This year’s Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show is encouraging the next generation of classic car enthusiasts to share their passion for motoring with a dedicated area of ‘YoungTimers’. These are the clubs focusing on younger members, which are on the increase and as such, bringing new ideas and fresh blood into the classic car world.

November’s NEC show will play host to these clubs with the likes of Oxford University Motorsport Foundation (OUMF), Young Guns Classics, the Morris Minor Owner’s Club Young Members Register and the Supra MkIV Owner’s Club all set to feature in the show’s first dedicated ‘YoungTimers’ area.

Event Director Dan Nwaokolo said: “By having a dedicated area for ‘YoungTimers’, we’re giving these young clubs a platform to introduce themselves to the classic car movement while also promoting the scene to like-minded enthusiasts of a similar generation. We know that they’re not only the future of our show but the entire classic community and we’re thrilled at the number of younger people we see each year – it’s great to see so many clubs either embracing younger people or youngsters forming their own clubs.”

OUMF was founded in 2005 specifically with the intent of bringing younger people into motorsport. “We wanted to give youngsters a practical side to their theory and encourage them into classic motorsport” says Ding Boston from OUMF. “For first timers the simplicity of classic cars makes them perfect for students. It’s always interesting to see what cars inspire these youngsters.”

Another club focusing on younger members is the Morris Minor Owner’s Club, which has set up a specific section within the club to cater for younger members. Matt Tomkins, Chairman of the club’s Young Members Register, said: “We’re heavily involved with promoting the entire classic car scene to the younger generation, having spoken at a number of events.”

The number of youngsters in the scene is growing all the time, thanks no doubt to the formation of clubs like Young Guns Classics. Member Georgina Davies said: “I feel we are a bit more laid back, which is why we have such fun. We all know each other very well and I would almost describe us as one big family. Unlike other classic car clubs we don't mind what car you drive be it a classic Beetle to a Land Rover!”

Supra MkIV Owner’s Club member James Jefferson is another owner with a broad interest in classic and retro cars owning a ’67 Mustang and a MkIV Toyota Supra. “I’m 22 now and I finished the Mustang when I was 19” said James. “I grew up around classic stuff – my Dad has MGBs, I used to ride around in Rover P4s, Minis, allsorts.”

James has found that the older generation is largely accepting of the new breed – with one or two exceptions. “They’re usually pretty pleased when they realise that people like me are genuinely interested. That said I know when my Mustang was part of a restoration feature, the magazine got a few letters from people who found it really difficult to believe it had been built by a 19yr old!”

Richard Morley, Operations Director for Lancaster Insurance said “We are passionate about getting more young people into classics and recognise that we must nurture new members so that we can preserve our motoring heritage. Introducing the ‘YoungTimers’ section to the show and encouraging young people to love and cherish classic cars, is not only a brilliant idea but vital to the future of the industry. ‘YoungTimers’ will inspire new recruits to become lifelong devotees, ensuring that this social pastime is carried on for years to come.”

While some clubs suffer from stagnating or even dwindling memberships, those that look to embrace young members look set to flourish. The youngsters are the future of the classic car movement, bringing with them a wider and wider selection of cars into the scene and with them the enthusiasm needed to keep the scene alive for years to come.

The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show will be held from 14th to 16th November. For more information on the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show or Classic Motorbike Show as well as all the ticket prices and booking details, visit www.necclassicmotorshow.com

17-year old Joe to make Silverstone Moto3 debut for Redline

British Motostar race winner, Joe Irving, will make his first appearance at a MotoGP event when he lines up for the Moto3 race at Silverstone on August 31.

The 17-year old from Holmfirth has been a consistent force in British Motostar - the national equivalent of Moto3 - on KTM RC 250 R machinery, taking two wins and nine podiums in 2013 and is currently battling for the championship lead after five rounds of the 2014 season, with two wins and two other podiums.

Trainee chef Irving will be aiming to impress the partisan crowd at the Northamptonshire circuit when he lines up on his familiar British championship machine, supplied and run by Loughborough-based KTM dealer, Redline Motorcycles.

With the next Motostar race at Thruxton on August 3, Joe and the team still have a further two British championship races after that at Oulton Park and Cadwell Park to get through before the Grand Prix, with little time for rest.

On hearing the wildcard entry was confirmed, Joe Irving said: “Honestly, I’m so excited – it’s a dream come true. I can’t believe I have this opportunity and Silverstone is a circuit I really love.

