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Which motorcycle legend would you like to enter Motor Sport Hall of Fame in 2018?
The list of nominees has been revealed, and voting is now open
Twelve of the greatest names in motorcycle history have been shortlisted for the Motor Sport Hall of Fame Awards in 2018. The prestigious event takes place on 4 June 2018 in the spectacular surroundings of the Royal Automobile Club’s Woodcote Park in Surrey, and its down to motorcycle fans to vote who will be the next to join legends such as the late great John Surtees, Giacomo Agostini, John McGuinness, Valentino Rossi and its latest inductee Barry Sheene.
The 2018 nominees are:
- Mike Hailwood MBE: few could forget the victorious late-1970s TT return of ‘Mike the Bike’, a fabulous encore for a peerless career that resulted in 14 Isle of Man wins and nine Grand Prix world championships.
- Geoff Duke OBE: the Isle of Man legend was a household name in the 1950s, winning three world titles for Norton before repeating that success with Gilera.
- Soichiro Honda: as founder and president of the eponymous marque, Honda had a seismic impact on the world of motorcycling.
- Casey Stoner: the Australian star dominated the 2007 season with Ducati, then switched to Honda for 2011 to become a two-time MotoGP champion by the age of 26.
- Wayne Rainey: a fierce rivalry with fellow nominee Kevin Schwantz lit up the top division of Grand Prix racing, and inspired him to take a hat-trick of championships in 1990, ’91 and ’92.
- Kevin Schwantz: 25 times a Grand Prix winner and the 1993 500cc world champion, the hard-charging Schwantz was part of a golden era for motorcycle racing.
- Freddie Spencer: the versatile ‘Fast Freddie’ scored a historic double in 1985, claiming both the 250cc and 500cc world titles.
- Kenny Roberts: America’s first world champion and a fierce safety campaigner, Roberts secured his third and final title in 1983 after a memorable season-long battle with Freddie Spencer.
- Joey Dunlop OBE: a genuine icon of road-racing, ‘Yer Maun’ still holds the record for the most TT wins – a remarkable 26 victories over the course of 23 years.
- Eddie Lawson: as part of an incredible group of American racers who starred during the 1980s and ‘90s, Lawson won four 500c world championships.
- Mick Doohan: the dominant force during the 1990s, Aussie Doohan won five consecutive 500cc titles from ’94.
- Jim Redman MBE, During the sport’s golden era in the 1960s, no star shone brighter than six time world champion Jim Redman, achieving a unique 'hat trick' of double wins in 1963, 1964 and 1965 in the Lightweight & Junior Races
You can vote for your chosen inductees by visiting here
The 2018 inductees will be announced at the Motor Sport Hall of Fame Awards dinner, held at the Royal Automobile Club, Woodcote Park on June 4 2018.
All voters will be entered into a special prize draw to win a package for two to the Le Mans Classic 2018, courtesy of Grandstand Motor Sports. Not only that, the lucky winner will also receive a beautiful Christopher Ward C7 Rapide Chronograph COSC Limited Edition watch, courtesy of Hall of Fame timing partner Christopher Ward.
About the Motor Sport Hall of Fame
Now in its seventh year, the Motor Sport Hall of Fame celebrates the greatest names in racing across Formula 1, motorcycling, sports cars, and other disciplines. Previous inductees include heroes such as Jim Clark and Tazio Nuvolari, as well as Stirling Moss, Niki Lauda and Alain Prost among others. The event is held at the exclusive Royal Automobile Club and attracts many stars from the world of motor sport. The ceremony is now an established fixture in the motor racing calendar. For more information about the 2018 event, visit: www.motorsportmagazine.com/hall-of-fame
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The Manx Motor Cycle Club, organisers of the Manx Grand Prix, are pleased to announce an additional race to the 2018 Race Programme with a second Lightweight Race added to the traditional schedule on the last race day and expected to quickly become an integral part of the event.
Practising for this year’s event will commence on Saturday 18 August with the MGP Races starting on Monday 27 August when the four lap Newcomers Race will signal the start of the five race programme. Wednesday 29 August features the Junior Race in the morning followed by the first Lightweight MGP Race later in the day.
