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  1. The anticipation is building as we approach the fifth round of the 2024 MotoGP season, set to ignite the Le Mans Bugatti Grand Prix racing track in France this weekend. This thrilling event is a key highlight of the 21-race calendar, promising high-speed action and intense competition.  MotoGP Grand Prix De France 2024 Early Look and Odds Preview

    The MotoGP French Grand Prix, a pivotal event in the championship, is set to take place at the Bugatti track in Le Mans. Last year, Marco Bezzecchi emerged as the victor, marking the 1000th weekend of the world championship with his win.

    Last year, the Italian achieved his second Grand Prix triumph after his first success in the Argentine Grand Prix, temporarily propelling him to the championship standings.

    The previous year's MotoGP French Grand Prix was a record-breaking event, with 278,805 spectators flocking to Le Mans over the weekend. This high attendance is a testament to the event's popularity and significance in the MotoGP calendar.

    The MotoGP French Grand Prix has seen intense competition over the years. Jorge Lorenzo, a dominant force in the sport, holds the record for the most wins in this event, with six victories between 2009 and 2016.

    When is the 2024 French Grand Prix?

    The MotoGP French Grand Prix is scheduled for 10-12 May 2024. The race on Sunday will commence at 1 pm BST, equivalent to 2 pm local time.

    Moto GP In France: A Historic Venue

    Certain events on the MotoGP calendar are notably iconic due to the historical significance of the tracks where they take place and the high level of competition they foster. The Grand Prix of France is unquestionably at the forefront in this regard.

    The Bugatti GP Circuit near Le Mans is not just a track, it's a testament to the rich history of World Championship GP Motorcycle Racing. As an integral section of the extensive Circuit de la Sarthe, it has witnessed countless iconic moments and fierce battles. Its 4,200 meters of French asphalt have been graced by the best in the sport, making it a revered venue for MotoGP enthusiasts.

    Francesco Bagnaia & Jorge Martin Battle at the Top of the Standings

    Despite Francesco Bagnaia's best efforts, Jorge Martin still leads the championship by 17 points going into this weekend's French GP. However, there is still plenty of opportunity for riders to gain distance in the title race since there are 17 rounds left in the season.

    Martin has been impressive on his path to a 92-point performance in early 2024. His consistent top-two finishes in weighted predator and prey throughout the season reflect the aggressive riding style that the Spaniard employs. When comparing 2024 to previous seasons, Martin also performs better in terms of consistency and quickness. On the other hand, his 50% average accident rate at Le Mans and 25% in-season crash rate are causes for concern.

    On his Ducati Lenovo Team bike, defending champion Bagnaia is closing the gap quickly on Martin. Although Bagnaia has had success thus far, his rankings in consistency are concerning, as he sits at number sixteen, and in degradation, he is ranked eleventh. This shows that, in comparison to his competitors, Bagnaia has had trouble getting into a rhythm and managing his tires during the race. But he can make clean overtakes stick, as seen by his high-efficiency position. Bagnaia might seize control of the title if he can find a way to be more consistent over the remainder of the season.

    MotoGP Grand Prix of France Betting Odds

    The MotoGP championship odds at top-rated bookies for Irish punters present interesting future prices as they cannot split Martin and Bagnaia from the leading position.

    As previously mentioned, Martin and Bagnaia are currently battling in the championship standings, which is reflected in the sportsbook betting odds.

    Moto GP World Championship Winner Odds 2024

    Francesco Bagnaia [7/4]

    Jorge Martin [7/4]

    Marc Marquez [5/2]

    Pedro Acosta [8/1]

    A Brief History of the Bugatti Circuit

    The first race took place in 1951 and has been contested in Le Mans without interruption since 2000, despite hosting several events starting from 1969.

    Giacomo Agostini became victorious in the 500cc category during the first-ever race on the track by surpassing all other riders in terms of laps completed. The Italian racer won in three further races held in France in 1970, 1972, and 1975. Furthermore, he won a total of eight championships in both the 500cc and 350cc classes.

    Honda has the record for the most wins among manufacturers in the premier class at Le Mans, with a total of 20 triumphs. Their most recent win was in 2019.

    A Closer Look at The Bugatti Circuit The MotoGP

    French Grand Prix takes place at the Bugatti Circuit, situated inside the Circuit de la Sarthe, renowned for hosting the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans automobile race. The Bugatti Circuit spans 2.6 miles (4.185km) and is named in honor of Ettore Bugatti, the renowned Italian-French automotive designer and manufacturer. The track was inaugurated in 1965, 18 years after Bugatti's passing in Paris.

    Certain sections of the Bugatti circuit coincide with the primary 24-hour track, including the pit straight, La Chapelle, Raccordement, and the Dunlop Chicane. After La Chappelle, the track diverges, with the right path leading to the Bugatti circuit and the left path leading to the 24-hour vehicle layout.

    The Bugatti track is also the venue for the 24 Hours of Le Mans motorcycle race, in which Gregg Black, Etienne Masson, and Dan Linfoot triumphed for Yoshimura Sert Motul in April.

