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  2. Bike legend pays homage to local hero

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    Motor cycling legend Carl Fogarty will be roaring into North Wales next month - and is looking forward to meeting a local hero.

    Four times World Superbike Champion, multiple TT winner and arguably Britain's best ever motor cycle racer, Carl Fogarty MBE, is the star attraction at the Motorbike Show in Llangollen.

    The increasingly popular bike fest, organised by Xuberance Events, is being held at the Royal International Pavilion on Saturday and Sunday, August 7 and 8.

    Carl is full of heartfelt praise Llangollen TT rider Paul Owen who was awarded the inaugural Spirit of the TT Award at this year's races. Paul was following his close friend, New Zealander Paul Dobbs, during the Supersport race at this year's June TT when Dodds crashed. Owen stopped, dismounted, giving up his own race ambitions to assist race marshals in controlling the incident warning other racers of debris in the road.

    Sadly, Dobbs suffered fatal injuries in the high speed crash at Ballagarey. Carl said: "The TT is a fantastic event and I am proud to have won three TT races as it's real between-the-hedges and walls road racing. What Paul Owen did in giving up his own race chances to stop and help was fantastic and really does sum up the spirit of the TT. "I enjoyed being back at the TT this year and took part in the parade lap of former winners before the final race, the Senior TT."

    And Foggy, as he is affectionately known by his army of fans, says he can't wait to catch up with visitors to the popular show in Llangollenas well as his Welsh fans. He said: "I always enjoyed great support from Welsh fans, particularly at Assen for the Dutch rounds of the World Superbike Championships. Assen was always a favourite track of mine and I was always amazed at the number of British fans, many from Wales, who made the journey over to cheer me on. I know Llangollen pretty well and have done some trial riding around the area in the past. I have also got a place on Anglesey. In fact I even had some success racing in Wales. In 1986, 1987 and 1988 I won the 250cc and 1,000cc events at Aberdare at a time when I was really learning my trade and before I moved up to superbikes and factory machinery. So I do have a great connection with Wales. Going to the show makes a change from actually riding and will give me a real chance to catch up with a few friends and fans who gave me so much support over the years. I know the show has only been going a few years but it's already got a big reputation. It's a great place to have a motor cycle show and there's a good mix of different things and attractions going on so it's not just about trade stands, although clearly, that's an important feature of any event."

    But which of his considerable racing achievements does Carl Fogarty think of as his most precious title.

    He said: "They all mean so much I can't really say. The TT wins, and holding the lap record for seven years, is something very special but so are my four World Superbike titles, my three World Formula 1 motor cycling world titles and my World Endurance title too. I have never regretted anything in my career. People often ask whether I think I should have gone and raced in Grand Prix but to be honest I'm not really bothered. I did the odd race but World Superbikes was getting bigger and bigger, I had a crowd of more than 120,000 at Brand's Hatch in 1999 to watch me race, that I didn't see any need to go the Grand Prix route. In fact Grand Prix were declining, crowds were down and it was only when Valentino Rossi came along that it started to pick up again."
     
    And who does the Blackburn flyer consider, other than himself, to be the best racer of all time?

    He said: "The American, Kenny Robert was always my favourite, I loved his style and controlled aggression. The best British riders for me were Joey Dunlop, who was simply awesome at the TT, and Ron Haslam. Those are the riders I grew up watching."

    Organiser David Green, the Managing Director of Xuberance Events, says this year's show will be bigger and better than ever.

    He added: "The local biking fraternity has given us fantastic support from the outset and this year's event will be bigger and better. We have doubled the number of exhibitors ¨C not only selling but also providing advice. This is a show for bikers from all disciplines, from the vintage and classic bikes right through to the road racing bikes."

    One of the highlights of the Motorbike Show will be the popular Biker Babe competition and biker fans can vote for their favourite on the event's website, and it's not yet too late for aspiring biker babes to enter.

    Among the displays at the show will be beautiful old bikes from the collection of Llangollen Motor Museum proprietor Gwilym Owen.

    There will also be motorbike displays, expert advice clinics, a club corner, a live action arena as well as a custom bike show.

  3. Wheels to Work Scheme Helping Young People to Get off Benefits and 'Get on' Motorcycles

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    The Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) is today promoting new Parliamentary activity to gain support for the range of 'Wheels To Work' projects in the UK.

    The MCI is currently lobbying for Government to provide support for national and regional schemes,which are seeking routes to public and private sector funding. MCI is also calling for the creation of a National Coordinator's post to develop the valuable scheme Wheels to Work, which can work with local programmes to help them secure the support that they need.

