TAS Racing along with title partner Tyco Security Products will join forces with BMW Motorrad for the 2015 road racing season, becoming the German manufacturer's official representatives for the 2015 Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy and the other international road races.

Guy Martin and William Dunlop have been retained and will spearhead Tyco BMW's assault at the 'big three' international road racing events as well as selected national races. The team will campaign the BMW S1000RR in the RST Superbike, RL360 Superstock and PokerStars Senior TT.

Guy Martin achieved two podiums in the 2014 TT Races, finishing second in the Superbike race and following it up with a third place finish in the PokerStars SeniorTT while William Dunlop was running in a podium place in the Senior before crashing on the third lap.

William Dunlop:

"Moving to BMW Motorrad is an exciting change and one I'm looking forward to. We all saw what the BMW S 1000 RR was capable of achieving this season, so with the expertise of the guys at TAS Racing, I'm pretty sure we can do a good job in 2015. I got my first international Superbike win last year and I'd really like more next year as it's the class to do it in. We have a top team and I'm happy to be working with Guy again at the TT, where I think together we can be even stronger with this exciting new package."

Guy Martin:

"Moving to BMW Motorrad machinery is the reason I'm still racing next year and not retiring. I'll always give it my all and to be with a quality manufacturer like BMW is mega. I'm looking forward to getting on the bikes as soon as possible. It's a new bike and I've never ridden it before, but we all know its pedigree. TAS are the best team I've ever ridden for; they get me and I get them and we meet in the middle, which is why we've been successful and this new venture with BMW is just what we need going into next season."

Philip Neill - Team Manager:

"It really is a great honour for TAS Racing to be chosen by BMW Motorrad to spearhead their official racing efforts in 2015, and everyone involved has been very supportive in helping us put the correct package together. Although our agreement is with BMW Motorrad in the UK, the support we have received from BMW in Germany is already very encouraging. We will have full support from the factory both technically and personnel-wise next season to help us achieve our goals. On the rider line-up for 2015 TT Races, the Tyco BMW team manager added: "We put a lot of thought into our rider line up for 2015 and as always the goal is to win races both in British championship and also at International level on the roads. We fully expect to be championship contenders in British Superbike and the National Superstock class next season racing BMW's S 1000 RR, and on the roads I've every confidence that William and Guy will also benefit from riding top class Tyco BMW machinery."

"The TT is extremely important to BMW, TAS Racing and all our sponsors, and of course we want to be successful on the Island. It has been a few years now since we have had a rider on that coveted top step of the podium and as you might expect that will be our goal in June with William and Guy. I don't want to build all our expectations around Guy and a TT win, although it is fair to say 2015 will give him a great chance of achieving his goal on the Tyco BMW. TT races are not easily won these days so I know Guy will be applying a one-hundred percent effort just as he does every year. Fingers crossed 2015 will be his year. On the other hand William has come of age on a Superbike and I wouldn't bet against him either at the TT next June."

Lee Nicholls, BMW Motorrad Marketing and PR Manager, said:

"It is with great pleasure that we can finally announce BMW Motorrad's support of the TAS Racing team for the 2015 Road Racing season. In 2014, BMW Motorrad had its most successful season of racing ever in the UK, which has enabled us to increase our support to both the British Superbike and Road Racing paddocks for 2015. The TAS Racing team will spearhead our assault on track, and on the roads, and will receive the full technical support from BMW Motorrad Motorsports in Munich within the framework of the BMW Customer Racing Strategy. As a company we are very much looking forward to working with Hector and Philip and his team and we are confident that together with the all-new S 1000 RR we will challenge for podiums and wins next year."

On THE BIKER GUIDE we have lots of jokes and videos clips on a very popular jokes section, including a festive favourite from Harley-Davidson - How bad have you been?

See the Joke section here

Santander Consumer Finance UK has been announced as the new title sponsor of the upcoming KTM RC 390-powered race series, which will support the 2015 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship.

The Santander Consumer Finance KTM British Junior Cup will be open to riders 13-18-years old, and every rider will line up on an identical ‘Cup’ variation of the recently-launched KTM RC 390. The series gives equal opportunity and a level playing field for emerging talent. The series will be promoted by MSVR across eight events incorporating 20 points-scoring races. KTM UK already enjoys a successful relationship with Santander Consumer Finance UK - this division of the Spanish bank provides consumer finance for its network of dealers to allow its customers a broad portfolio of competitive finance for the purchase of new machines along with the option to include KTM PowerParts and PowerWear, under the ‘KTM Finance’ banner.

Paul Munns, National Sales Manager – Leisure Finance, from Santander Consumer Finance UK, said: “We’re very excited to play a part in what will no doubt be a very exciting and successful championship. Santander Consumer Finance UK already enjoys a great working relationship with KTM UK and the opportunity to work with them to help bolster future motorcycle racing talent, while helping to promote this area of the business within the best domestic motorcycle racing championship, was an opportunity that couldn’t be missed.”

