Davies duo link up with top road safety organisations to encourage safer biking this autumn

World Superbike racer Chaz Davies has teamed up with comedian Alan Davies to launch a new THINK! road safety campaign to encourage motorcyclists to take further training to improve their riding expertise and safety on the road. The campaign is being delivered with the assistance of the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) and RoSPA who have helped THINK! develop the content and recruit the instructors who feature and train the riders in the campaign.

Despite huge success on two wheels, which includes becoming 2011 World Supersport Championship world champion, fifth overall in the 2013 World Superbike Championship for BMW Motorrad with three wins, and landing a seat this year at Team Ducati; Chaz has only this year passed his road bike test.

And wanting to improve his road biking skills while delivering a message to other motorcyclists that you can never have too much experience, Chaz allowed a team of assessors to judge his riding and be filmed for a series of short videos to be released on the internet over the course of the next few weeks.

Chaz, Alan and the other riders took part in a bespoke training course delivered by a number of instructors including Crispin d’Albertanson and Andy McManus. Crispin is an IAM Skills Day instructor, IAM National Observer and Nürburgring coach, while Andy is a Masters Mentor, IAM Examiner and retired Senior Collision Investigator.

The instructors assessed the group’s riding ability, equipping them with improved handling skills and introducing them to the principles and benefits of advanced riding.

Chaz urged other riders to undertaking further training, such as that offered by the IAM to improve their skills and safety on the road and ultimately reduce the number of motorcyclist casualties on our roads.

So how did Chaz, Alan and the other bikers do? The filming will be broadcast in a regular series of clips and promoted through the THINK BIKER Facebook page and a partnership with MCN over the next few couple of weeks. These will be shared on the IAM facebook page, at https://www.facebook.com/InstituteofAdvancedMotorists

A preview of the campaign is already available on the THINK BIKER Facebook page which has been shared on the IAM’s facebook page, but the first of the main series of videos goes live this evening (19 September).

Chaz said: “You really are never too good to be a better rider - it’s as simple as that. I’ve been working for 15 years to try and be better on the track and that applies on the road as well. There are so many more variables on the road and I think people can get a little bit over confident, but you are never too good. You never know what’s around the corner.”

Added Peter Rodger, IAM Chief Examiner: “The fact a rider the calibre of Chaz Davies is happy to have his road riding assessed should show that no matter what your experience level is, every rider can benefit from extra tuition. We hope people will watch the films and be inspired to take their riding to the next level. Like Chaz, we can all be champions of the road.”

“We’d also like to thank Crispin and Andy for giving up their time to take part in this valuable exercise,” he added.

Honda Racing to start 24 Hours of Le Mans from second on the grid

Following a wet morning at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the second qualifying session took place on a drying track meaning the majority of the grid positions remain the same as yesterday and Honda Racing will begin the race from second.

Julien da Costa, Sebastien Gimbert, Freddy Foray and reserve rider Jason O’Halloran completed a 20-minute stint each aboard the Honda Racing CBR1000RR Fireblade SP. Da Costa and Gimbert’s lap times suffered as a result of the damp conditions, however Foray and O’Halloran were blessed with a dry track and both were able to improve on yesterday’s times.

Despite this, the grid positions remain as they were at the end of the first qualifying session, with Honda Racing starting from second behind pole sitter SRC Kawasaki and ahead of championship leader Yamaha GMT 94. The 24 Hours of Le Mans is due to begin at 15.00 CEST on Saturday.

Neil Tuxworth team manager

We had a mixed practice session due to varying weather conditions but the main thing is we had no problems. The performance of the all four riders was strong and we remain in second position to start the race. In some ways this is better than pole as it takes some of the pressure away from the starting rider. Anyway, in a 24-hour race we know anything can happen so we’re just hoping for a trouble-free race.

Julien Da Costa

It was a shame that we had a rain shower just before qualifying today so I couldn’t improve my time. We were able to try some settings for the rain though so we’re well prepared for the race. Second is good and we’re ready.