    Stephen Pound MP has, this week, tabled the Parliamentary 'Early Day Motion; an MPs petition calling on Government to support Wheels To Work. The MCI would urge everyone who supports Wheels to Work to ask their MP to sign the EDM.

    'Wheels to Work' is a term used to describe schemes which provide transport to individuals who are unable to access training, employment or education, due to a lack of suitable public or private transport. Solutions offered can include loan of scooters, mopeds, power assisted bikes or bicycles and in some cases assistance with meeting car running costs.

    Given the proposed level of public expenditure cutbacks both nationally and locally, it is more important than ever for Wheels to Work to be offered support by Government. This is because the investment involved will be more than returned by young people being in work and contributing to the economy, rather than sitting idle and claiming benefits.

    There are now over 40 national schemes across the UK and it is possible to find the local schemes by searching on the website which features a regionalized map www.wheels2work.co.uk/nationalschemes

    Wheels to Work or Wheels to Learning schemes (W2W) can be particularly important for people living in isolated rural communities where public transport is inadequate or only available during business hours. It is widely accepted that a lack of viable transport can have a negative effect on opportunities for training, education and employment, particularly for young people and those living in rural areas.

    Individuals who have taken part in Wheels to Work have commented on how empowering the scheme has been, how it has opened doors that would have previously been closed and how training has enhanced their career prospects.

    Steve Kenward CEO for the MCI commented, " Motorcycles and scooters are a convenient and practical form of transport that can help to reduce social exclusion for many groups of people including young people and especially those that live in areas where there is limited public transport.

    "Wheels to Work is an incredible scheme that is enabling young people to access employment and college and also introducing them to the fun and freedom of a powered two-wheeler for a very reasonable cost. We call on Government to realise that Wheels to Work is an investment which can bring immediate returns and should form a part of any strategy which aims to reduce welfare and benefit dependency.

  4. Ace Cafe London Streetfighter & Stunt Festival

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    Following the lamented loss some while ago of the cafe's infamous annual Streetfighter Sunday, as a consequence of outgrowing the historic North Circular Road premises, Ace Cafe London in association with Stunt UK and the international Stunt Bike Freestyle (SBF) competition, and supported by Streetfighters magazine, have teamed up to present this new Ace Cafe London Streetfighter & Stunt Festival, to be held on Sunday 25th July, 9am - 5pm.
     
    Now relocated to the iconic and world famous venue of Wembley, in addition to trade and industry stands and displays, this inaugural event combines the cafe's legendary Streetfighter Sunday, with showcasing the live action finals of the SBF competition, with riders from France, Germany, USA and Ireland as well as from across the UK.
     
    Other highlights include a Streetfighter 'Best Bikes' display, tyre frying burnouts, Dyno Shoot Out, Show Up n' Shine competition, prizes, awards, a double wheelie machine for those who want to have a go, plus entertainment featuring a host of hot tricks from the East Coast FMX display team and Belinda in her drift car "playing" with stunt rider "Sparky"!
     
    The Ace Cafe London sponsored Harris Performance modified HD XR1200 race bike, will be on display and rider Gary Byrne has promised to 'guest stunt' on a Harley!
     
    The Ace stage, with DJ mixing it up, will also be the focus for the 'Ace Hostess of the Year' competition, the winner of which will have the opportunity not only of two fully paid photo shoots, with Streetfighters magazine and the prestigious and internationally renowned Crossbow Calendars, in which many of the UK's top glamour models have appeared, but will also be the official Ace Cafe London model of choice for a year, with a prize award of £1000 to be paid in the form of fees for appearing in Ace photo shoots, at Ace events as well as events at which Ace attends during the year.
     
    All applicants for "The Ace Hostess of the Year", who must be over 18 years of age, are to apply and submit two recent photographs together with name, contacts details, measurements and interests to Will Jobbins at Streetfighters magazine via email to: [email protected]
     
