Category: Events and Shows

1. RARE VINCENT BLACK SHADOW TO GO ON DISPLAY AT STAFFORD

   Posted on 12:00pm Friday 12th Apr 2024

   A factory special Vincent Black Shadow race bike from 1951 is one of more than 100 classic bikes that will be showcased at this year’s Stafford Bike Show.

   Considered by many to be the world’s first superbike, the Vincent Black Shadow was built with the same labour-intensive hand-fitting of bearings and major engine parts that Vincent had used prior to the war, with a top speed in excess of 130mph. One of these exceptional bikes will be on the private entries stand at The International Classic MotorCycle Show sponsored by Carole Nash.

   The show which takes place from April 20-21, 2024 at the Stafford County Showground plays host to tons of carefully restored and preserved machines exhibited in their best possible condition for the award judges and thousands of visitors. This year, visitors can also see an Aston Martin Brough 001 that’s one of only 100 ever built, with this being number 35 off the production line.

   Rare finds from other British manufacturers like Cotton, Norton, Sunbeam, BSA and Triumph will feature heavily in the show. International manufacturers are also represented as entries from manufactures such as Suzuki, Laverda and Harley-Davidson will be highlighted. Alongside the machines on the show’s club stands, the private entries will compete for a host of awards including the coveted Best in Show.

   This year’s special guests at Stafford are celebrated TT icon Phillip McCallen on Saturday and renowned motorcycle racer and TV presenter Guy Martin on Sunday. Both guests will participate in live interviews on their respective days.

   Keep up to date on the show by visiting www.classicbikeshows.com 

2. MOTORCYCLE CLUBS TO CELEBRATE AT STAFFORD

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 4th Apr 2024

   Clubs galore are set to celebrate anniversaries and milestones, at this year's Stafford Bike Show, with iconic machines being put on display! 
   

   The International Classic MotorCycle Show sponsored by Carole Nash will once again play host to tons of motorcycle clubs showcasing diverse themes. Taking place from April 20-21, 2024 at the Stafford County Showground, the show has become a highlight on the calendars of motorcycle lovers worldwide. With over 100 clubs set to participate this year, visitors can look forward to several celebrations at their stands. 

   Leading the charge this year is the Ducati Owners Club who will be celebrating their 50th anniversary. With half a century of Ducati excellence to commemorate, visitors can expect a vibrant display of legendary machines and club camaraderie.

   The Ariel Leader & Arrow Club are spotlighting the Ariel Arrow 200, marking the 65-year anniversary of this iconic one-year-only machine. To honour the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings and Operation Overlord, the British Owners Club (Essex) will be paying tribute to history with 11 allied motorcycles of various makes and a vast collection of military equipment and memorabilia at their stand. 

   Nick Mowbray, event managerof the show’s organiser Mortons Media said: "These clubs represent the heart and soul of the classic bike community and we're truly excited to showcase their celebrations at Stafford." 

   Adding to the excitement of the show are the guests, celebrated TT icon Phillip McCallen is Saturday’s guest while renowned motorcycle racer and TV presenter Guy Martin is the special guest on Sunday. Both guests will participate in live interviews on their respective days. 

   More details of the event will be released in the coming weeks…keep up to date by visiting www.classicbikeshows.com  

    

3. STUNT LEGEND STEVE COLLEY SET TO AMAZE AT STAFFORD

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 3rd Apr 2024

   Revving engines, breathtaking stunts and a roaring atmosphere will mark this year's Stafford Bike Show.

   The countdown is on for The International Classic MotorCycle Show sponsored by Carole Nash as stuntman Steve Colley promises to dazzle the audience with gravity-defying feats on both days of the show. The celebrated stunt performer, who had last performed at Stafford in 2013, will make his grand return this year. 

   The show which takes place on April 20-21, 2024 at the Stafford County Showground has become a highlight on the calendars of motorcycle lovers worldwide. With a mesmerizing array of exhibitions, trade stands, and live demonstrations of classic bikes in action, visitors can expect an unforgettable experience steeped in the celebration of two-wheeled machines. 

   Celebrated TT icon Phillip McCallen takes the spotlight on Saturday as the special guest while Sunday boasts the presence of renowned motorcycle racer and TV presenter Guy Martin. Both guests will participate in live interviews at the show on their respective days. 

   One of the highlights of the event is the prestigious Best in Show award, which recognizes the most outstanding classic motorcycles on display. With fierce competition and meticulous attention to detail, each contender vies for the coveted title, adding an extra layer of excitement to the show.  