Freddy Foray

I had dry track in my session and went faster then yesterday but I’m still a little disappointed because I wanted to get a 1:37. It’s difficult here in EWC because there are so many bikes on track. Anyway, we are in a good position, maybe even better than pole because there is less pressure.

Sebastien Gimbert

I am happy because although we are not in pole position we are ready for the race. The weather has been very mixed but that means we have been able to ride in wet, intermediate and dry conditions so we’re well prepared. The main thing is that all of the riders’ lap times are consistent with each other and the bike is easy to ride. 

Jason O'halloran reserve rider

I managed to get the good session today, which was nice. I improved my time on a race tyre so I’m pleased with that. The set-up changes the team has made in the last two days have been really positive and I think they are in a really strong position for the race. My work here is pretty much done but it’s been a great experience. I’ve learnt a new track and I really enjoy being with the team so it’s been a good week.

CHARTERHOUSE AUCTIONS will host a brand new motorcycle sale next February after announcing a partnership with Classic Bike Shows, organiser of the UK’s biggest classic bike events.

Taking place on Sunday, February 8, the auction is to be a new addition to the Carole Nash Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show, held annually at the Royal Bath and West in Somerset.

Matthew Whitney, an associate partner as Charterhouse, said: “We’ve been conducting classic and vintage vehicle auctions for nearly 15 years and now we are looking ahead with great anticipation to our first dedicated motorcycle sale.

“We are working with Classic Bike Shows and its team to put together some exciting plans and we look forward to seeing them come to life early next year.”

The event’s exhibition manager, Nick Mowbray, said: “Auctions are a big draw for any motorcycle event and we’re delighted to be working with Charterhouse at our Bristol show.”

Viewing of the auction lots will be open to all showgoers on Saturday, February 7, at no additional charge on the price of entry while admission to the Sunday sale is by catalogue only and will cost £10, a fee that will give entry to two people.

With details confirmed, Charterhouse will turn its attention to finalising consignments.

Matthew added: “Classic machines of all ages, makes and models are welcome, from pioneer bikes of the early 1900s through to the modern classics of the late 1980s.

“And it’s not just motorcycles; we are interested in rare parts, spares and memorabilia too.”

Anyone interested in selling at the auction should contact Matthew Whitney via email at [email protected] or by calling 01935 812277.

And for information on the Carole Nash Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show, visit www.classicbikeshows.com.

Ace Cafe London hosts a "Rockers Ride Out"

Departing the cafe at 10am on Sunday 21st September, with free entry to attend for those on classic bikes, to The Vintage Festival's "Classic Car Boot Sale & Mobile Art Fair" at the prestigious Stratford, London, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.    
Route:  East on A406 North Circular Road to Redbridge roundabout and South on A12.    

The event organisers are also on the lookout for all makes and marques of classic cars and hot rods - entry for whom is free!  

www.classiccarbootsale.co.uk

www.ace-cafe-london.com

Thundersprint organisers Frank and Carol Melling announced that this iconic event will not take place in 2015.

Frank Melling said: “It’s well known that we have had two disastrously bad years with the weather in 2013 and 2014. The 55mm of rain we had over two days this year at Darley Moor hit spectator attendance very badly. In the simplest possible terms, we just cannot take a chance on a third year of hostile weather.

“The problem we, and many other organisers, face is that the cost of promoting a big, complex event like the Thundersprint rises every year. Circuit owners want their income guaranteeing regardless of ticket sales. There is nothing wrong with this policy but it means that all the pressure is on the event organiser to cover costs and, hopefully, make a profit. We have talked extensively to a number of venues but there are none available which make economic sense. In the final analysis, we are a two person business and we can’t continue to risk what we have built up over the last seventeen years on the bet that we will have good weather in 2015.

“The Thundersprint is very much alive and well and Carol and I remain as enthusiastic as ever for the future – if and when the event can make economic sense. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all competitors, traders and spectators for their fantastic support and we hope that they we will all continue to remain the good friends that they are now.”

www.thundersprint.com