Entries have now closed for the 2014 Isle of Man Classic TT Races presented by Bennetts with a massive number of entries received.

The event’s race promoter, The Isle of Man Government Department of Economic Development, has received a total of 329 entries across the 3 races and four categories. The race organisers will now review the entries and agree the final start lists for the 270 starting places.

The Motorsport Merchandise Formula 1/Formula 2 Race leads the way with 144 entries while both the Bennetts 500cc Race with 101 registrations and the Okells 350cc Race with 84 are also up on last year's numbers.

The event will again see many of the leading TT competitors competing against Classic Racing specialists while the event's global interest is reflected in entries from Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, Holland, France, the USA as well as the British Isles and of course the Isle of Man.

Following a week of practice and qualifying which starts on Saturday 16th August, the race programme begins with the Bennetts 500cc Classic TT Race on Saturday 23rd August. The second and final day of racing takes place on Bank Holiday Monday 25th August with the Okells 350cc Classic TT Race being followed by the combined Motorsport Merchandise Formula 1 and Formula 2 Classic TT Races.

The Classic TT Races form part of a four-day festival of motorcycle nostalgia from the 22nd to 25th August, which also includes a Paddock Carnival, classic racing machinery displays, photographic exhibitions, the Festival of Jurby and a whole host of social events.

The Classic TT is one of the events that make up the 2014 Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling, which runs from August 16th to August 31. The festival also includes the Manx Grand Prix (25th to 29th August), Manx 2-Day Trial (23rd and 24th August), Manx Classic Trial (30th and 31st August) and the VMCC rally and The Festival of Jurby (24th August).

David Cretney, MHK, Political Member for Tourism and Motorsport, Isle of Man Government commented: "The Classic Bike community has really got behind our event and this is a stunning response following its successful first year. The event has quickly met our stated objective of being the world's leading Classic Bike event and the growth in visitors and competitors will further contribute to the Island's economy as well as giving fans a great nostalgic TT experience."

The Heritage Motor Centre (HMC) in Gaydon, Warwickshire will celebrate its 21st birthday in May by hosting a special exhibition “21 Years 21 Icons” featuring products and people that represent the very best of British motoring. Since the Museum opened on 1 May 1993, its collection has been renowned as one of the finest selections of British motor cars. The museum tells the story of the people that have shaped Britain’s love affair with the motor car and also houses some of the world’s best known examples of automotive design and technology.

The exhibition, which will run from 2 May to the end of December 2014, will feature 21 iconic automotive products including 7 motoring icons, 7 motoring inventions and 7 motoring innovators. From the elegant Jaguar E-type to the black taxi cab to tyres and Cat’s Eyes and iconic motoring figures like Alec Issigonis and William Morris, all embody the pioneering spirit of Britain’s contribution to the motor industry. For each of the 21, the exhibition will explore their history and why they are so important to Britain’s automotive evolution. The exhibition will tell the stories of some of the talented people that have shaped the industry including racer Stirling Moss and Lotus boss Colin Chapman plus it will highlight some of the inventions where Britain led the way including the pneumatic tyre and disc brake.

There will be hands-on interactive fun for all the family as they tour the exhibition plus there will be an opportunity for visitors to make suggestions for their own favourite British designs and personality icons from the motoring world.

As part of the Centre’s 21st celebrations it is also offering the opportunity for residents from neighbouring villages of Gaydon and Lighthourne Heath to visit the HMC on the 2, 3, 4 & 5 May for just £5 per person, the original price when the Centre opened 21 years ago. Residents need to bring a utility bill and photographic I.D. showing where they live.

Stephen Laing, Curator at the Heritage Motor Centre stated "The Heritage Motor Centre has been celebrating the best of Britain’s car industry for 21 years. It has been a difficult task to choose just 21 products, people and pioneering inventions that represent motoring, the motor car and its industry in Britain. Of course our exhibition showcases only a small selection of Britain’s contribution to motoring. We hope visitors will enjoy this exciting new exhibition and celebrate with us the very best of British motoring”.

To add to the 21st celebrations, the HMC was delighted to announce last week the news of its new Heritage Lottery funded Museum Collection Centre. The £4 million project will see an entire new two story building opening in 2015 which will house the Trusts reserve car collection along with a viewing gallery into a new workshop and a lifelong learning education zone.

Tim Bryan, Head of Collections & Interpretation said: "It will allow us to make our collections far more accessible and will enable people to learn more about the motor industry which has played such an important role in the West Midlands".

