The final qualifying sessions for the 76th annual Bol d’Or took place at Magny Cours today with the Honda TT Legends securing 11th place on the grid for tomorrow’s 24-hour race. 
 
As the sunny morning weather gave way to threatening rain clouds, Cameron Donald, John McGuinness, Gary Johnson and Simon Andrews took to the French circuit one-by-one for the final four 30-minute qualifying sessions. 
 
Although Andrews posted the fastest lap for the Honda TT Legends, as the fourth rider his times do not contribute towards the team's final qualifying time. The combined fastest laps of Donald, McGuinness and Johnson will see the team start the opening race of the 2012 Endurance World Championship from 11th on the grid. The three-rider race line-up will be announced following morning warm-up. 
 
Neil Tuxworth – Team Manager
 
In general, we have not had any major issues during the practice and qualifying sessions. We had a minor technical problem that was quickly rectified and unfortunately Cameron had a small crash in his second session, but apart from that things have gone relatively well. It is a little disappointing that we have qualified 11th because as a team I feel that we are capable of more. Having said that, I think we will be much stronger in the race and I am certain that barring any problems, we should be able to achieve a top six position. Of course we would still like to fight for a chance to be on the podium, but this may prove a little difficult at the first round of the championship. 
 
John McGuinness
 
We’ve had a few little problems over the last two days and we’re a little disappointed to have qualified 11th. As a racer, you always want to be at the front. Hopefully all our issues are out of the way now and we can have a strong race. All we can do is look forward to the race and get stuck in. I’ve heard all sorts about the weather for the race but I think the forecast is rain so it’s going to be an eventful one. We’ll just get our heads down and get on with it.  
 
Cameron Donald
 
I’m feeling upbeat. We’d like to be up higher but we’re not. I don’t think anyone really improved today in terms of all the teams as the conditions weren’t as good as yesterday. We’ve made some more changes to the bike and we seem to be improving in that direction. Let’s see what happens tomorrow – the way the weather forecast is, all the dry track work could be out of the window anyway so we’ll just wake up and see what tomorrow brings.
 
Gary Johnson
 
I managed to go half a second quicker today so I’m happy enough with that. I think there’s more to come and I’m hoping I can close the gap a bit more in morning warm-up. I’m still learning the track and learning the bike, but it’s coming together nicely. 
 
Simon Andrews
 
The team have done a great job today. We’ve had a few issues and Cam had a bit of a crash so they’ve really had to graft. The conditions were tough today with spots of rain during my session, but I went well and ended up second fastest so I’m happy with that.
 
Follow the Bol d’Or live on Motors TV or FIM-TV.com on Saturday 14 April from 10.20 to 11.30 and 14.30 to 22.00 and Sunday 15 April from 10.30 to 15.30. Live timing will be available on FIM-LIVE.com from 14.30 on Saturday 14 April. 

For news, videos and images throughout the event follow @HondaTTLegends on Twitter, bookmark www.hondattlegends.com and subscribe to HondaProRacing on YouTube. 
 
2012 Bol d’Or schedule
 
Saturday 14 April
 
10.30 – 11.15 Warm-up
 
15.00 Race begins 
 
Sunday 15 April
 
15.00 Race ends

Join Compass Expeditions as they depart from Ace Cafe London on the morning of Sunday 20th May 2012 bound for Magadan, at the terminus of the Road of Bones, a journey of 17,800 miles.
  
Compass Expeditions became the first commercial group to ever successfully ride the legendary Road of Bones after eight adventurous riders and four co-riders set out from Ace in 2011, returning tired and dirty, but elated 102 days later.
 
With a crew of three, fourteen adventure riders and four co-riders, Compass Expeditions invites motorcyclists of all machines and interested parties to join them for breakfast between 7.30am - 8.30am and wave them off as they attempt to ride across a quarter of the earths surface.
 
Ride leader Mick McDonald says "Yes it may seem like an un-godly hour, but an early start will fade into insignificance as the days turn into weeks that then turn into months of this epic expedition."
 
For more information:
www.compassexpeditions.com
www.londontomagadan.com

FOR THE PETER JAMES INSURANCE BROMLEY PAGEANT OF MOTORING

The organisers of the Peter James Insurance Bromley Pageant of Motoring are planning a massive Ford celebration for this year’s show when returns to Norman Park, Bromley, on Sunday 10th June. Two of the marques most popular models – the Anglia and the Cortina – will be celebrated by classic car clubs and visitors.

