Category: Events and Shows

1. Ducati draws crowds and special guests at Motorcycle Live‏

   Posted on 9:00am Tuesday 8th Dec 2015

   ‘Total black’ stage dedicated to the XDiavel, an undisputed ‘star’ of the show
   • Ducati Scrambler stand hosts new Ducati Scrambler Sixty2
   • Eight new Ducati bikes enthral the crowds at the Motorcycle Live
   • Ducati British Superbike riders, Shane Byrne, Glen Irwin, Danny Buchan, World Superbike star Chaz Davies and MotoGP star Scott Redding meet fans
   • Great British Bake-off Chef, Paul Hollywood and McBusted star Matt Willis visit the stand    

   The Ducati stand at this year’s Motorcycle live at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham was the place to be for visitors to the show. Ducati had arguably the most to shout about for 2016 with an unprecedented nine new bikes joining the model line-up.

   For Superbike fans the 959 Panigale was the highlight, replacing the award winning and sales success that was the 899 Panigale. The new Ducati ‘Super-mid’ gains more power and torque thanks to a new 955cc Superquadro engine as well as improvements to the chassis and fairings.

   Although the 959 Panigale may have tried to gain all the attention it was the XDiavel that hogged most of the limelight with its mixture of sophistication and stylish design. Ducati dedicated an important part of its stand to the XDiavel, creating an elegant ‘total black’ room replicating a world that identifies with this bike.

   With this fascinating bike Ducati enters the cruiser domain and does so in its own inimitable way, presenting a true cruiser but with all the design, technology and performance one expects from a Ducati thoroughbred. The XDiavel brings together two worlds: the cruiser world - low speeds, relaxed riding and long journeys - and the Ducati world, characterised by Italian style, refined engineering and unparalleled performance.

   Ducati enters another new segment in 2016 venturing into the off-road adventure world. The Multistrada 1200 Enduro is a born explorer, designed to be unstoppable on any terrain. Built to withstand the stresses and strains of off-road riding, it carries spoked wheels, 19’’ at the front and 17’’ at the rear, a 30 litre tank and an array of accessories to ensure the possibilities of adventure are endless.

   As is now the case the Ducati Scrambler had a dedicated stand to showcase the Scrambler brand and the new Scrambler Sixty2. The Sixty2 with a new 399cc engine doesn't just simply enlarge the range on offer from the new Ducati brand, it opens the way for a new two-wheel market segment, meeting the requirements of those seeking an accessible bike that is easy to handle, has low running costs and is A2 ready but don't want to miss out on the unique Ducati Scrambler spirit.

   Other additions to model year 2016 include an updated Hypermotard family with a 937cc Testastretta engine offering 3hp more and 10% more torque as well as being euro 4 compliant. The Monster 1200 range is also expanded with an ‘R’ version offering a 160hp and track-ready handling for those that demand sports performance with the practical appeal of a naked bike.

   Visitors to the stand had the chance to meet their race heroes, take selfies and have posters signed. British Superbike riders and Be Wiser PBM team mates Shakey Byrne and Glen Irwin were the first to be guests on the Ducati stand, later joined by MotoGP and OCTO Pramac rider Scott Redding. All three were interviewed by Ducati TriOptions Cup ambassador Niall Mackenzie with each rider taking their chance to pick their favourite bike from the range. Shane Bryne was particularly taken with the XDiavel while Scott Redding, with his eye on gaining his road licence, tried out the Scrambler sixty2. New Ducati and British Superbike rider, Danny Buchan (Lloyds British Moto Rapido) also joined visitors on the stand along with Ducati legend and BT Sport MotoGP commentator Neil Hodgson. Ducati World Superbike rider (Aruba.it Racing) Chaz Davies rounded off the show with his attendance on the final day.

   The Ducati brand is always popular with celebrities and Ducati owner, celebrity Chef and star of ‘The Great British Bake Off’ Paul Hollywood was another who was drawn to the XDiavel as was Matt Willis, band member of McBusted who made a special trip with friends to see the bike and visit the Ducati stand.

   To see the full Ducati 2016 range visit and find your nearest dealer visit www.ducatiuk.com

2. Road-Race Ace Hickman To Appear At Newark Motorcycle Show‏

   Posted on 5:00pm Monday 7th Dec 2015

   MACAU Grand Prix winner Peter Hickman is set for guest-speaking duties at Newark’s New Year classic motorcycle event.