Entry to the “21 Years 21 Icons” exhibition is included in the Museum entry fee which is Adults £12, Child £8 (5-16 years) under 5 free, Concessions £10 & Family £34 (2 adults & up to 3 children). Buy one day and get 12 months free if you Gift Aid your entrance.

www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk

IAM’s head of riding standards and advanced biker, Peter Rodger, is advising on getting back on the road after the winter.

•Check your bike’s fluid levels, brakes, lights, horn and coolant to make sure they’re all in good working order.
•Try starting your bike to check if the battery needs recharging.
•Check that the tyres have sufficient tread, no obvious damage, and are inflated to the right pressure. If you have taken any part of the bike apart over the winter check it is properly back together and that the nuts are all tightened appropriately.
•When you’ve given it the once over, switch on the engine and let your bike warm up before you go out on a ride.
•If you’re feeling particularly rusty, get on your motorcycle in a car park before taking it out on the road.  The first ride should be about settling in gently – you need to get used to riding again.
•Gain confidence by having a few short, simple rides. Consider it a warm up for you and the bike; you've had time away, and both need to warm up again.
•Make sure your leathers and helmet are in good nick– don’t be tempted to take that first ride in street gear because you’re not planning on being out for long. 

Rodger said: “It’s that time of the year when many riders are taking their bikes out from winter storage. Check the bike before you begin this season’s rides, and make sure the rider is up to it as well.”

UK motorcyclists will need to display a front number plate, under new laws passed by the British Government.

Motorcyclists will need to apply to the DVLA by 31st April 2015 and purchase an envelope-sized sticker (at a cost of £29.99) – which they will need to attach to the front of their helmets. The UK’s top traffic cop, Ian Dumbass, said bikers have been getting away with speeding offences for far too long, claiming that 69% of bikers caught speeding by traffic control and speed cameras escaped a fine because of the lack of front number plates. 
 

Will you buy a sticker or run the risk of a £1,000 fine?

Saturday 5th April from 7pm

See the bikes, meet the teams and check out the new TTC race & Hospitality truck at the Ace for the TTC/BSB 2014 season launch party, along with R&G Product Pop Up Shop, Road & Custom Bike Display by Jack Lilley Triumph and sounds courtesy of DJ Smokey from 7pm 'till late.

Ace Cafe London teams up with T3 Racing to provide Team Hospitality, throughout the 2014 season, for the prestigious factory backed 9 Round, Triumph TriStar R&G Triple Challenge Championship, run as part of the 12 Round BSB race series - British SuperBikes - with one Round this year being run as part of WSB - World SuperBikes!

Pre-booked comprehensive Ace Cafe Racing Team Hospitality, to include admission and paddock pass, is available at all 9 TTC Rounds.

Round 1 - Brands Hatch - 18th - 21st April - BSB R1
Round 2 - Oulton Park - 3rd - 5th May - BSB R2
Round 3 - Donington Park - 23rd - 25th May - WSB
Round 4 - Snetterton - 13th -15th June - BSB R3
Round 5 - Thruxton - 1st - 3rd August - BSB R6
Round 6 - Cadwell Park - 23rd - 25th August - BSB R8
Round 7 - Donington Park - 5th -7th September - BSB R9
Round 8 - Silverstone - 3rd - 5th October - BSB R11
Round 9 - Brands Hatch - 17th - 19th October - BSB R12

Daily on Practise, Qualifying & Race Day at each Round

BREAKFAST (8.30am-10.30am)
Full English featuring Ace Sausages/Bacon

LUNCH (Noon - 2.30pm)
Hot Specialities selected from the Ace Menu

AVAILABLE ALL DAY (8.30am - 5pm)
Soft Drinks, Tea, Coffee, Biscuits, Fruit & Homemade Cakes

PRACTICE DAY:
Friday £30pp/day (includes admission ticket)

QUALIFYING DAY:
Saturday £40pp.day (includes paddock admission)

RACE DAY:
Sunday £50pp/day (includes paddock admission)

ALL THREE DAYS:
£100pp (includes daily paddock admission)

NB: Schedule varies on Bank Holidays

TTC Teams & Triumph Dealers 50% Discount

To book the Ace Hospitality package, please contact:

Lora David, [email protected]
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8961 1000

www.triumphtriplechallenge.com
www.t3-racing.co.uk
www.britishsuperbike.com
www.worldsbk.com

www.ace-cafe-london.com