Category: Events and Shows

1. Motul Joins Forces With The International Dirt Bike Show‏

   Posted on 5:00pm Wednesday 29th Jun 2016

   LEADING European oil and lubricant specialist Motul is to be the official partner of the 2016 International Dirt Bike Show, the two parties have announced.

   The manufacturer has teamed up with the premier indoor off-road motorcycle exhibition as it reveals the launch of 13 new bespoke products for the dirt bike market.

   Motul brand manager Richard Barrett said: “The International Dirt Bike Show has gone from strength to strength in recent years and Motul is proud to partner with the biggest and best off-road event on the calendar.

   “We have a great range of MX specific products which will be showcased to thousands of visitors by some of our top riders. I can’t wait for October 27 now.”

   The event runs for four days at Warwickshire’s Stoneleigh Park from October 27-October 30, welcoming thousands of riders and enthusiasts looking to stock up on care and maintenance products, riding kit, accessories and more.

   Major marques will be showcasing their ranges, including 2017 models for motocross, trials and enduro, and there’ll be a host of live action and entertainment for all the family either on stage or in the live action halls.

   International Dirt Bike Show commercial director Nigel Hole said: “We’re delighted to be working with Motul as we continue to develop the International Dirt Bike Show for our visitors from the UK, Europe and across the world.

   “It is a prestigious brand recognised by all in the scene and we look forward to seeing the partnership in action both in the build up to the event, and at Stoneleigh Park later in the year.”

   For more information on the show, trade and tickets, plus visitor and exhibitor news, see dirtbikeshow.co.uk

2. British Superbike star Hickman special guest at IAM RoadSmart birthday party this Saturday‏

   Posted on 9:00am Tuesday 28th Jun 2016

   British Superbike star Peter Hickman has been confirmed as a special guest at the IAM RoadSmart 60th anniversary bike party on 2nd July at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham.

   Peter, or Hicky as he is better known, races this year for the JG Speedfit Kawasaki Team and currently stands eighth in the series with one win so far. By coincidence his race number is 60 in 2016.

   Peter also raced at the Northwest 200 and Isle of Man TT this year. He scored two podiums at the Northwest and became the fourth fastest rider ever at the TT this year with a 132.465mph lap in the Superbike race.

   Peter will be on the ‘Stars on Stage’ discussion panel which will take place three times during the day, alongside seven times Isle of Man TT winner Mick Grant. MC for the discussion forum will be Steve Plater, 2009 British Supersport champion.

   The event is a celebration of all things motorbike, while also marking the 60^th birthday of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, now renamed IAM RoadSmart.

   Established in 1956, the Institute of Advanced Motorists introduced its advanced motorcycle test in 1976. By 1994 more than 250,000 had taken and passed the advanced test for drivers and riders. Today more than 400,000 have passed it.

   Peter will be joined for the Stars on Stage sessions, which will allow visitors to put their questions to the guests, by Mick Grant. Mick won the fearsome Isle of Man TT race seven times in the 70’s and 80’s.

   MC for Stars on Stage will be Steve Plater, 2009 British Supersport champion and twice Isle of Man TT winner.

   During the funday there will be a slow riding skills contest, offering the chance to show just how good you are - but keeping the speed way down. This is being looked after by Birmingham Advanced Motorcycle Group.

   There will also be a marketplace featuring a number of exhibitors including Intaride, National Association of Disabled Bikers and the National Association of Blood Bikes, and the chance to stock up on memorabilia and useful bike accessories during the day.

   Tickets are just £10 each which includes a barbecue lunch and a tour of the National Motorcycle Museum.

   Peter Hickman said: “I am really looking forward to coming along to help IAM RoadSmart celebrate its 60^th anniversary. Helping so many people become better riders is a real achievement. I know that being safe and precise was my way of becoming a winner – and using these skills on real roads is it’s just as big an achievement.”

   “I applaud anyone who has become an advanced rider, and look forward to meeting so many enthusiasts this Saturday.”

   Tickets are available online through our special event page or by calling 0300 303 1134.

3. Nicky Hayden to return to Goodwood Festival of Speed

   Posted on 10:00am Saturday 25th Jun 2016

   Honda WorldSBK rider Nicky Hayden is one of the stars of this year’s ‘Goodwood Festival of Speed’, which takes place this weekend in the grounds of Goodwood House in West Sussex, England. This will be the second time that the 34-year-old American rider has taken part in the iconic event that gathers together the best of four and two-wheel machines old and new, along with famous sportsmen, celebrities and an incredible crowd of motorsport enthusiasts.  

   The ‘Kentucky Kid’ will take on the legendary Goodwood House hillclimb aboard the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP he is currently racing in his rookie World Superbike season. He will do it four times during the weekend: the first two on Saturday the 25th of June at 9:55 and 13:50, with the other two being scheduled for Sunday at 10:45 and 14:30.