    French GP 2024 Qualifying and Race Schedule

    ● Saturday 11th of May – Qualifier 1 – [9:50 am – 10:05 am]

    ● Saturday 11th of May – Qualifier 2 – [10:15 am – 10:30 am]

    ● Saturday 11th May – 13-lap Sprint Race – [2 pm]

    ● Sunday 12th May – Warm Up – [8:40 am – 8:50 am]

    ● Sunday 12th May – French GP Race – [1 pm]

     

     

     

     

     

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  2. A star-studded weekend awaits visitors at Stafford in October as motorcycle legends Carl Fogarty and Frankie Chili have been announced as guests. 

    The roar of stunning machines and motorcycle chatter will once again fill the air at the Stafford County Showground in October following the announcement of guests at The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show sponsored by Carole Nash. 

    Carl ‘Foggy’ Fogarty, a name synonymous with grit and determination, will be joining the event. With his four World Superbike Championship wins, Fogarty remains a fascinating figure in the hearts of racing enthusiasts worldwide. Also revving up the show as a guest is former British Grand Prix and World Superbike race winner Frankie Chili. A true legend of the sport, the Italian racer’s presence promises to elevate the event to new heights of excitement and nostalgia. 

    Hot off the heels of The International Classic Motorcycle Show sponsored by Carole Nash which took place from April 20-21, this October event is set to feature the best of classic bikes, stunning club stands and huge trade and autojumble offers. 

    Exhibition manager, Nick Mowbray said: “We are thrilled to welcome Carl Fogarty and Frankie Chili to the Stafford Bike Show this October. Their presence highlights our commitment to showcasing the history and enduring passion of classic motorcycles”. 

    More details will be released in the coming weeks…keep up to date by visiting www.classicbikeshows.com   

  3. Ace Cafe London is excited to announce the Grand Opening in the USA of Ace Cafe New Hope on Sunday 12th May!
     
    Surrounded by some great roads, New Hope, PA, USA is located by the Delaware river along the route of the Old York Road, the former main highway between Philadelphia and New York City and, in keeping with the Ace heritage and tradition of being a home and destination for all who share a passion for speed, thrills and rock n’ roll, Ace Cafe New Hope will soon be hosting ride-ins, drive-ins, ride-outs and drive-outs, along with a host of meets, gigs and special events
     
    See you at the Ace!
     
    Ace Cafe New Hope
    15 Market Place
    New Hope
    PA 18938
    USA
     
    Listen, revel and be immersed in a mix of the best rock and roll and rockabilly, blended with the London sub-culture sounds, broadcasting 24/7 on online radio and social media.
     

  4. The British Motor Museum is proud to host four special STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) Careers days on 26 June, 27 June, 11 July and 12 July, featuring a range of interactive STEM-based activities for secondary school pupils in years 7 to 10.

    26 & 27 June are for girls only, providing a safe space for girls to meet with industry professionals and inspirational women from the STEM workforce. Both days will begin with an exclusive keynote presentation and Q&A with Louise Reynolds, Director of Procurement at Aston Martin. Louise will share her story as a woman in STEM and her route into her senior role. On 26 June, students will have the chance to meet racing driver Eliza Seville, winner of Formula Woman 2022, to discover what it takes to be a successful woman in motorsport. On 27 June, students will meet Vicki Horrey, Senior Programme Manager for Special Projects at Aston Martin, for a peek behind the curtain at the development of the Aston Martin Valour.

    Students will also enjoy an interactive women-in-motoring themed tour, put their engineering skills to the test alongside current apprentices and graduates from Aston Martin with interactive STEM challenges, take control of remote-controlled Jaguar D-types, learn to master Sphero coding ‘bots with the STEM Ambassadors from MoD Kineton and take on a motorsport wheel change challenge.

    On 11 & 12 July, the STEM Careers Days are open to all secondary students in years 7 to 10. After an exclusive keynote presentation from Louise Reynolds, Director of Procurement at Aston Martin, students will also have the chance to meet Vicki Horrey, Senior Programme Manager for Special Projects at Aston Martin, for a peek behind the curtain at the development of the Aston Martin Valour. Students will enjoy a hands-on Museum tour to discover some of the inspirational people behind the vehicles in the collection and put their engineering skills to the test alongside current apprentices and graduates from Aston Martin with some interactive STEM challenges. They will also take control of remote-controlled Jaguar D-types and take on a fast-paced motorsport wheel change challenge.

    Claire Broader from the Museum's Learning and Engagement Team said, “We’re delighted to be once again hosting our STEM Careers Days, which were incredibly popular and successful last year. We hope these immersive and interactive learning days inspire and empower the engineers and scientists of the future!”

    To continue their learning back at home or school, students will also receive a goody bag containing two STEM activities, including a salt-powered car kit to take away. The cost is just £12.50 per pupil for a full day at the Museum, running from 10am - 2pm. The Museum’s Travel Support Scheme, with the support of Arts Council England, is also available to help cover schools’ transport costs.

    To find out more information about the event, please call 01926 895295 or visit https://www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/learning/schools/secondary/stem.