Category: Events and Shows

1. Entries now open for the fourth Henry Surtees Foundation Brooklands Team Karting Challenge‏

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 9th Apr 2015

   Team entries are now open for the fourth annual Henry Surtees Foundation Brooklands Team Karting Challenge which will take place on Tuesday 30 June 2015. The event organised by John Surtees OBE, in co-operation with Brooklands Museum and Mercedes-Benz World will be staged once again at the iconic Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey and is free to spectate.

   Each year the HSF Team Challenge receives tremendous support from a host of star names from the world of motorsport, business and the entertainment industry and 2015 will be no exception. Last year the event raised over £60,000 for the Henry Surtees Foundation, which was established by John Surtees, following the tragic death of his son Henry.

   John Surtees OBE said “Brooklands not only has a special place in motorsport history but also the Henry Surtees Foundation, as it was one of the first fundraising events organised after the charity was formed. The event has developed over the past 3 years and this year will see the introduction of some exciting format changes. We are now taking entries for teams to participate in the HSF Team Karting Challenge. Why not put a team of four together and come and join us at the original home of motorsport at Brooklands where you will be able to enjoy the superb facilities of Mercedes-Benz World in the company of the Henry Surtees Foundation and star guests”.

   Racing starts with practice and qualifying. Teams will then have the opportunity to compete in a challenging 2 hour endurance race, where competitors battle it out in Daytona High-Performance two-stroke DMAX Birel Karts in the hope of securing the conveted ‘H’ trophy.

   The interval features a spectacular display of Surtees built Formula cars and Brooklands Museum exhibits plus ‘special’ vehicle demonstrations.

   John Surtees continued “This year we have organised several ‘special’ vehicle demonstrations during the racing interval. We are delighted to welcome Derek Bell who will be reunited with the Surtees TS7 that he successfully raced for the team. Plus Team Lotus Works Collection will be bringing the 1965 Tasman Lotus Type 32B that Jim Clark won 9 out of 13 F1 races driving. It will be an honour to commemorate Jim’s 50th anniversary of his second F1 World Championship”.

   The HSF Team Karting Challenge culminates in a prize giving Champagne reception courtesy of G H Mumm in the impressive state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz World venue where the prestigious 'H' trophy is awarded to the 2015 karting champion.

   The Champagne and canapé reception will be hosted by Steve Rider and feature interviews with racers and celebrity guest participants, plus an incredible fundraising auction hosted by Malcolm Barber of Bonhams featuring exclusive artwork, memorabilia and experiences. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the fascinating exhibitions and get up close to legendary Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The reception is open to both competitors and non-racers (paid guests).

   G.H. Mumm Champagne will, once again, be poured by generous arrangement with the House and Bernie Ecclestone.

   All proceeds from the event will go to the Henry Surtees Foundation and Brooklands Museum Trust.

   Event Prices:
   Brooklands Team Challenge: Teams are based on four competitors £1,200 per team (including 4 tickets to Champagne and canapé reception)

   The Champagne and canapé reception: Tickets are available to attend the reception, at cost of £65 per person.

   To register your interest in entering a team or booking tickets for the Champagne reception, please contact: [email protected]

    

   

2. BBC Top Gear stars selling their bikes at Stafford show‏

   Posted on 9:00am Thursday 9th Apr 2015

   TV stars James May and Richard Hammond will be selling motorcycles from their personal collections through Bonhams at the 35th Carole Nash International Classic MotorCycle Show at Stafford on April 25-26.

   While their future as presenters of BBC’s Top Gear may be uncertain, the duo’s motorcycles are sure to attract a lot of attention.

   Among the eight machines being offered by May are a 2010 Yamaha SR400 ‘Grievous Angel’ by Deus Ex Machina, valued at between £8000 and £12,000, and a 1974 Yamaha 49cc FS1-E, which is expected to fetch between £2000 and £2400.

