Category: Events and Shows

1. Borgo Panigale Experience: the Ducati Factory tours are back

   Posted on 12:00pm Friday 15th Oct 2021

   Ducati continues on its path of reopening to the public and, after restarting the visits to the Museum in May, the long-awaited tours of the factory in Borgo Panigale will also resume from 11 October.

   • The long-awaited guided tours inside the Ducati Factory will resume from 11 October 2021
   • Visitors will have the opportunity to walk through the production lines, observing what goes on inside the factory where Ducati motorcycles are created

   Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy), 7 October 2021 – Ducati continues on its path of reopening to the public and, after restarting the visits to the Museum in May, the long-awaited tours of the factory in Borgo Panigale will also resume from 11 October.

   During the factory tours, visitors, accompanied by an expert guide, will have the opportunity to walk through the production lines, observing what goes on inside the factory where Ducati motorcycles are created.

   Guided tours of the factory can be booked on Monday and Friday, choosing between three visiting shifts in the morning (9.15am - 9.45am - 10.15am) and three in the afternoon (2.30pm - 3pm - 3.30pm). Online booking is required on the dedicated platform for both factory tours and Museum visits.

   In order to ensure the safety and health protection of visitors and workers, access to the facility will be possible by reservation only during the hours indicated with a limited number of entries. The presentation of a valid EU Digital COVID Certificate is mandatory, with the exception of children under 12 years and people unfit for vaccination with a medical certificate.

   The ticket price for the Ducati Museum entrance only is € 17, while the ticket with combined entrance to the Ducati Museum and guided factory tour is available at € 32.

   For more information on visiting hours and days at the Ducati Factory and Museum, visit the dedicated section of the Ducati website.

     

2. Speedway — The UK’s Lost Motorcycle Racing

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 11th Oct 2021

   Go back a few decades and many towns up and down the UK had thriving speedway teams. Sadly though, over the years, those teams have slowly folded for one reason or another. The Bradford Dukes, the Crew Kings, the Ellesmere Port Gunners, the Hull Vikings, and the Newport Wasps are just some of the dozens of names that have been lost in the last few decades.  

   Speedway has excited fans of everything two wheels for around 100 years, with the first races taking place in Australia before spreading to the UK in early 1928. Throughout the 20th century, especially during its second half, interest in the sport grew and grew.  

   It is believed that around 30,000 people turned up to watch the first British speedway meeting at High Beech, a figure that would put it on par with a lower-table Premier League football club today.  

   Through the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, people would cram into local stadiums to watch their team battle it out on track against a visiting opponent. Today, however, many fans have to travel long distances just to go and watch a match. For example, fans of the former Ellesmere Port Gunners team now have to choose between the Belle Vue Aces in Manchester or the Stoke Potters as their home team, both of which are an hour’s drive away.  

   But as the general populace lost interest in motorcycles, speedway fell into decline. 

   What Makes Speedway Different? 

   Any lover of bikes will know there are plenty of two-wheeled motorsports in the world. Here on the British Isles, we’re treated to the Isle of Man TT each year, as well as a round of MotoGP, and our own domestic circuit and dirt racing competitions.  

   Speedway is different. A speedway bike has no brakes and no gears. A meeting is made up of a couple of dozen four-lap heats that are quick sprints around an oval where riders get within millimetres of each other as they slide their machines through shale-covered corners.  

   Anyone that’s been to a speedway meeting will know the unique smell that comes from the methanol-fueled engines. For fans, that smell brings back memories of exciting races that only speedway can offer.  

   Unlike categories like MotoGP, speedway (at least at a domestic level) is a team sport. Each heat is all about getting the most points possible for your team, with different riders coming out each time to make their contribution to the tally.  

   Speedway in the UK vs Abroad 

   While speedway still chugs along in the UK, it is a million miles from the sport in continental Europe. Eastern and northern European countries like Poland, Czechia, and Sweden have well-funded leagues and teams, bigger audiences, and larger stadiums to accommodate them.  

   In fact, in Poland, speedway is often in the top-three national sports, whereas it is very much an “also-ran” in the UK’s list.  

   What Holds Speedway Back in Britain? 

   There is no single reason why speedway doesn’t have the same following that it does elsewhere. Interest in bikes is relatively low among the general population in the UK. In fact, money spent on motorcycles declined sharply between 2011 and 2016, with purchases by the booming motorcycle courier sector responsible for the rise in the years since.  

   The cost of partaking in any motorsport is incredibly high, and it can become prohibitively expensive if you’re funding it yourself. Stories of talented riders like Lukas Hlavac that are unable to compete due to financial issues are common. The former motocross rider ran out of cash to fund his championship campaign during his first season, forcing him to drop out while leading his division, though he has since gone on to enjoy success in the world of professional poker instead. It’s the same in car racing, the Formula 2 driver David Beckmann had to bow before the end of the 2021 season due to financial pressures.  