   More details of the event will be released in the coming weeks…keep up to date by visiting www.classicbikeshows.com  

4. Ben Ball returns for 2024 with a new theme - book tickets now!

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 21st Mar 2024

   • Ben Ball 2024 to take place on 11th December at Old Billingsgate Market
   • Tickets on sale now and sponsorship opportunities available
   • Raising funds to support those who are struggling or in crisis

   Automotive industry charity, Ben, has launched ticket sales for Ben Ball which will take place at Old Billingsgate Market on 11th December and has a new theme for 2024. Those working in the automotive industry are now officially invited to celebrate Christmas with their friends and colleagues at Ben Ball 2024, supported by Auto Trader.

   This year, the event will embrace the era of the roaring ’20s, so guests will experience a night of glitz, glamour, vintage charm and timeless elegance. It’s set to be another amazing night of celebration, awe-inspiring entertainment, networking opportunities and fantastic food.

   Ben Ball 2023 was a sell-out with just under 500 automotive industry figures in attendance, so Ben is encouraging the automotive community to book now to avoid missing out on this annual black tie event…

   Book tickets now!

   Matt Wigginton, Director of Partnerships, Engagement & Income at Ben, said: “We’re inviting our automotive family to join us at Ben Ball 2024 which is set to be another fantastic evening of celebration and entertainment. This year, we’re excited to be stepping back into the iconic era of the 1920s so you can expect a night to remember, full of style and sophistication.

   “We continue to support a record number of automotive people due to the cost-of-living crisis which is having a big impact on their health and wellbeing. Ben Ball is a critical fundraising event as it brings in vital donations to change lives and support those who are struggling, while also enabling us to recognise those who have helped us achieve so much during the year. We can’t wait to welcome you to Old Billingsgate Market again this December for the flagship automotive event of the year!”

   Ian Plummer, Auto Trader’s Commercial Director, commented: “Once again it’s a huge privilege to be sponsoring the Ball, which not only raises critical funds for those who are most in need of help, but also drives awareness of the incredible work Ben does day in day out. It’s humbling to see so many businesses and individuals from across the industry come together every year, to dig deep, and to support such a vital charity which provides invaluable services to so many of our industry colleagues and friends. The cost-of-living crisis means more people than ever are relying on Ben, so support from across the industry needs to grow even further to match the increased demand. I have no doubt that 2024 will be another huge success.”

   To book your tickets now or find out more about becoming a Ben Ball sponsor, click here.

   When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them.

    

5. The mighty ‘Hogslayer’ to roar again at Dragstalgia.

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 20th Mar 2024

   The Norton twin-engined machine that dominated motorcycle drag racing back in the 1970's is to feature at this year’s Dragstalgia event at Santa Pod in July, 5th-7th.

   A small group of seasoned drag racing motorcyclists wanted to recognise the huge contribution that US rider Tom ‘TC’ Christenson, and engineer and tuner John Gregory, made to the sport of motorcycle drag racing. It is especially relevant following Tom Christenson's passing in 2023.

   Today’s announcement appropriately comes on the day that John Gregory celebrates his 90th birthday. Photojournalist Keith Lee has kept in touch with John for over 50 years, and has passed on very useful information from him to help run the bike. John commented: “It is great that you guys are doing this. I just wish I was there to see it run again.”

   From a kernel of an idea, Neil Baskerville, son of Ray, who was a respected builder and rider back in the day, approached Chris Illman to ask what were the chances of approaching the National Motorcycle Museum to see if we could borrow Hogslayer to display at Dragstalgia as a fitting tribute to Christenson and Gregory.

   Chris, who has a long standing relationship with the National Motorcycle Museum, approached Museum Director James Hewing, to ask if he would grant permission for Hogslayer to be released for display at Dragstalgia. Not only did he readily agree, but suggested: “If you can get it running again and ridden, that would be a real bonus!”

   That was an offer not to be refused, and hopefully a long held dream turned into a reality. What more encouragement do we need?

   Having been on static display at the National Motorcycle Museum for some 20 years since coming from the USA in 2004, it was clear that a considerable amount of work would be required. Plans are currently in place to relocate the machine to secure premises in Hertfordshire, where recommissioning will be carried out.

   The prospect of seeing and hearing Hogslayer’s mighty roar again at Santa Pod will make this year’s Dragstalgia an event not to be missed.

   Watch this space!