   He will also take part in a series of media activities, including two Q&A sessions at the Honda stand, one on Saturday at 16:30 and the other at 10:00 the following day.

4. Bernie Tormé - Saturday Night Main Headline at Stormin’ the Castle at Stormin’ the Castle 2016

   Posted on 9:00am Friday 24th Jun 2016

   Stormin’ the Castle are pleased to announce that legendary guitarist Bernie Tormé will headline the Main Stage on Saturday night. 

   Guitar legend, blues rock psychedelic shredmeister, glam punk sleaze rock frontman: Bernie Tormé has enjoyed a long and remarkable career. Hit records, world tours and international acclaim came as lead guitarist in Gillan in the 80’s. Bernie stepped in for Ozzy Osbourne in the aftermath of guitar legend Randy Rhodes tragic death before going on to front Electric Gypsies and Tormé. Teaming up with Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider and Iron Maiden’s drummer Clive Burr he formed Desperado and later reunited with ex-Gillan colleague, John McCoy and drummer Robin Guy in Guy McCoy Tormé (GMT).

   More recently, Bernie Tormé has been touring with Chris Heilmann (bass) and Ian Harris (drums) releasing two critically-acclaimed solo albums, ‘Flowers & Dirt’ (2014) and ‘Blackheart’ (2015). Both were crowdfunded, connecting Bernie directly with his fans.

   Bernie: “In the past you were pretty distant and separated from your fans with a record label in between. Making these albums with pledge campaigns has been a great experience. I like having the connection with fans and getting the feedback direct on making an album.”

   His love of performing is still strong: “I feel very lucky, very blessed, to be able to still perform live and as long as I can keep doing it I will!”. In 2013 Bernie started playing solo gigs again returning, once more, to his favoured format of the three piece line- up. 2014 saw the release of the critically acclaimed ‘Flowers & Dirt’ double album and a UK tour, followed by ‘Blackheart’ in 2015 and a further successful UK tour.
   Bernie Torme has recorded over 24 albums in his career to date as a solo artist or band member.

   www.storminthecastle.co.uk

5. Top Gear presenters confirmed as special guests at IAM RoadSmart 60th anniversary celebration‏

   Posted on 9:00am Wednesday 22nd Jun 2016

   Two of the longest serving presenters of popular BBC motoring show Top Gear have been confirmed as panel guests for the IAM/IAM RoadSmart 60th anniversary car party on 9 July. And they will be joined by one of the organisation’s youngest representatives on the panel, who is just 18.

   Chris Goffey, who co-presented from 1981-2000 and Sue Baker, who co-presented from 1980-91, will be at IAM RoadSmart’s birthday event at the British Motor Museum at Gaydon.

   They will be joined on the panel by Paddy Hopkirk, legendary rally and race driver; and winner of the 1964 Monte Carlo and 1967 Acropolis Rallies. The trio will talk about their long and successful careers, share their views on current motoring and motorsport topics and take questions from the audience.

   In addition, the viewpoint of the young driver will be given by our fourth panellist - 18-year-old advanced driver and IAM RoadSmart Young Driver Ambassador Eloise Peabody-Rolf.

   The event will be a celebration of all things motoring, while looking at the many highlights of the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) and now IAM RoadSmart’s 60 years. In that time, the charity has remained dedicated to promoting safer driving initiatives and making better drivers and riders through advanced driving and riding techniques.

   Established in 1956, the Institute of Advanced Motorists came onto the motoring landscape at a time when there were more than 5,000 deaths a year on UK roads. By 1994, 250,000 people had taken and passed their advanced test. Today the numbers of people killed on UK roads stands at slightly over 1,700.

   To date more than 400,000 people have passed the advanced test for drivers and riders, which is delivered by over 200 local groups around the country. Those groups are ably manned by a network of more than 5,000 volunteers.

   Chris said: “I am delighted to be a part of IAM RoadSmart’s 60th anniversary. I also look forward to meeting so many real enthusiasts who know so much about the UK motoring scene over the years. I’m sure myself and Sue sharing our tales of our Top Gear years will be a lot of fun.”

   Added Sue, who takes her advanced test every decade to ensure her skills are up-to-date, said: “I really enjoyed my time on Top Gear, and alongside Chris and Paddy it should be a lively discussion with a lot of laughs. I am looking forward to celebrating IAM RoadSmart’s 60 years on the day.”

   Eloise said: “I am happy to be a part of IAM RoadSmart’s birthday party. It’ll be great to bring a different perspective to the panel, and shows that the organisation welcomes the opinions of young people.”

   For more information about the event and to book tickets online (at £10 a person), click here

   Or you can book over the phone on 0300 303 1134.

   IAM RoadSmart has a similar party a week earlier for biking enthusiasts. Taking place at the National Motor Museum on 2 July 2, more information can be obtained here.