Automotive industry charity, Ben, is calling on automotive people to step up to its new Big Walk fundraising challenge on 8th September. As May is National Walking Month, the charity is launching Ben’s Big Walk, inviting members of the automotive family to take the first step and sign up to the challenge.

The charity is calling on people from across the automotive industry to grab their walking shoes and get moving with friends, family and colleagues in Ben’s Big Walk. There are two locations so participants can choose to take part at the South Downs or Hadrian’s Wall and there are two challenges to choose from in terms of distance, a full marathon or half marathon.

In the South Downs walk, participants will start just outside Brighton and will experience breathtaking views as well as testing, undulating terrain before finishing in Eastbourne. Participants of the Hadrian's Wall trek will journey alongside one of the largest ancient monuments in Northern Europe in this world-famous historic landscape. Whichever the chosen route, it will be a tough but rewarding challenge with lots of support from like-minded members of the automotive family – all putting their best foot forward to help raise vital funds at a time when Ben is supporting more people than ever.

Next steps - sign up
Take the first step to Ben’s Big Walk this September: click here

When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them.

From 14^th place on the grid to another podium finish in what was an exciting Catalan afternoon, with Marc Marquez the absolute star. It was not a stellar star this time (albeit a good one), but the talent displayed this time was of a different type: patience. A consistent and relentless comeback, one that surprised even Marc himself who realised he was on the podium only after the chequered flag. 
 
Alex Marquez also put together a great race. The rider #73 knew he could be competitive in the Sunday race and the seventh position at the finish line is the confirmation of the great work done, despite an underwhelming qualifying performance. There is no time to rest, with Mugello around the corner in a few days’ time. 

3^rd - MARC MARQUEZ #93
“We keep improving each day, but it’s clear that it’s not always possible to save the weekend as we did here and in Le Mans. On the other hand, at this track, which is the worst on the calendar for my riding style, two podiums are surely a great achievement and bode well for the rest of the season. Now let’s focus on Mugello and especially on solving the issues on the single-lap performance.”
 
7^th - ALEX MARQUEZ #73
“I had a good feeling throughout the weekend and today’s result shows it. I struggled a bit at the beginning of the race today, maybe also due to the fact that I didn’t want to destroy the soft tyre, but also in the battle with Enea and Brad. It’s good anyway, but it’s clear we need to find something extra during Fridays, starting from Mugello.”

Electric motorcycle brand, Torrot, has partnered with the FIM E-Xplorer Championship for the 2024 season. This year marks the second time the brands have joined forces to bring the entire Torrot range to the paddock's 'Fan Village'. 

With models available for riders aged three to 14, the full Torrot line-up can be found at each of the five E-Xplorer rounds to not only see, but also, experience with test rides available in a dedicated area.  

Both brands have a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation, Torrot's involvement offers the next generation of rider - and maybe even racer - an entry into the world of sustainably powered two-wheelers. 

Following the success of the inaugural season of the all-electric, all-terrain motorcycle FIM World Cup, the 2024 season kicked off in style in Osaka, Japan, for the first round in February. Oslo, Norway, played host to the second round of the Championship and the third round is a doubleheader, taking place in Vollore-Montagne, Auvergne, Central France, 20-22 June 2024. 

Find the full E-Xplorer calendar here. 

John Dixon, CEO of Torrot, comments: "The ethos of the E-Xplorer Championship correlates exactly with what we believe in at Torrot - having fun sustainably. We also believe strongly in promoting gender equality, especially within motorsport, so for us, extending our partnership was never in question."

About Torrot

In 2011 Torrot was reborn, embarking on a journey to craft cutting-edge electric vehicles with strong environmental consideration and reviving a brand steeped in historical popularity. The brand’s ethos then, mirrors the present day philosophy: to manufacture practical, comfortable, sturdy vehicles that enhance mobility and make daily life more enjoyable and convenient. Torrot continues to keep these principles at the centre of the business, championing sleek designs, using state-of-the-art technology and sustainable manufacturing, with the aim of caring for the world we all live in. 

About E-Xplorer 

The E-Xplorer FIM World Cup is a cutting-edge, international electric all-terrain motorcycle racing series, founded by a team of visionaries, including Valentin Guyonnet, Carina Munte, Alejandro Agag, and Eric Peronnard. This event is the epitome of excitement, technological advancement, environmental sustainability, and adventure, catering to a diverse audience. The competition comprises private and factory teams, with each team consisting of two riders of both genders. These teams will compete in a range of thrilling races, held at various locations, including city streets and natural terrains. Get ready to witness the pinnacle of racing excellence at the E-Xplorer FIM World Cup.

SHARK Helmets is pleased to announce a brand-new collaboration with Troy Lee Designs (TLD), launching brand-new graphics across the iconic Spartan, Skwal and Ridill ranges. Each unique Troy Lee design encompasses a bold expression of individuality and passion.  