“I can’t thank Tim Walker from Redline Motorcycles enough, but there’s a lot to be done to be ready for the Grand Prix, let alone trying to fight for the British championship. I’m under no illusions that lining up against the best riders in the world will be tough, but I’m more than ready for the challenge.”

With the huge costs associated with running at Grand Prix level compared to the National championship, Joe will be holding a fundraising event very soon to make sure this dream opportunity can be properly committed to. More details to follow.

5 weeks to find the brand new roadster fitted with MICHELIN Pilot Road 4 tyres hidden somewhere in Europe.

Michelin, in partnership with the agency Stratégie One, recently launched a Europe-wide treasure hunt that will last until the middle of the summer. Every Friday, at the same time for five weeks, Michelin will post clues on a special website to indicate where the motorcycle with the MICHELIN Pilot Road 4 tyres is hidden. Follow the clues to get your hands on the roadster first! 

Introduced in 2014, the MICHELIN Pilot Road 4 on-road tyre is available in Standard, GT and Trail versions and covers most categories of road motorcycles of more than 600cc. 

The new tyre brakes 17%* shorter on wet roads than its closest competitor and delivers 20%** more total mileage than its predecessor. The MICHELIN Pilot Road 4 is a tangible reflection of the MICHELIN Total Performance strategy, which is designed to drive continuous, simultaneous improvement in several areas of tyre performance.

Sign up at www.motohunt.michelin.com

*Braking tests conducted on wet and slippery surfaces in July 2013 by the DEKRA Test Center, an independent testing company.
** In-house tests conducted in 2013.

Well, we finally had some good weather for Farmyard Party this year and what a difference it makes - happy customers enjoying a great a rally.

We have had some excellent feedback and some constructive comments - yes, we will take on board what you have said for next year! It was also great to see lots of new comers to the event - this means we will continue to support MAG UK and the work it does on our behalf for riders' rights.

So, Yorkshire Pudding will be held at Escrick Estate for a second year - 1st to the 3rd of August. Last year was an absolute blinder and we have made every effort to ensure it is another. Band and comedian line ups are listed below. Don't forget to bring a towel for the free showers that will be available.

Tickets for Yorkshire Pudding will be available by post until the 18th of July and the 25th for online purchases. After that they will only be available on the gate.

As always, our events are held on behalf of Riders' Rights throughout UK and Europe.

No Cars, No Vans, No Pedestrians, No Excuses

A survey by Britain’s leading road safety organisation has shown that more than a quarter of those taking a car or motorbike into Europe on holiday will travel without having their transportation checked or serviced in any way. 

The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) points out that as we reach the height of the holiday season, tens of thousands of people will be heading into mainland Europe to enjoy the delights of sun, scenery and a week or two away – without realising that if their car or bike breaks down, they could be in line for an expensive repair bill, several days (or more) off the road and disruption of that hard-earned break.

The findings come from an online survey conducted by the IAM of people who have either taken a European driving or riding break in the last two years, or are considering doing so.

IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “A breakdown is inconvenient at the best of times, but to have that occur while on holiday is even more upsetting. Even with comprehensive travel insurance, there will be huge disruption to your holiday if you have a breakdown – and factoring in the extra expense of getting your car or bike back to the UK.”

“It is vital that your car or bike is in good condition to cope with the distances and demands of European driving. The roads will be unfamiliar so it is essential your brake pads, lights and tyre pressure levels are all in proper working order. Simply don’t leave yourself open to the risk of an unnecessary breakdown or even an accident.”

The IAM survey also found seventy-eight per cent of respondents feel that regulations about the equipment that you have to carry in Europe have become more complicated in recent years.

Respondents felt that unforeseen circumstances (33 per cent) and cost (17 per cent) are the biggest disadvantages when thinking about going on a driving or riding holiday.

Of those who have been on a riding or driving holiday, forty four per cent of those drove and twenty per cent rode or drove from the UK. Forty-one per cent prefer to drive their own car abroad. Thirty five per cent of respondents would like to go on holiday for two weeks.

Forty-three per cent of respondents favour France as a riding/driving holiday destination closely followed by Spain and Germany.

Top reasons for a driving holiday are increased experience and exposure to local people and customs at destination (44 per cent) and adventure (28 per cent).

Eight-five per cent of respondents always travel with full breakdown cover as well as full medical cover emphasising that respondents are taking necessary precautions for their health and safety abroad.

Other findings include:

•Thirty seven per cent of respondents have been on a driving holiday

•Nineteen per cent have been on a riding holiday

•Forty-eight per cent of respondents stay at hotels when on driving and riding holidays