   The Carole Nash Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic will welcome the Lincolnshire star just weeks after he pulled off the stunning victory on November 21 to grab international headlines. It followed an impressive year for the 29-year-old who took the Fastest Lap by a Newcomer record at the Isle of Man TT with a 131mph circuit at this year’s races.

   Just days before the Macau win, it had been announced that Hickman would be making the switch from the RAF BMW Reserves team to GB Moto Kawasaki for the 2016 British Superbike Championship and next year’s international road races.

   Head of the event Nick Mowbray said: “Peter has enjoyed a superb year culminating in the Macau win; he’s definitely served fans with notice of his superstar potential. We’re delighted he’s on board for our Newark event and he’ll surely prove a popular addition.”

   Taking place at Newark Showground, the event is something of a homecoming for Hickman as the Louth-based rider is originally from nearby Burton-upon-Trent.

   The rest of the January 9-10 weekend will include hundreds of trade stands and autojumble plots packing in to the halls of the venue giving visitors the chance to pick up parts, spares, tools, accessories, clothing, memorabilia and more.

   Club stands and private entrants will also be displaying pristine restored and maintained classic machines of various makes models and eras.

   Also part of the event is two dedicated scooter halls which will mix displays, trade and jumble with interactive attractions such as the Skills Area and an Engine Rebuild competition. Former British scooter and sprint champion Norrie Kerr will be the Scooter World special guest for the weekend.

   Advance discount tickets are on sale now from Classic Bike Shows, with a one-day adult pass costing just £8 – a £2 saving against gate prices.

3. Paws & Claws Xmas Pet Food Run‏

   Posted on 10:00am Monday 7th Dec 2015

   Sunday 20th December - Depart 11.00am
   
   One week after the annual Xmas Toy Run and again meeting at the cafe to depart at 11.00am, is the annual ride out to attend the Mayhew Animal Home in Kensal Rise, NW10. Established during the reign of Queen Victoria in 1886, the home is entirely funded by and dependent upon public support.

   Being the season for giving, we must not forget the animals, so often overlooked and neglected, and which entirely rely on places like "The Mayhew" and the generosity and support of all.

   The Mayhew welcomes gifts, to include towels, blankets (used as bedding) as well as pet food and treats for cats and dogs.

   Private donations can also be made on your visit to the Mayhew. You may even find a furry friend that you may wish to adopt!

   For those of you who can't make the run, there will be collecting tins on the counter and a collection box for food, treats and bedding etc at the cafe in the week leading up to the run.

   www.mayhewanimalhome.org

   On the same day, Sunday 20th December, why not join us for the cafe's annual candlelit Xmas Carol Singalong & Service, from 7pm, followed by complimentary hot, oven fresh, mince pies!

   For more information about Ace Cafe London, or what's on, check out: www.ace-cafe-london.com

4. The 30th year of The Bulldog Bash

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 2nd Dec 2015

   In August 2016, The Bulldog Bash celebrates its' 30th year...

   With a drag strip, demos, stunt shows, Wall of Death, Custom show sponsored by BSH, cheap beer and quality food, along with a massive indoor bar and stage marquee, great entertainment from top class bands, a rock karaoke tent, loads of trade stands and much more… With over 7,000 attending in 2015, it is thought that 2016 will see a record number of attendies!

   venue: Long Marston Airfield, Stratford on Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 8LL. Gates open at about 1pm on Thursday 11th August and then you can party right through until Sunday. 
   price: Pre-book: £30 earlybird until the end of April 2016. After earlybird is finished, the pre book price is £40. OTG: £50. 
   tel: 01623 432972
   www.bulldogbash.co.uk
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5. al Automobile Club announces contenders for Torrens Trophy‏

   Posted on 12:37pm Tuesday 1st Dec 2015

   Each year the Royal Automobile Club awards a series of historic trophies and medals to individuals and organisations, celebrating and recognising outstanding achievements, technical skills and innovation in the motoring and motor sport industries.
   
   The Torrens Trophy recognises an individual or organisation considered to have made an outstanding contribution to motor cycling in Britain. The Trophy was first awarded in 1978 in memory of Arthur Bourne, a motor cycling journalist and Vice Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club who wrote a column under the name Torrens. It has only been awarded eight times in its history and only when the club feels that the achievement justifies it.

   Its last recipient was four times British Superbike Champion Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne. Shakey, upon receiving it said ‘It’s a great achievement to win the Torrens Trophy and be recognised by such an established and respected organisation as the Royal Automobile Club’.
   