The collaboration between Troy Lee Designs and SHARK Helmets, both part of the 2Ride group, brings a unique synergy, where SHARK’s aero-focused protective technologies seamlessly merge with Troy Lee Designs’ avant-garde, innovative and disruptive style. A perfect combination.

The Spartan RS, SHARK’s first 22.06 helmet featuring a combination of multiaxial composite shell and multi-density EPS ensures the highest level of protection, will be available in the limited edition RACESHOP design from Troy Lee’s portfolio. Taking inspiration from the iconic chequered race flag, riders can choose between the traditional black and white or black silver anthracite. Prices start from £399.99.

The Spartan GT Pro is now available in two new Troy Lee Designs graphic colourways. The limited edition FLAGSTAFF graphic has an Americana influence with the glossy variant using the white, red and blue colourway enhanced by stars throughout. For those opting for more of a matte look, the Spartan GT Pro FLAGSTAFF graphic can be purchased in a Black Anthracite Silver variant. Both graphics are priced at £469.99.

The Americana inspiration has been enhanced further to a full US FLAG graphic for the 22.06 Skwal i3. Launched last year, the Skwal i3 is the world’s first helmet with integrated brake lights for ‘Intelligent Visibility’. Designed without the need for Bluetooth or wires, the industry-leading tech uses an inbuilt triaxial accelerometer to activate the bright red LED’s on the rear of the helmet in the event of braking. The front of the helmet also has white LEDs for active rider visibility to oncoming traffic. The Troy Lee Designs US FLAG helmets come in Red/Blue/White and Silver/Black with an RRP of £309.99.

The D-Skwal has also received an updated ‘Troy Lee Designs’ look in a new DRONE creation. The DRONE design gives an ultra-futuristic look and feel to the D-Skwal 3, with graphics placed specifically to make the aggressive helmet look even fiercer. The 22.06 update was introduced last year (2023) and with it brought a high-impact LEXAN™ polycarbonate injection shell with an Optical Class 1 anti-scratch with Pinlock® 70 visor. Riders can choose from a glossy black helmet with white accents, a glossy silver helmet with black accents or a mat black with silver accents. The TLD D-Skwal 3 has an RRP of £239.99.

SHARK’s entry-level helmet, the Ridill 2 – also with a high-impact LEXAN™ polycarbonate injection shell – has two exclusive Troy Lee Designs makeovers: APEX and MATRIX CAMO. As the MATRIX CAMO name suggests it offers a cross between a traditional camo print combined with an ultramodern cyber creation. Riders can choose between glossy White/Silver/Red or a mat black with green accents for the MATRIX CAMO and for the APEX, there is the choice of Black/White/Blue or Silver/Black/Orange. Both TLD Ridill 2 creations have an RRP of £179.99.

Troy Lee, founder of Troy Lee Designs, comments: “My design philosophy is to try to make things look fast. If we can make it look fast sitting still, then it looks really cool on the track. Everything I do, I try to tell a story of where it came from and why we’re doing it. It’s been about a year now since we partnered with SHARK and it has been a dream of mine to get in the street market. I’ve been painting street helmets for a long time and I think we’re just getting the wheels started here. We’re going to do some really cool stuff including this new collection that we’ve been working on for the last year.”

This partnership not only redefines on-track stylishness but elevates safety standards, placing a strong emphasis on the aerodynamic excellence of SHARK Helmets.

To see the full range from SHARK or to locate your nearest SHARK helmet dealer, visit www.nevis.uk.com

It was not the afternoon that was expected at Montmeló today, as the sixth event of the 2024 world championship season got underway. Both Alex and Marc Marquez, after being among the protagonists of today’s on-track action, could not capitalise when it mattered the most as they finished Practice in 11^th and 12^th place, respectively.
 
Nothing is irreversible, however, although there will be a little bit of extra pressure in tomorrow’s Q1 after nearly missing out of a direct seed in the final moments of the afternoon session. Alex crashed out (uninjured) at turn ten, with his tumble bringing out the yellow flags and, at the same time, taking Marc’s last opportunity away.

11^th - ALEX MARQUEZ #73 (1’39.113s)
“Obviously the crash didn’t help but it’s also true that feeling-wise it has been the best Friday of the season so far. We knew the Ducatis would suffer a bit more compared to other bikes, but it’s part of the game. We need to work ahead of tomorrow but the goal is to make it into Q2.”
 
12^th - MARC MARQUEZ #93 (1’39.153s)
“I must admit that I wasn’t feeling very comfortable already in the early stages of the afternoon session and then I couldn’t make the most of the soft tyre. It’ll be hard tomorrow as we know that Q1 is the worst session of the weekend, but we’ll give it all and see how it goes. This is not one of my favourite tracks and this Friday confirmed my worries. Let’s thing about having a great Q1 and we’ll see from there.”