   Hammond, who’s selling four machines, is hoping for between £14,500 and £18,500 for his 2010 Norton Commando 961SE and £2500-£3500 for his 1975 FS1-E.

   “Just because I’m unemployed now doesn’t mean I have to get rid of everything,” said James May. “I was going to sell these bikes anyway. And those paintings, and my collection of Scalextric cars. Honest.”

   Hammond added: “As a serious collector of motorcycles, it’s important to review one’s stable regularly, and the Bonhams Stafford sale is the ideal opportunity to move bikes on and possibly acquire new ones. I also have a canoe, and some Wharfedale hi-fi speakers, if anyone’s interested.”

   Ben Walker, Bonhams international head of motorcycles, said: “Jokes aside, James and Richard are offering for sale some great motorcycles from their collections, including examples of Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda and Norton – and we expect the collection to attract a lot of attention at the upcoming Spring Stafford Sale. We’re delighted that they both elected to consign their collections with Bonhams Motorcycle Department, an agreement that originated many months ago”.

   The event takes place at Staffordshire County Showground, Weston Road, Stafford ST18 0BD. Appearing as guests of honour will be former motorcycle sport stars and leading industry figures Nick and Tony Jefferies.

   Members of Yorkshire’s first family of racing, the pair will also be bringing along two legendary TT-winning machines to display; the Honda RC30 ridden by Nick and the Triumph Rob North Triple ridden by Tony. The brothers will be presenting show awards, signing autographs and chatting on stage with industry favourite and fellow TT champion Steve Plater.

   Back at the event by popular demand is the Cavalcade, taking place in the showground’s main ring, which will see several wonderful examples of classic British and European machinery paraded for spectators and new for this year is live music in the venue’s bandstand.

   The Classic Racer GP Paddock – showcasing some incredible track and road-racing machines – and the Classic Dirt Bike Experience – celebrating all that’s best about off-road – complete the most action-packed Stafford line up ever.

   Tickets for the Carole Nash International Classic MotorCycle Show are now on sale with a one day adult ticket costing just £10 when bought in advance, a £3 saving on the gate price. Passes can be purchased online from www.classicbikeshows.com or over the phone on 01507 529529.

    

   
   
   James May in Bonhams Auction. Credit - Joe Dick
   

3. Dates, venue and 'go live' date announced for this year's Motorcycle Off-Road Experience

   Posted on 5:00pm Wednesday 8th Apr 2015

   This year’s Motorcycle Off-Road Experience (MORE) will be on for four days between Tuesday 7th July and Friday 10thJ uly at Upavon in Wiltshire.

   This will be the fourth year a ‘try out’ festival has been held, which allows people to try off-road riding for the first time. The price, which is heavily subsidised by the group behind MORE, will be £30. This includes hire of all kit, bikes and top class instruction for either a morning or afternoon session.

   Places are allocated on a first come first served basis via the MORE website www.rideoffroad.co.uk.  The ‘go live’ date is Saturday May 16th from 10 o'clock onwards via the website.

   The group behind MORE includes Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki and Yamaha.  Off-road sporting body AMCA run the practical side of the day and it is project managed by the MCIA to encourage new people to off-road riding and sport.

   Sandra Cole, who manages the event for the MCIA says it’s suitable for a wide variety of people:

   “You don’t need to be an experienced road rider or have a license.  You just need to be interested in having a go off-road.  Whether your long term goal is some gentle green laning, or becoming the next motocross star, you have to start somewhere and MORE gives you that first opportunity”.

4. Yorkshire MAG Events

   Posted on 9:00am Monday 6th Apr 2015

   Ticket sales seem to be going crazy this year for all of our rallies.

   The introduction of Saturday only tickets represents our commitment to ensure access to our rallies is affordable and allows those that can't escape work on Friday to show their face - and have some fun! Our free T-shirt that comes with purchase of tickets for all three events has also been very popular. Don't forget that you can buy tickets for Into The Valley by cheque up to the 17th of April and on-line until the 24th of April - after that you will have to buy them on the gate.

