Honda Racing to start 24 Hours of Le Mans from second on the grid

Following a wet morning at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the second qualifying session took place on a drying track meaning the majority of the grid positions remain the same as yesterday and Honda Racing will begin the race from second.

Julien da Costa, Sebastien Gimbert, Freddy Foray and reserve rider Jason O’Halloran completed a 20-minute stint each aboard the Honda Racing CBR1000RR Fireblade SP. Da Costa and Gimbert’s lap times suffered as a result of the damp conditions, however Foray and O’Halloran were blessed with a dry track and both were able to improve on yesterday’s times.

Despite this, the grid positions remain as they were at the end of the first qualifying session, with Honda Racing starting from second behind pole sitter SRC Kawasaki and ahead of championship leader Yamaha GMT 94. The 24 Hours of Le Mans is due to begin at 15.00 CEST on Saturday.

Neil Tuxworth team manager

We had a mixed practice session due to varying weather conditions but the main thing is we had no problems. The performance of the all four riders was strong and we remain in second position to start the race. In some ways this is better than pole as it takes some of the pressure away from the starting rider. Anyway, in a 24-hour race we know anything can happen so we’re just hoping for a trouble-free race.

Julien Da Costa

It was a shame that we had a rain shower just before qualifying today so I couldn’t improve my time. We were able to try some settings for the rain though so we’re well prepared for the race. Second is good and we’re ready.

Freddy Foray

I had dry track in my session and went faster then yesterday but I’m still a little disappointed because I wanted to get a 1:37. It’s difficult here in EWC because there are so many bikes on track. Anyway, we are in a good position, maybe even better than pole because there is less pressure.

Sebastien Gimbert

I am happy because although we are not in pole position we are ready for the race. The weather has been very mixed but that means we have been able to ride in wet, intermediate and dry conditions so we’re well prepared. The main thing is that all of the riders’ lap times are consistent with each other and the bike is easy to ride. 

Jason O'halloran reserve rider

I managed to get the good session today, which was nice. I improved my time on a race tyre so I’m pleased with that. The set-up changes the team has made in the last two days have been really positive and I think they are in a really strong position for the race. My work here is pretty much done but it’s been a great experience. I’ve learnt a new track and I really enjoy being with the team so it’s been a good week.

CHARTERHOUSE AUCTIONS will host a brand new motorcycle sale next February after announcing a partnership with Classic Bike Shows, organiser of the UK’s biggest classic bike events.

Taking place on Sunday, February 8, the auction is to be a new addition to the Carole Nash Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show, held annually at the Royal Bath and West in Somerset.

Matthew Whitney, an associate partner as Charterhouse, said: “We’ve been conducting classic and vintage vehicle auctions for nearly 15 years and now we are looking ahead with great anticipation to our first dedicated motorcycle sale.

“We are working with Classic Bike Shows and its team to put together some exciting plans and we look forward to seeing them come to life early next year.”

The event’s exhibition manager, Nick Mowbray, said: “Auctions are a big draw for any motorcycle event and we’re delighted to be working with Charterhouse at our Bristol show.”

Viewing of the auction lots will be open to all showgoers on Saturday, February 7, at no additional charge on the price of entry while admission to the Sunday sale is by catalogue only and will cost £10, a fee that will give entry to two people.

With details confirmed, Charterhouse will turn its attention to finalising consignments.

Matthew added: “Classic machines of all ages, makes and models are welcome, from pioneer bikes of the early 1900s through to the modern classics of the late 1980s.

“And it’s not just motorcycles; we are interested in rare parts, spares and memorabilia too.”

Anyone interested in selling at the auction should contact Matthew Whitney via email at [email protected] or by calling 01935 812277.

And for information on the Carole Nash Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show, visit www.classicbikeshows.com.

Ace Cafe London hosts a "Rockers Ride Out"

Departing the cafe at 10am on Sunday 21st September, with free entry to attend for those on classic bikes, to The Vintage Festival's "Classic Car Boot Sale & Mobile Art Fair" at the prestigious Stratford, London, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.    
Route:  East on A406 North Circular Road to Redbridge roundabout and South on A12.    

The event organisers are also on the lookout for all makes and marques of classic cars and hot rods - entry for whom is free!  

www.classiccarbootsale.co.uk

www.ace-cafe-london.com

Thundersprint organisers Frank and Carol Melling announced that this iconic event will not take place in 2015.

Frank Melling said: “It’s well known that we have had two disastrously bad years with the weather in 2013 and 2014. The 55mm of rain we had over two days this year at Darley Moor hit spectator attendance very badly. In the simplest possible terms, we just cannot take a chance on a third year of hostile weather.

“The problem we, and many other organisers, face is that the cost of promoting a big, complex event like the Thundersprint rises every year. Circuit owners want their income guaranteeing regardless of ticket sales. There is nothing wrong with this policy but it means that all the pressure is on the event organiser to cover costs and, hopefully, make a profit. We have talked extensively to a number of venues but there are none available which make economic sense. In the final analysis, we are a two person business and we can’t continue to risk what we have built up over the last seventeen years on the bet that we will have good weather in 2015.

“The Thundersprint is very much alive and well and Carol and I remain as enthusiastic as ever for the future – if and when the event can make economic sense. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all competitors, traders and spectators for their fantastic support and we hope that they we will all continue to remain the good friends that they are now.”

www.thundersprint.com

Motorcycle Live is the UK’s biggest bike show, but that doesn’t mean it’s just for born and bred bikers.

The show also presents the perfect opportunity for aspiring motorcyclists of all ages to try two wheels in a safe and secure indoor environment, under the watchful eye of qualified instructors.

The industry-backed Get On campaign* will once again return to Motorcycle Live, offering FREE 20-minute taster sessions on a 125cc scooter or motorcycle in a private, indoor area with expert tuition from fully trained instructors. Thousands of visitors have been through Get On in the last few years, with many getting the biking bug and going on to gain their full motorcycle licence.   Younger visitors can also get their first taste of riding, thanks to a host of features aimed at kids and teenagers, including the Kiddimoto Children’s Fun Track for two-12 year olds, Honda’s My First Licence for 5-11 year olds, the Arenacross Youth MX Experience and the Try a Kuberg Electric Bikes feature for 5-12 year olds and Silverstone’s Rookie Rides for 11-16's. 

All kids’ features are FREE and are supervised by qualified instructors on specially constructed indoor tracks and circuits with all safety equipment provided. The perfect way for budding young bikers to start their journey!

Motorcycle Live takes place at The NEC, Birmingham from 22-30 November 2014. Advance tickets are just £17 per adult, £11 for Seniors and £7 for children aged 11-16** (kids ten and under accompanied by a paying adult go free). There is also a £20 advance ticket, which includes entry to the show and a three-pack of Oxford Comfy neck warmers worth £15.

www.motorcyclelive.co.uk