In standard production form, the RC 390 is an exciting, light and practical sports bike with a 44hp, 375cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine housed in a steel trellis chassis and fitted with top-level components. The ‘Cup’ version, shown in its new race livery for the first time at Motorcycle Live in November, takes this already energetic machine and focuses it solely for track use, using a whole host of official KTM PowerParts that will also be publically available.

The fully adjustable suspension package not only allows for individual set up for each race; it is also a valuable learning tool for suspension set-ups. The bike has adjustable foot pegs and handlebar levers to create personalised ergonomics, making it ideal for young racers who are still growing. Interested parties who would like more information on the race series next year, should email [email protected] and in the subject line put RC 390 Cup 2015 and include name, address, post code, age, riding experience and preferred KTM dealer. We will then
send details when they have been confirmed.

For more information on the series visit www.ktm.com/gb or register at www.bsbteams.com

MOTORCYCLE enthusiasts will be given an early chance to set themselves and their machines up for 2015’s riding as Newark Showground once again hosts its now traditional New Year motorcycle event.

Taking place on the weekend of January 3-4, the Carole Nash Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic features trade stands and autojumble stalls throughout the venue’s halls offering all manner of parts, pieces, tool and accessories.

Harry Leyland, the event’s organiser, said: “This show has grown in popularity each and every year and 2015’s running is sure to provide much of the same excitement. The timing of the show is ideal for both visitors and traders as attention turns to ensuring machines are fit and firing for the year ahead. With adult tickets starting at just £7 and under-12s admitted free, the post-Christmas bank balance doesn’t need to take a beating either.”

Providing the entertainment will be three times British Superbike champion John Reynolds, with the former Suzuki man sharing stories from his glittering career on stage with commentator Steve Plater.

Reynolds, who hails from Nottinghamshire, will also be signing autographs and presenting awards.

Malcolm Wheeler, editor of Classic Racer magazine, said: “When you look at John’s career and the success he enjoyed over so many years, his record is up there with some of the best that Britain has ever seen.

“He competed against and conquered some of the top names in the business – any man who can count Neil Hodgson, Steve Hislop and Michael Rutter among his main rivals was clearly doing something right. John will surely have many fascinating stories to tell and visitors who come to hear them will not be disappointed.”

Hundreds of stunning display machines, provided by private entrants and some of the region’s top motorcycle clubs, complete the line up alongside the popular Scooter Hall which will showcase the best classic scooters in the UK.

MOTORCYCLE enthusiasts will be given an early chance to set themselves and their machines up for 2015’s riding as Newark Showground once again hosts its now traditional New Year motorcycle event.

Taking place on the weekend of January 3-4, the Carole Nash Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic features trade stands and autojumble stalls throughout the venue’s halls offering all manner of parts, pieces, tool and accessories.

Harry Leyland, the event’s organiser, said: “This show has grown in popularity each and every year and 2015’s running is sure to provide much of the same excitement. The timing of the show is ideal for both visitors and traders as attention turns to ensuring machines are fit and firing for the year ahead. With adult tickets starting at just £7 and under-12s admitted free, the post-Christmas bank balance doesn’t need to take a beating either.”

Providing the entertainment will be three times British Superbike champion John Reynolds, with the former Suzuki man sharing stories from his glittering career on stage with commentator Steve Plater. Reynolds, who hails from Nottinghamshire, will also be signing autographs and presenting awards.

Malcolm Wheeler, editor of Classic Racer magazine, said: “When you look at John’s career and the success he enjoyed over so many years, his record is up there with some of the best that Britain has ever seen. “He competed against and conquered some of the top names in the business – any man who can count Neil Hodgson, Steve Hislop and Michael Rutter among his main rivals was clearly doing something right. John will surely have many fascinating stories to tell and visitors who come to hear them will not be disappointed.”

Hundreds of stunning display machines, provided by private entrants and some of the region’s top motorcycle clubs, complete the line up alongside the popular Scooter Hall which will showcase the best classic scooters in the UK.

Further details on the Carole Nash Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic, including ticket buying options, can be found at www.classicbikeshows.com

Next April, Cornerhouse is going to move from its current location on Oxford Road, Manchester to a new venue around the corner on First Street, named HOME.

It has been there for 30 years, so it is going to be a massive event. To mark the occasion, they are planning a closing party to end all closing parties. It'll take place across all 5 floors of the amazing building - spilling onto the pavements and streets outside!

It will be called The Storming, and it will feature a blistering line-up of Manchester musicians and DJs from past and present. And they want Bikers to start the whole thing off. Right before the party starts, the Bikers will lead a crowd of people up Oxford Road to Cornerhouse entrance, before everyone breaks inside the building to 'take over'…

So they are looking for around 1ten Motorcycles to lead the crowd. Fees will be provided and they will cover any expenses. Involvement will also include a free invitation for you and a guest to the official after party.

The whole thing will be officially approved by traffic authorities, and will be managed by the Cornerhouse.

If this is something you can help with, then please get in touch with Tom @ the Cornerhouse. For further info, get in touch directly. The event itself is scheduled for Saturday 4th April 2015.

www.cornerhouse.org

[email protected]

0161 200 1526