   Into The Valley will be offer the first Back Street Heroes Bike Show of the year and a range of top notch food vans providing quality food. Beer will be cheaper than through the local pubs. Full details of Into The Valley bands and comedians below.

   Just to let you know that you can now obtain tickets from outlets and MAG reps in certain parts of the UK. We are hoping this will encourage a few of you to get out on your bikes and engage with MAG. Links to these outlets and contacts as well as other methods of buying tickets are below.

   As always, our events are held on behalf of Riders' Rights throughout UK and Europe.  No Cars, No Vans, No Pedestrians, No Excuses.
   
   
   

5. Bike4Life Festival line up announced

   Posted on 8:21am Saturday 4th Apr 2015

   Bike4Life organisers have announced an exciting line-up for this year’s Festival taking place on Sunday 26 April.  The much-loved event held at RAF Museum Cosford returns for its 5th year at the end of this month, raising money for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity (MAAC).

   More than 8,000 people attended the event last year, making it one of the biggest and best biker events in the region. This year’s Festival promises to be even bigger with a great number of attractions on offer on the day.

   Bike4Life Fest 2015 promises to be a great day out for bikers and families alike with more than 40 exhibitors signed up to showcase some of the latest motorbikes, including luxury motorbike retailer, Stratstone. Bikers on the lookout for accessories and clothing for the new biking season are sure to find what they are looking for at the Festival with all the latest brands on offer.  Also on board are Halesowen-based company Revs Suspension, so whether you’re revamping an old bike or giving your current bike a bit of TLC, the team will be on hand to offer you advice. 

   Families looking for an entertaining day out are guaranteed to enjoy the family fun lined up. Visitors can take tours of two of the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s EC135 air ambulance helicopters and watch energetic performances from extreme mountain biker and British Trials Champion Danny Butler and daring displays from stunt bikers Inch Perfect and Moto Gymkhana. In addition to all of this, youngsters can have a go on the climbing wall, ride on the kiddie quad bikes and have their faces painted. 

   Planet Rock 105.2FM will be showcasing the best in the Midlands’ music talent with Cairo Son, Fireroad, Good Companies, Redline and Skam lined up to rock the Festival. Keeping festival goers fuelled for the day, there will also be a fantastic range of food and drink on offer. 

   Current King of the Jungle and seven times World Superbike champion Carl Fogarty will be taking part in a live Q&A on stage at the event, where visitors will also have the chance to meet and greet the racing champ. Carl will also be leading the much-anticipated 23-mile Ride Out from Meole Brace, Shrewsbury to the event’s home in Cosford.

   Jason Levy, fundraising and marketing director for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said “It’s the final countdown to this year’s event and registrations have already gone through the roof. Over 3,000 bikers will ride out with Carl and thousands more are expected to come along to RAF Museum Cosford to see all that Bike4Life Fest has to offer.” 

   Abi Betteridge, public events manager at RAF Museum Cosford, said “You don’t have to be a biker to enjoy Bike4Life 2015, there’s plenty to see and do for festival goers of all ages. In addition to the Spitfire flypast, live music, arena displays and family entertainment, visitors will also have access to the RAF Museum Cosford, with over 70 historic aircraft on display. We look forward to welcoming new and familiar faces to the museum on 26th April.”

   The event, which is partnered with RAF Museum Cosford and the Safer Roads Partnership, aims to raise awareness of biker safety.

   Any bikers wishing to take part in the Bike4Life Ride Out must register in advance through the Bike4Life website www.bike4lifefest.com as spaces are limited (£5 per bike). Any biking enthusiasts, fans of Carl Fogarty and live music lovers are welcome to head straight to the Festival at RAF Museum Cosford.  Entry to the Festival is free of charge with all donations on the day going towards the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.