Friday 31 August will see the second Lightweight Race open proceedings followed by the Blue Riband Senior Manx Grand Prix.
Club Chairman, Harvey Garton, commented:
“Following feedback from the 2017 races, it was acknowledged that the event would benefit from two races on the final day and the club felt the best way forward was to incorporate a second Lightweight Race to complement the very popular Senior Manx Grand Prix.” There's good news for fans wanting to experience the Manx Grand Prix in person. Information on travel and accommodation options as well as grandstand seats can be obtained from the Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling’s authorised Travel Partners - iomtt travel - by calling +44 (0) 1624 640 011.
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After many months of extensive development, SHARK Helmets is pleased to present its brand new collection for 2018. Designed with the unrivalled expertise of the French brand, the new range once again uses innovation and aesthetics to enhance performance, style and safety.
The full collection will be on display at the SHARK Helmets stand at Motorcycle Live, at The NEC, Birmingham from 18-26 November 2017. This will include six new models: SKWAL 2 VARIAL ATV-DRAK EVO-ONE 2 S-DRAK X-DRAK Pulse Division
The Pulse Division spearheads SHARK Helmets’ line of best-sellers including the SPARTAN, SKWAL and D-SKWAL. 2018 will see the introduction of the new SKWAL 2, with an injected shell, and completely reconfigured and restyled with a new "aggressive" design, a new LED system with even more powerful lighting and optimised aerodynamics. The SKWAL 2 will be available in four plain and 23 colour graphic options, including replica designs based on those of the internationally-renowned, professional stunt team Switch Riders. Also new in the Pulse range will be: Four new colour schemes on the SPARTAN CARBON, plus two Guintoli replicas. Four new colour schemes on the SPARTAN, plus two Lorenzo White Shark replicas and a Redding replica. Three new colour schemes on the D-SKWAL, plus two Sam Lowes replicas and two Carl Fogarty replicas. One new colour scheme on the VANCORE. Four new colour schemes on the RIDILL. SKWAL 2: RRPs range from £199.99 to £249.99. Available in XS to XL SPARTAN CARBON: RRPs range from £369.99 to £409.99. Available in XS to XXL SPARTAN: RRPs range from £269.99 to £329.99. Available in XS to XXL D-SKWAL: RRPs range from £149.99 to 209.99. Available in XS to XL RIDILL: RRPs range from £119.99 to £139.99. Available in XS to XL VANCORE: RRPs range from £249.99 to £259.99. Available in XS to XL
Discovery Division
The Discovery Division offers optimal comfort and safety in a practical and changeable line and includes the popular EVOLINE series. New for 2018 is the EVO-ONE 2, a revised version of its celebrated EVO-ONE model that once again lays claim to the title of market leader in the modular segment. It includes a new chin guard locking/unlocking system for greater ergonomics and flexibility when in use, a stronger closing system and a revamped dark chrome finish. EVO-ONE 2: RRPs range from £349.99 to £369.99. Available in XS to XL. Off-Road Division
SHARK Helmets has introduced a new Off-Road division, dedicated to outdoor activities, sporting pursuits and competition and including two new helmets. The new VARIAL is a sporting helmet with a purist design aimed at motocross riders. Made of composite fiber, easy to maintain, this model comes in three shell sizes to adapt to any head shape and is equipped with an optimized ventilation system. It comes in two plain and five graphics colour options. The new ATV-DRAK is the first helmet in the world designed to protect while meeting the specific requirements of ATV (All Terrain Vehicle - quad and motorcycle) users. Safe, robust, fully ventilated, incredibly simple to maintain, the ATV-DRAK is available with four optional packs to accommodate all conditions (sunshield, mask and internal visor, noise protection, insect protection kit). It comes in six plain colours. The popular and versatile EXPLORE-R adventure helmet will also fall into the Off-Road division. VARIAL: RRPs range from £259.99 to £299.99. Available in XS to XXL ATV-DRAK: RRPs range from £159.99. Available in XS to XXL EXPLORE-R: RRPs range from £359.99 to £369.99. Available in XS to XL Metro Division
