plant and machinery, to more than 160 military machines, American auto trucks and ex-emergency services vehicles. You might even get a bit wet from the fire-tender demonstrations!

    The tractor display is second to none, with many clubs choosing South Cerney as their national event. The display is filled with more than 200 tractors, showcasing a wonderful selection of agricultural machinery.

    But the event isn’t just about transport…

    The Animal and Countryside Arena – From falconry displays, ferret racing, rare breeds, shire horses and horse-logging to beehive-making – it’s all here among the rural displays and educational demonstrations. The popular fun dog show will make its return each day, with all money raised going to Teckels animal shelter – and with 2024 being the International Year of Camelids, ‘Camels through the Ages’ will be making its event debut. This entertaining show features fabulous costumes and informative commentary, to provide an insight into the long history of camel use and culture.

    Kids of all ages will love it too – Don’t forget the vintage fairground attractions, some of which are powered by the steam engines. Take a ride on the steam-driven ‘gallopers’, Waltzers or The Yachts – the white-knuckle ride of the 1920s. Drive on the dodgems, see the fair from the air on the Carnival Big Wheel, or have a go on the traditional penny arcade games. You can take a sedate ride on the beautiful Carousel while listening to the fairground organs playing melodies from yesteryear, or board a 10¼in scale steam locomotive or ‘Chuffy the train’ for a passenger ride. Professor Collywobbles returns with his traditional Punch and Judy Show, and the model tent is a ‘must do’. Step into the world of miniature engineering with its models and diorama displays. Making their debut will be The UK Association of Circus Model Builders.

    NEW FOR 2024: Swinging you back in time - Be sure to visit the new FREE vintage entertainment tent, featuring live swing music, lindy hop dancing, hair demonstrations by Vintage Victory Roller, retro fashion show, an introduction to Burlesque to dance lessons with ‘Just Jive’ Swindon. Why not dress up in your vintage finery and enter the ‘Best Dressed’ competition? Guest musicians include one of the premier Big Bands in the South West: The Midwest Big Band. This 18-piece Big Band has within its ranks some of the very best local talent – including professional conductor Bob Cutting (ex-Herb Miller band) – and will perform music from Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Duke Ellington and golden tracks from the legends of swing.

    Massive trade stand zone - Featuring more than 100 curiosity stalls and an autojumble to rummage around, it’s a great opportunity to find a bargain. Or visit the huge craft marquee housing a range of rural crafts and artisan small stalls. Meet the experts and learn about the skills and pastimes that have survived for generations and continue to thrive today.

    Food & drink – There are plenty of food and drink ‘pit stops’ across the showground. A firm favourite is the We’ll Meet Again Tea Room, a vintage-themed tearoom set in the 1940s with vintage crockery, props and live music from the fabulous vintage performer Miss Em. It’s a great place to soak up the atmosphere and relax with a cuppa and delicious homemade cake.

    There's also the ever-popular Beer Tent located near the vintage fairground featuring live music throughout the weekend. We are delighted to welcome back the Cricklade Brass Band. The band was formed in 1887, and are the oldest established, continuously active association in Cricklade. Often assumed to be a professional band, their team of young-at-heart musicians prefer to concentrate on being an up-to-date, entertaining community brass big band playing a set list of well-known tunes. The Cricklade Brass Band can be seen Saturday and Sunday in the Beer Tent.

    FREE vintage bus rides – These operate around the perimeter of the show site, and to and from Cirencester town centre and Kemble railway station to the showground. The vintage bus service connects with selected First Great Western trains including Stroud, Gloucester and Cheltenham. Please check the timetable on the website.

    Steam trailer tractor rides - operated by Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue to help raise funds for the Firefighters Charity. The charity provides mental, physical, and social needs of all serving and retired members of the UK's fire family. Members of the local service will be on hand with a fire engine too.

    The steam trailer tractor rides are by donation and are another way in which the Gloucestershire Vintage & Country Extravaganza supports charities, preservation projects and community initiatives.
    For further information, please visit: www.glosvintageextravaganza.co.uk


    Gloucestershire Vintage & Country Fair Extravaganza
    Dates: Friday 2 to Sunday 4 August 2024
    Venue: South Cerney Airfield, Northmoor Lane, South Cerney, GL7 5QD
    Times: 10.00am until 5.00pm

    Ticket Prices
    Advance tickets available until Thursday 1 August.
    Visit: www.glosvintageextravaganza.co.uk

  5. Aston Martin Heritage Festival to celebrate three special anniversaries!

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    The British Motor Museum, along with The Aston Martin Heritage Trust, is to host the Aston Martin Heritage Festival for the second year running on 31 August.  All Aston Martin owners are welcome to attend, no matter what age or model.  This year, the festival will be celebrating several special anniversaries - 30 years of the DB7 which is considered by some to be “the car that saved Aston Martin”, 90 years of the Ulster and MkII models which were known for their exceptional engineering and technical prowess plus 60 years of Goldfinger  - the DB5.  The organisers are appealing to anyone with these models to bring them along to the event!

    The Trust will also be bringing a number of rare Aston Martin cars to the event including a 1934 Ulster, a DB7 i6 prototype and a DB7 Zagato.

    Once again, parking will be set out by era, so visitors can expect to be wowed by a display of cars. There will be a stage and live screen featuring a full programme of presentations and interview’s capturing all the action.  In addition, there will be a number of traders, worth a visit for any car enthusiast or Aston Martin fan.

    Tom Caren, Show Manager at the British Motor Museum, stated, “The ultimate celebration of Aston Martin is back for a second year! You won’t often get the chance to see such a vast collection of Aston Martins in one place, so whether you’re coming to join in with the display or simply to admire the cars, there’s something for you at the Aston Martin Heritage Festival. All models are welcome, we would love to see you and share the history and stories of one of the great British motoring iconic marques!”

    Advance ticket prices are £16 per adult, £9 per child (5-16 years), Under 5s free, £14 per concession and £43 for a family. Anyone wishing to enter a vehicle into a show can do so online. For more information about the festival, please visit the website at https://www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/whats-on/aston-martin-heritage-festival