Its 45 years since the Ford Anglia ceased production in 1967, having been on the production line since 1939. The early Anglias were very simple vehicles with few features and the distinctive upright radiator. By the end of its time, the model had much more of an American influence. From the E04A to the Super Anglia 123E, Bromley Pageant will pay tribute to them all.

Another Ford celebrating an anniversary is the Cortina, which is 50 years old. The Cortina was Ford's mass-market and compact car and sold extremely well, making it very common on British roads but also Britain's best-selling car of the 1970s.

The Pageant is the biggest one-day classic vehicle show in the World, featuring around 3,000 automotives including classic cars, bikes, trucks, motorcycles, tractors, stationary engines and much more. From family favourites through to thoroughbred exotic sports cars, there is a marque to suit every passion, from Morris to Porsches, Triumphs to Jaguars. It’s a truly international show with Italian exotica, American Muscle, Japanese performance as well as the best of British coming together for the ultimate ‘great day out’.

The popular ‘One Make’ section continues where vehicles of each make and model can be entered and parked together. From Mini’s to Ferraris, around 1,000 cars featured in this area last year. Entries are now open for this incredible feature and entry for the vehicle is free (both driver and passenger require tickets) and includes a free show programme and plaque.

The organisers are continuing to expand the classic bike area and are welcoming more bikes to the show this year than ever before by offering free space to classic bike clubs. Also individual owners can get in for just £5. This area has constantly grown over the past few years and is now a significant part of the show.

The main arena will have fantastic entertainment with live music, special guests and car parades while those looking to buy can visit the huge Cars for Sale area. The Pageant also hosts one of the biggest classic vehicle trade shows in the UK with hundreds of Autojumble and trade stands selling the latest products, parts,services and new vehicles on display.

Ticket prices are £11 for Adults when booking in advance or £14 on the gate. Senior Citizens tickets cost £8 in advance and £10 on the gate. Children’s tickets are £5 in advance and £6 on the gate. There is also a family ticket on offer for two adults and two children at just £26.50 when booked in advance and £33 on the gate. Show opens from 9.30am to 5.30pm and parking is free.

To book tickets call the hotline on 0844 412 4638 or book online at www.bromleypageant.co.uk where you can also download booking forms for clubs, cars for sale and one make entries as well as getting the latest updates.

On Sunday 15th April Tor Leisure Centre in Glastonbury will see the arrival of 200 motorcycles from all over the South West to ride together in support of Martha Care. 

Bikes will start arriving from 9.30am ready for being sent off by Graham Coles, Glastonbury Town Crier, at 11.00am. The ride will take in about 60 miles of glorious Somerset roads, starting with one of the country's best High Streets - Glastonbury!  Then onto biking favourites like Cheddar Gorge and Burrington Coombe.  All levels of rider are welcome and we're sure everyone will get something out of the ride and the day. We pride ourselves on rider safety and are pleased to have Somerset Road Safety in attendance to provide advice for riders of all abilities.

Bikes will return to the leisure centre at about 1pm where there will be a hog roast, live music from Fraser Road Race and lots of motorbike oggling and discussion by riders and spectators!  There will be a bouncy castle to keep the children amused too. Every rider will receive a goody bag with a commemorative pin badge, other goodies and information for riders. 

The riders who have gone to the most effort by making either themselves or their bike as bright and yellow as possible will be presented with a sash by Graham Coles to wear on the ride out.

Pel Crosby, photographer from Weston Bike Night, will be in attendance taking on the move pictures of all the bikes in various locations.  The pictures will be available to purchase with the proceeds going to Martha Care. Check the Martha Care Ride Out page for details.

We have lots of amazing raffle prizes; including our top prize of a pair of weekend tickets to any round of British Superbikes, including two hoodies courtesy of Sorrymate.com, another great prize of a Max Rider training day worth over £100 thanks to Somerset Road Safety, tee shirts, hoodies and lots more!

Organisations supporting the Martha Care Ride Out include:

Shire Integrated Systems (Sponsor)

Somerset Road Safety
Sorrymate.com
Cheddar Valley Advanced Motorcyclists
THE BIKER GUIDE
Wells Classic Motorcycle
Weston Bike Night
Urban Glow
Taunton MAG
Freewheelers
Biker FM
4 Counties Bikers

This year riders can pay in advance using our Q-Jump facility on out website. 

The date for next years ride out has already been set for Sunday 7th April 2013.  Updates can be found on our facebook page Bikers 4 Martha or following the ride out on Twitter @bikers4martha.

We very much look forward to meeting everyone on the day!

www.marthacare.co.uk