The Metro Division features helmets that are in sync with current trends, using next-generation technology with unique material compositions. The iconic DRAK model has already received cult status and now SHARK Helmets is introducing two new versions to the family, both inspired by neo-retro culture. The S-DRAK boasts a carbon skin shell, an internal visor, an edgy mask, a streamlined look, an unconventional style and the highest-quality finishes, all of which will win over even the hardest to please. It is available in eight colour options. The X-DRAK, made of composite fiber, is the perfect cross-over model. Built to be multifunctional, this model satisfies users' needs among scramblers and trail riders. It is available in two shell sizes and eleven colour options. The box will contain a mask and peak, which can be fitted to the helmet. The original DRAK will be available in five new colour schemes for 2018, while the SHARK NANO gets three new colours. S-DRAK: RRPs range from £299.99 to £349.99. Available in XS to XXL X-DRAK: RRPs range from £239.99 to £349.99. Available in XS to XXL
Racing Division
SHARK Helmets has long supported top-level racers and no fewer than four MotoGP riders sported the iconic RACE-R PRO this season, namely Jorge Lorenzo, Sam Lowes, Scott Redding, and Johann Zarco, whose debut in the category has been nothing short of stellar. The 2018 SHARK Helmets collection will include a range of replicas based on the helmet designs of these legendary racers, as well as two new colour options each on the RACE-R PRO and RACE-R PRO CARBON. RACE-R PRO: RRPs range from £389.99 to £479.99. Sizes range from XS to XL RACE-R PRO CARBON: RRPs range from £589.99 to £599.99. Sizes range from XS to XL All new and existing models will be on display at the SHARK Helmets stand - Hall 3 Stand 3C45 - at Motorcycle Live, at The NEC, Birmingham from 18-26 November 2017. For more information or to locate your nearest dealer, visit www.nevis.uk.com
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Suzuki has revealed its new SV650X for 2018, pulling the wraps off the café racer-inspired V-twin middleweight today at Eicma, in Milan, Italy.
Taking design cues from the SV650 Rally Concept – which the Japanese firm showcased at the Osaka Motor Show in 2016 – the SV650X follows the same concept with a design that pays homage to the tarmac rally cars of the 1970s. The ‘neo-retro’ styling sees the SV650X get a new bikini fairing and tinted screen, clip-on handlebars, and a tuck-roll seat. The SV650X utilises the same punchy V-twin engine as the standard SV650, and gets Suzuki’s low-rpm assist and easy-start system. There are also new, preload adjustable front forks, which will feature across the SV range for 2018.
Suzuki GB marketing manager, Rob Cooper, said, “The SV650 is a hugely popular machine in the middleweight sector of the market, and it has been ever since the launch of the original in 1999. Thanks to its characterful and punchy V-twin engine and capable chassis, it combines a fun, sporty ride with affordability and practicality. The SV650X builds on that proven platform and brings retro styling to the range, with clip-on handlebars that not only add to the look, but create an even sportier feel. Preload adjustable forks will further enhance performance, with riders able to adjust to suit their own riding style and use, and that will apply across the SV range for 2018.”
The new SV650X will be on display at Motorcycle Live, which takes place from 18-26 November at the NEC in Birmingham, alongside the rest of Suzuki’s 2018 model range, including the award-winning GSX-R1000R and new GSX-S125 and GSX-R125 machines.
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... as voted for by members of THE BIKER GUIDE facebook group 2017
The Bikers Cove, are the winner, with 170 votes
Allan King "Bikers Cove always a pleasure to visit"
Wan O'Sevn "Great people, great welcome, great location, great value."
The poll has shown the passion and loyalty cafes in the poll have from their customers, which comes from not just the food served, but also from the lovely owners/staff and the welcome they get!
See the full results here
The poll ran from 27th September to 1st November 2017 - 12 noon.
Voting took place on THE BIKER GUIDE facebook group, via the pinned poll at the top of the page.
www.facebook.com/groups/thebikerguide/
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