   This year, with such a strong crop of potential worthy recipients, the Club’s Torrens Trophy Nominations Committee - consisting of Royal Automobile Club member Ben Cussons, Torrens Nomination Committee Chairman and ex-bike racer Barrie Baxter, well-respected motorcycle journalist Mat Oxley, former racer and commentator Steve Parrish and Arthur Bourne’s son Richard Bourne - debated long and hard. The overall winner of the Torrens Trophy will be awarded at the prestigious Pall Mall clubhouse in January. In no particular order, the shortlist of nominees for the 2015 trophy is:
   
   Ian Hutchinson
   Ian Hutchinson has bettered Isle of Man TT greats like Stanley Woods, Mike Hailwood, Joey Dunlop and John McGuinness by winning five TT races in one week. That was five years ago. Since then Hutchinson has been to hell and back. Just weeks after his unique achievement the Yorkshireman broke his left leg badly. Surgeons prescribed amputation but Hutchinson resisted and has since undergone 30 operations to retain the limb. His comeback is an awe-inspiring tale of triumph over adversity, climaxing with his return to winning form at the 2015 TT, when he won another three races.
   
   Danny Kent
   Britain has enjoyed plenty of success in the World Superbike Championship over the past few decades but none in motorcycling’s premier MotoGP series. Until Danny Kent came along. On November 8th the 22-year-old from Gloucestershire became this country’s first Grand Prix World Champion since Barry Sheene in 1977. Honda rider Kent won his crown in the harum-scarum Moto3 title, MotoGP’s junior championship, which launched the careers of Valentino Rossi, Marc Marquez, Jorge Lorenzo, Dani Pedrosa and many others. Next year Kent moves up to Moto2, with the MotoGP class itself his eventual target.
   
   Jonathan Rea
   Years of hard work paid off for Northern Irishman Jonathan Rea when he secured the World Superbike Championship in September. Rea had been a race winner in the series for six seasons, but it took a change of manufacturer to fully realise his potential. The 28-year-old utterly dominated the 2015 campaign, taking his Kawasaki to victory in 14 of the 28 races and finishing on the podium in all but four races. Rea follows in the wheel tracks of fellow British World Superbike champions including Carl Fogarty and Neil Hodgson and former Torrens Trophy winners James Toseland and Tom Sykes.
   
   Tai Woffindon
   Speedway is one of the few surviving racing disciplines in which the rider’s right wrist is effectively connected to the rear tyre, untrammelled by a little black box of electronics making win-or-lose decisions. Not only that, speedway bikes run on methanol and have no brakes! Twenty-five-year-old Woffindon has climbed to the top of this most visceral of motor sports twice in the last three years, winning the 2013 and 2015 World Speedway Championships. The Australian-born Britain, known for his stylishly aggressive riding and cast-iron bravery, is also a multiple British Speedway Champion.
   
   
   The Torrens Trophy
   The Royal Automobile Club has always had a close association with the motor cycling world. The Club formed the Auto Cycle Club in 1903, which went on to become the Auto Cycle Union in 1947. The first Tourist Trophy race was held on the Isle of Man in 1905 for cars - two years before the first TT for motorcycles.
   
   The Torrens Trophy recognises an individual or organisation considered to have made an outstanding contribution to the cause of safe and skilful motorcycling in the United Kingdom OR to have made an outstanding contribution of technical excellence to further the cause of motor cycling in the UK OR to have shown outstanding skill in international motor cycling sporting events in the United Kingdom.
   
   The Torrens Trophy was first awarded in 1978 in memory of Arthur Bourne, a motor cycling journalist who wrote a column under the name Torrens. Arthur Bourne was also a Vice-Chairman of the RAC.
   
   Previous winners of the Torrens Trophy include BMW in 1989 in recognition for their contribution to motor cycle safety through their development of their anti-lock braking system and in 1998 to Ian Kerr of the Metropolitan Police for 20-years of tireless work in promoting safe and responsible motorcycling. In 2008 World Superbike Champion James Toseland was awarded the Trophy for his immense contribution to raising the profile of motorcycle racing in this country. In 2013 Tom Sykes was awarded the trophy for being crowned the fifteenth World Superbike Champion, the fourth from Great Britain and only the second rider to win for Kawasaki in the series for twenty years. The last recipient was Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne for his unique achievement of securing a fourth British Superbike Championship.