   Speedway is not immune to these pressures, but the sport doesn’t have the huge crowds delivering millions in revenue from ticket sales or the huge sponsorship deals that can be seen in other competitions. It’s also why talented speedway riders like Craig Cook have to find innovative ways to raise the funds they need to compete at the levels their skills allow.  

   There is a chicken and egg problem here. The funds won’t come without the crowds, but the crowds can’t be attracted without marketing and promotion, and that costs money.  

   Sadly, this means potentially millions of Brits are missing out on the unrivalled excitement that comes from watching speedway, and could, ultimately, lead to its extinction in the UK.  

    

    

    

   article supplied

3. FIVE REASONS WHY YOU NEED TO BE AT THE STAFFORD CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE MECHANICS SHOW ON OCTOBER 9-10!

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 27th Sep 2021

   FIVE REASONS WHY YOU NEED TO BE AT THE STAFFORD CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE MECHANICS SHOW ON OCTOBER 9-10!

   SUMMER has come and passed…however, in the world of classic motorcycling it can only mean one thing - Stafford Classic Bike Show is just around the corner!

   After a tough 18 months, show organiser Mortons Media Group shares its top five reasons why you need to be there!

   1) Road Racing Royalty: Michael Dunlop!

   Nineteen time TT winner Michael Dunlop is set to take centre stage during the course of the weekend, with opportunities for fans to take photographs, have Michael sign their merchandise and listen to interviews with fellow TT star Steve Plater. The Irishman will also be bringing two of his bikes to display on both Saturday and Sunday.

   2) Joey Dunlop Bike Collection!

   The Dunlop dynasty presence continues out into the halls with a fantastic display of machines ridden and owned by Michael’s late uncle and TT record holder, Joey.

   The Joey Dunlop Foundation will be filling its stand with an incredible collection of Honda RC45s; including the original Honda 750 as ridden by Joey in the 1994 TT, where he achieved third place in both the Senior race and Formula 1 race. The charity, which was established in 2001, is also planning to bring the lap record-holding 1999 Jim Moodie Honda RC45 750, which he famously rode at 124.5mph!

   Visitors can also expect to see a further collection of RC45s and CBR 600s as ridden by Ian Simpson, Michael Rutter and Steve Hislop in the Competition Hall.

   3) Bonhams is back!

   Bonhams returns to Stafford with another barnstorming two-day sale offering more than 300 collectors’ motorcycles including two ‘fresh to market’ important single-owner collections.

   The Phil Morris Road Racing Collection of 24 machines is offered direct from the collection in Oswestry: a treasure trove – and one of the world’s largest collections – of motorcycles, leathers and trophies raced, worn and won by some of the most famous names on two wheels and dubbed ‘The Church’ by TT rider Rob Barber.

   This landmark collection is led by no fewer than five MotoGP machines, the entire fleet from the Paul Bird Motorsport team which campaigned in the top-flight series from 2012 to 2014. All Aprilia machines, three are to full Moto GP prototype specification and include the number 1 and number 2 motorcycles from the 2014 season.

   The second collection comprised more than 40 important motorcycles owned by the late acclaimed German film critic Hans Schifferle, led by a rare 1974 Ducati 750 SS; estimate £90,000 – £130,000.

   Known for his work for Süddeutsche Zeitung as a film critic and essayist, Schifferle, who died last year, was also a motorcycle connoisseur, building up his collection over two decades.

   Offering a range of motorcycles from sports bikes to café racers, the collection represents the great Italian, British and American marques, including MV Agusta, Vincent and Indian.

   More than 130 lots of motorcycle spares and memorabilia will also be offered.

   4) LIVE Music!

   The show is making full use of the bandstand this year. As well as using it for interviewing Michael Dunlop, visitors can enjoy multiple sets from a couple of  live bands in there too!

   Catch Ignition live on Saturday for three half-hour sets at 11.30am, 12.30pm and 1.30pm. Ignition is a Staffordshire-based Rockabilly band aiming to replicate the Neo Rockabilly sound of the 1980s. It offers high tempo, hard hitting rock ‘n’ roll with a mix of classics from the 1950s through to the present day.

   On Sunday, visitors can expect something completely different!  The all-singing, all-dancing female close harmony duo The Daisy Belles will be recapturing the authentic sounds of The Andrews Sisters, live on the stage at 11.30am, 12.30pm and 1.30pm.

   Showcasing a delightful mix of classic hits from the bygone years and popular modern songs with a unique twist, the girls have been dazzling audiences internationally with their intricate harmonies, cute vintage choreography and fun loving flare!

   5) Bikes EVERYWHERE!   

   Saving the best ‘til last – Stafford really is all about the bikes… and this October promises to be no exception.