    London's Air Ambulance is the events chosen charity www.londonsairambulance.com
     
    PROGRAMME & ACTIVITIES
     
    09.00 - 16.00 - Show Up n' Shine Ride-In Competition - Open to the public
     
    09.00 - 16.00 - Urbane Dyno Shoot-Out Competition - Open to the public
     
    09.00 - 16.00 - Streetfighters Magazine Bike Competition - Pre entry only
     
    09.00 - 16.00 - Wheelie Machine - Open to the public
     
    ARENA
     
    09.00 - 10.00  - StuntBike Freestyle Official Competition - Practise
     
    10.00 - 11.30 - StuntBike Freestyle Official Competition - Individual Freestyle
     
    11.40 - 12.00 - FMX Stunt Team Display by Eastcoast FMX
     
    12.10 - 13.40 - StuntBike Freestyle Official Competition - Longest Stoppie
     
    13.50 - 14.10 - Drift Car & Stunt Bike Battle
     
    14.20 - 15.20 - StuntBike Freestyle Official Competition - Sickest Trick
     
    15.30 - 15.50 - FMX Stunt Team Display by Eastcoast FMX
     
    MAIN STAGE
     
    Opens at Noon with DJ & MC
     
    Ace Hostess Of The Year Competition featured throughout the day
     
    16.00 - 16.30 - Ace Hostess Of The Year - Judging & Crowning
     
    16.30 - 17.00  - Presentations & Awards
     
    StuntBike Freestyle Winner
    Streetfighters Magazine Winners
    Show Up n' Shine Winner
    Dyno Shoot-Out Winner
     
    Advance tickets for this adrenalin fuelled event are available from:
     
     
    Or
     
    Ticket Hotline:  ++44 (0)20 8782 5629
     
    Or over the counter at the Ace, where you will also get a free cup of tea or coffee!
     
    Individual £10 ( £7.50 in advance)
    Individual + Bike £10 ( £7.50 in advance)
    Individual + Bike + Pillion £15 ( £12.50 in advance)
    A special family ticket will be available on the gate on the day
     
     

  5. Legendary TV & Film Cars on display at Heritage Motor Centre

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    Batmobile, the new Judge Dredd vehicle, Del-boys Reliant Robin and Shaun the Sheep's Land Rover are just some of the original ‘Star Cars’ on display at the Heritage Motor Centre. Star Cars, which takes place from Saturday 24 July – Sunday 5 September from 10am - 5pm, is a special exhibition featuring a whole host of famous cars from TV and films.

    This exciting new exhibition will take visitors around legendary vehicles such as Batman's & Robins Batcycle, James Bonds Aston Martin Vanquish from ‘Die Another Day’, Lara Crofts Land Rover Defender from ‘Tomb Raider’, James Bonds Aston Martin DBS from ‘Quantum of Solace’, the PGO Cevennes bought by Rosie Webster in ‘Coronation Street’ and Dr Who's 'Bessie' a Siva Ford tourer built for the 3rd Doctor Who.

    Others Star Cars include Lady Penelope's FAB1, Truly Scrumptious Humber 8hp from ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’, the Mini Cooper from the 2003‘Italian Job’, a 1908 Austin Grand prix car from ‘The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes’, Noddy's Car and Yabba-Dabba-Doo, the Flintstones family car and Fred's sports car.

    Running alongside the exhibition will be a number of children's activities themed around Star Car. Daily activities include a Star Car quiz and Star Car colouring competition which all the family can enjoy. 

    Every Thursday a ‘Star Car Activity Day’ will take place in the Education Room featuring a number of special Star Car themed craft activities.  Offered free of charge, children can make their own Hollywood star door plaque, decorate their own Land Rover or make their own Timmy and Shaun the Sheep - just some of the crafts on offer! There will even be some special children's tours led by the Heritage Motor Centre's very own Batman! 

    In addition to the museum, home to the world's largest historic collection of British cars, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities including Go Karts, Miniature Roadway and the 4x4 Experience. Sessions run daily, weather permitting, from 11am – 4:00pm and are open to non-museum visitors. Stop Start - learner driving experiences for 15+ years in dual controlled vehicles are a great way for teenagers to get behind the wheel. The 1 hour sessions cost £30 and include entrance to the museum for the driver. Sessions take place every Thursday and pre-booking is essential.

    Stephen Laing, Museum Curator for the Heritage Motor Centre stated “Our special Star Cars summer exhibition features a fantastic and unique collection of famous cars that visitors can walk around and admire. You would never usually find so many legendary cars together under one roof! Along with Star Cars, children’s quizzes & competitions plus our range of outdoor activities, the Heritage Motor Centre has something for everyone to enjoy this summer”. 

    Visitors can take advantage of the museums ‘Gift Aid' scheme bychoosing to Gift Aid their entry on arrival and receive a 12 months entry ticket at no extra cost. Visitors can then return for a whole year - for free! (terms & conditions apply). Museum entry is: Adult £9, Concession £8, Child (5-16), £7 Family, £28 (2 adults and up to 3 children). Prices per ride for the Go-Karts are £6.00 for adults, £4.00 for children and concessions. Rides for the Miniature Roadway cost £3.00.

    Star Cars is just one of many exciting and unique motoring events held at The Heritage Motor Centre in 2010. To find out more information please visit the website at www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk