British Superbike Championship competitor Martin Jessopp has confirmed he will make his much-anticipated Mountain Course debut at the 2014 Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy.

The 28-year old will campaign a BMW S1000RR in the Dainese Superbike, Royal London 360º Superstock and Pokerstars Senior TT Races for his regular Riders Motorcycles team, owned and run by father Phil.

With the exception of 2012 – when he contested the World Supersport Championship – Jessopp has been an ever present in the British Championship paddock since 2004 when he entered the British Superstock Championship on Ducati machinery. The Yeovil rider moved to the British Supersport Championship for the following three seasons enjoying his best season in 2007 when he finished 11th overall with a best result of fifth.

A switch to Honda and a move to the premier British Superbike series followed and Jessopp took second and third in the 2008 and 2009 Privateer’s Cup before making the step up the BSB series proper. Back on Ducatis, and with Michael Rutter as team-mate, Jessopp impressed in 2010 with five top ten finishes from the first eight races including a maiden pole start at Thruxton before a broken leg at the fifth round halted his charge. However, he bounced back in style in 2011 to claim 11th overall with a best finish of fourth at Donington Park and 11 top ten finishes.

However, it’s his road racing results that will have made the most impact on TT fans with excellent performances at both the Macau Grand Prix and North West 200. Having made his debut at Macau in 2007, he proved his talent in 2011 when he took second to Rutter, pushing his more experience teammate all the way, and he repeated the result in 2012 for another superb result.

He made his North-West debut in 2006 and has had numerous top fifteen finishes although cancelled races have prevented him from finishing higher than the 11th he took in the 2008 Superbike race. Indeed, he qualified in second place for the 2011 Superbike Races before becoming the fastest ever man through the speed trap the following year at a phenomenal 208mph on his way to qualifying fifth.

Speaking about the news that he will make his TT debut Martin said: “Having gained road racing experience at the North West 200 and the Macau Grand Prix, I now feel ready to make my TT debut. The TT is the pinnacle of road racing and I am very excited about the opportunity to finally race there. My plan is to work hard and learn the circuit without any pressure to get a result. Hopefully after a few years I’ll have learnt enough to push on and start to challenge towards the front as I have been able to do at the North West 200 and Macau Grand Prix.”

Paul Phillips, TT & Motorsport Development Manager, Isle of Man Government added: “Martin is a rider we have been talking to for a number of years and we are delighted that he feels the time is right to come and take part in our event. He has proven quality on the roads and will add real quality to an already superb entry. It’s also fantastic to have another top quality team in the paddock with Riders Motorcycles who have had such a significant presence in the British Superbike paddock for so many years.”

Millions of people risk losing their job or face difficulty getting work if they drink and drive this Christmas, the Government’s latest THINK! drink drive campaign has revealed today.

The campaign highlights the snowball effect a drink drive conviction can have on future job prospects.

Up to one million people work in jobs they could lose as a result of a drink-drive conviction, while a survey has shown that almost a third (27%) of people would have to give up their job because they rely on a car to get to work.

People who drive as part of their job are particularly vulnerable but someone with a conviction could also be denied access to millions more jobs which are eligible for criminal records checks. These jobs include professional driving jobs, teachers, care workers and jobs in banks and finance.

Any employer can ask to see unspent criminal convictions and research shows that three-quarters of employers admit to taking a criminal conviction into account during the recruitment process.

Launching the ‘Snowball Effect’ drink drive campaign, Transport Minister Robert Goodwill said:

“For many people Christmas is about spending time with friends and family and celebrating, but if drivers have a tipple they should not get behind the wheel.

“Just one drink can put you over the limit and the consequences are devastating – not only will you be cuffed and put in a cell, but if you’re convicted you will lose your licence and, as this research shows, you could even lose your job.”

Edmund King, Automobile Association president, said:

"Drink drive convictions have dramatic and traumatic snowball effects. One third of people will lose their jobs and experience years of hiked insurance premiums. A snowball might melt away quickly whilst the effects of a driving ban last way beyond any winter thaw.

"If you are going to drive - don't drink. If you are going to drink - don't drive."

Simon Edwards, head of logistics at recruiting firm Manpower, said:

“In this highly competitive job market a drink drive conviction puts you at a serious disadvantage. It is very common for a client making a decision between two otherwise equal applicants to favour the individual without a drink drive conviction.

“And with the boom in ecommerce and the exponential rise in the dot.com delivery market a conviction rules candidates out from a new and growing industry.

“Everyday I see the devastating impact of a conviction on a candidate’s ability to get or retain a job and the limits this puts on future opportunities”.

Meanwhile a recent survey by Drink Driver Education has shown that 28% of people with convictions worry about applying for jobs in case they conduct a criminal records check.

A third of respondents said not being able to drive limited their choice of job while 47% said their social lives had been affected because they were unable to visit family or friends.

Roger Singer, Head of Drink Driver Education said:

“I help hundreds of drink drivers every year, and they all say the impact of their conviction is much more severe and far-reaching than they imagined.

“Everyone I meet has been given at least a 12-month driving ban. For many this meant instant dismissal from their jobs, for some it meant resigning because they couldn’t get to work. Many haven’t applied for future roles they want because of the conviction and have got stuck in careers they hate.”

IAM response to Think!'s drink-drive campaign‏

IAM director of policy and research Neil Greig said: "Drivers must understand that drink driving wrecks lives in all sorts of unexpected ways. For some it’s having to live with the guilt of causing a totally avoidable death or injury but for most it’s the economic impact that comes with a criminal record and a driving ban."

"A prosecution can cut off access to certain jobs and limit your chances of promotion. The total cost of losing a job, car and increased insurance can be as much as £50,000.”

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, made a special visit to the Ducati stand on Saturday, 30 November, as part of his official trip to the Motorcycle Live event at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, England.

Tim Maccabee, Managing Director, Ducati UK Ltd hosted the Royal guest, introducing him to the features of the brand new Ducati Monster 1200, in addition to the Ducati Diavel, which the Duke climbed aboard when prompted by a member of the public who shouted: "Go on, get on it!"

With a smile, Prince William duly pleased the crowd by trying the Diavel for size, before meeting former Ducati British Superbike Champion, Shane Byrne, with whom he shared some comments on the enjoyment of riding Ducati Motorcycles.

The Duke also took the opportunity of his visit to have a closer look at the new Ducati 1199 Superleggera, which was making its UK debut at the packed show. The limited edition model of only 500 represents the most exclusive and desirable Ducati in the range and with components in magnesium, carbon fibre, and titanium, the model boasts the highest power-to-weight ratio of any production motorcycle in history.

“It was a real pleasure and an honour to host HRH Prince William on our stand,” commented Tim Maccabee. “He was pleased to take a look around and certainly seemed to enjoy sitting on the different models. He commented on how light the Diavel was, but I think he favoured the 1199 Superleggera.”

The visit was completed with a look at the new Ducati 899 Panigale and an overview of the Ducati TriOptions Cup series in which the model will compete, announced for 2014 as a support race within the British Superbike Championship.

Triumph LIVE is back in 2014. Even bigger and even better than ever at its new home - the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon.

The one day event will feature a huge selection of family friendly activities with live stunt shows, Hinckley factory tours, road and off-road demo rides, to name but a few.

Visitors will also enjoy a variety of retail zones and further attractions to keep them busy throughout the day. 

As the day draws to a close Triumph fans will be treated to an eclectic selection of live music sets to get the party started.

Early bird tickets are on sale now at just £20 with any under 16s welcome absolutely free!

Weekend camping tickets are also available at just £8 per person during the early bird period.

Be quick though; ticket prices will increase on March 1st to the advanced rate (entry £25, camping £10).

Buy your early bird tickets here >

With the support of event partners Footman James Insurance Brokers, Bonhams Auctioneers & Old Bike Mart the VMCC is pleased to announce the 66th VMCC Banbury Run will take place on Sunday 8th June 2014.

With 600 entrants the VMCC Banbury Run is the biggest gathering & run in the world for machines manufactured before 1931. Operating over 3 different routes which all converge back on Gaydon the Banbury Run caters for those who wish to enter a timed event or those who just enjoy the thrill of riding with so many other Vintage, Veteran & Pioneer bikes. Discounted entry fees will be available for Veteran machines (manufactured prior to 01/01/1915) to encourage more of the very oldest bikes to enter the event.

In conjunction with auction partner Bonhams, the VMCCs Vintage Training Day stays as part of the programme making for a real Vintage Weekend.

All 600 Banbury Run places sell out before the closing date of 28/02/14 so it’s important that entry forms (which are available from VMCC HQ on 03/01/14) are returned as quickly as possible. 
The Bonhams Auction.

Event partner Bonhams will again be holding a sale of Pioneer, Veteran and Vintage Motorcycles the afternoon before the run on Sat 07/06/14. The venue for the auction will be Bonhams prestigious saleroom at Banbury Rd, Shipton on Cherwell, Kidlington, Oxford, OX5 1JH. 

The Autojumble

Supported by Old Bike Mart the famous Banbury Run autojumble is always a favourite as one of the best sources of Veteran & Vintage Motorcycle spares. If you are interested in an autojumble pitch please contact Natalie Thornhill at VMCC HQ or e-mail [email protected]

VMCC Vintage Training Day in conjunction with Bonhams Auctioneers

The VMCCs famous Vintage Training Day remains part of the event when Saturday 07/06/14 sees Vintage Virgins get the chance to learn to ride hand change and girder fork machines under supervision from their (VMCC Member) owners. Entry forms & more details will be available from VMCC HQ after 01/02/14.

Can you help?

We rely on dozens of volunteers to make the event happen. We always require marshals to help at the checkpoints on the various routes or on the actual site and can promise you not only a great day out but also a packed lunch!  To find out how you can help please contact Helen Bensley at VMCC HQ [email protected] 

The dedicated event website www.banbury-run.co.uk not only has all the latest event information but also has all the entry forms etc to download as from 03/01/14.