   Lots of the clubs in particular will be celebrating some of their milestone anniversaries with an extra special collection on display for all to see.

   The CBX Riders’ Club (UK) will be celebrating the 40^th Anniversary of the CBX Pro-link, this being the third generation of the fantastic Honda six-cylinder CBX 1000. Honda reconfigured the CBX for 1981 as a sports touring bike, with fairing and side panniers. The rear suspension also changed from dual to mono shock, and saw the introduction of the progressive linkage system - hence the name Pro-Link! Visitors can find the club in one of the side halls at the show.

   Plans are in place for a full return of all the much-loved aspects of the show including the wall of death, massive indoor and outdoor trade and autojumble and club stands. There’ll be bikes everywhere, live trials action and live music too, with no planned restrictions in place. More details can be found on the website: www.staffordclassicbikeshows.com

   Tickets are on sale now at an early bird price of £13 until October 4. Visit www.staffordclassicbikeshows.com or call 01507 529529 to purchase.

4. Welcome back to Motorcycle Live 2021 - A warm welcome awaits

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 22nd Sep 2021

   A Warm Welcome Awaits

   Calling all motorcycle enthusiasts! The UK’s biggest motorcycle show Motorcycle Live, in association with Bikesure Insurance, returns for 2021 from 4th – 12th December, and promises show-goers a fun-filled day out. Four halls of The NEC will be bursting with manufacturers, new products, opportunities to ride, and stacks of entertainment.

   Motorcycle Live can’t wait to Welcome Back over 50 motorcycle manufacturers, hundreds of exhibitors, and thousands of visitors. Full of features and entertainment, Experience Adventure is bigger and better, where visitors can get a taste of adventure themselves or watch the professional riders at work. Learning to ride has never been easier with the return of MCIA Try Ride, in Association with MCN, and the popular Classic and Custom Zones are back.

   There are nine Opportunities to get on two-wheels at the show including the Test Ride Zone for experienced riders, and a Kiddimoto track for our younger fans.

   Manufacturers are also back in force, with BMW, Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki and many more all in attendance. Electric Boulevard is a brand-new riding feature designed to allow visitors to experience electric machines & technology.

   Brand new 2022 models from over 50 manufacturers will be making their UK debut, with UK premieres planned during the nine days. The Black Horse Stage will be bringing the Atmosphere with racer and celebrity interviews, whilst riders go head to head with Question of Bikes, with team captains Neil Hodgson and James Whitham. Christmas! It’s the perfect time to tick off those presents for a motorcycle-mad loved one. Kickstart your Motorcycle Live journey today!

   Motorcycle Live 2021 at The NEC, Birmingham opens its doors at 09:00am Saturday 4 December. Discounted advanced tickets are now on-sale and available from motorcyclelive.co.uk

5. British Motor Museum hosts FREE 'Gaydon Gathering' evening event - 14th September

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 8th Sep 2021

   The British Motor Museum is to host its next FREE 'Gaydon Gathering' evening on Tuesday 14th September from 5pm – 8:30pm. The event, which was re-launched in April this year, is an informal evening aimed at motoring enthusiasts and is completely free to attend. These friendly gatherings take place outdoors on the Museum's arenas on the second Tuesday every month and see hundreds of vehicles of all makes and models on display. Pre-booking is essential.   

   At 6:30pm the Museum will present the 'Gaydon Garage' when the workshop doors open to reveal one of the fantastic vehicles from the collection that is not often seen out of the Museum. The vehicle will be driven out around the site for everyone to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells! Hints as to what the car is are posted each month on the Museum’s social media channels in the run up to the event!

   Tom Caren, Show Manager at the British Motor Museum stated “Come along and enjoy a fantastic gathering. It doesn’t matter if you have a vehicle or not, or if your vehicle is British or not, if it’s a car, commercial, military, bus, motorbike, scooter, tractor or any other interesting vehicle, just bring it along. Be it classic, veteran, vintage or a modern classic – all are welcome. It’s an opportunity for petrol heads to indulge their passion with like-minded people - whilst having a burger and a drink, hopefully in the autumn sunshine!”

   Display vehicles will be parked in front of the Museum whilst there will be separate free parking for those that arrive in modern everyday vehicles. Visitors can also enjoy refreshments including burgers, tea, coffee and soft drinks. Please note that the Museum itself will not be open for the evening gatherings.

   The last outdoor gathering for 2021 will take place on the Tuesday 12 October, then over the winter they will take the gatherings inside as a series of ‘Museum Lates’ - a chance to view elements of the collections in more detail. More information on these will follow shortly, but they will also take place on the second Tuesday evening of the month, in November, January and March and pre-booking will remain essential.

   For more information and to book your FREE tickets for September’s Gaydon Gathering visit www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/whats-on/gaydon-gathering-september

   Pre booking is essential.