Like the Bennetts 500cc Classic TT Race, the Okells Brewery 350cc Race is set to be a thrilling affair and it could well be even more closely contested with evenly matched machines and a stellar line up of riders offering the potential for a close race. The class, like all races at the 2014 Classic TT presented by Bennetts, was oversubscribed with a full grid of almost 90 entries eventually accepted.

With last year's race winner Chris Palmer absent from the field, a new winner will be garlanded but Roy Richardson on the FCL Racing/Bullock Motorsport Aermacchi, will be one of the favourites having won numerous 350cc Classic races at the Manx GP. The opposition is strong though with anyone in the top 20 more than competitive and capable of standing on the podium.

Honda lead the way in terms of numbers with Jamie Hamilton, Olie Linsdell (Flitwick Motorcycles), William Dunlop and Alan Oversby (both Davies Motorsport), Jamie Coward (Ted Woof), Chris McGahan (Hales Honda), James Hillier (CSC Racing), James Cowton and Nigel Moore all electing to ride the iconic Japanese marque.

The British challenge is more than considerable though with AJS and Norton having numerous potential race winners, none more so than last year's podium finishers Cameron Donald (Ripley Land Racing AJS) and Dan Cooper (Molnar Manx Norton). Cooper is joined in Andy Molnar's team by the man who dominated this years TT Races Michael Dunlop while another top TT runner, Keith Amor, will ine up on Tony Dunnell's rapid Manx Norton.

Italy has representation in the form of Dean Harrison and Lee Johnston (Black Eagle Racing MV Agusta), Chris Swallow (Mike Fawcett Aermacchi) and Doug Snow (Ducati Sebring) and all three will be pushing hard at the head of the field while other names expected to feature include Mark Herbertson (AJS), Alex Sinclair (Honda), Paul Coward (Honda), Dave Madsen-Mygdal (Honda), Ken Davis (Honda) and Chris Petty (Honda).

Although there isn't a separate race this year, there are still numerous 250cc machines spread through the field aiming to win the new Phil Read Trophy to recognise the class win, with multiple Manx Grand Prix race winner Bill Swallow back for another outing around the Mountain Course, this time on Phil Price's Velocette. The T20 Suzuki's will be expected to be the highest placed though particularly in the hands of Alan 'Bud' Jackson, Karl Fox, Tom Jackson, Jeff Ward, Maria Costello, Dan Sayle and Billy Cummins.

Dave Edwards (TD1C Yamaha) and Pete Symes and David Crussell (both Kawasaki) add further variety to the 250cc field.

The Vintage Motor Cycle Club are delighted to announce that next year will see The VMCCs Festival of 1000 Bikes returning to Mallory Park on the weekend of 11th/12th July 2015.

With the support in principal already flowing in from our partners Footman James Insurance Brokers, Bonhams Auctioneers, Mortons Motorcycle Media, The National Motorcycle Museum & ERIKS UK, the 2015 event will be another weekend to remember.

As in previous years the event gives enthusiasts the opportunity to ride their own machines in multiple track sessions over the weekend. On the Saturday of the event we cater for all classes of road machines from the earliest Veterans (discounted entry fee available for pre 1925 machines) through to machines of the superbike era which reflect the wide range of interests within the VMCC. With lesser noise restrictions Sunday is the day for riders to display their race machinery in special track sessions running throughout the day.

The VMCC festival of 1000 Bikes is unique in its sheer breadth & scale. This includes showcasing one of the best line ups of “Past Masters” and famous machines assembled during any given year. At previous VMCC festivals this has included many unique happenings such as “King Kenny” Roberts first UK Track appearance in 30 years at the 2011 event, Kevin Schwantz’s (in conjunction with Michelin) return to Mallory Park for the first time in a quarter of a century in 2012 and 1987 500cc GP World Champion Wayne Gardner (Courtesy of Michelin) headed up 2013s’ line up and took to the track on a genuine works Honda RS500. Announcements for 2015s’ line up due early in the New Year!

More details and features will be released over the coming months. However as the Track sessions for both road and race machines sold out early in previous years, entry forms will be distributed in the autumn to all previous entrants.

They will then become available later in the year (dates to be announced) via VMCC HQ direct or downloading from the dedicated event website @ www.vmcc.net/1000bikes

FREE test rides, incredible stunt displays, the latest machines and competitive racing are among the attractions visitors can enjoy at Scotland’s biggest and best motorcycle show in just a few weeks’ time.

The Carole Nash Great Scottish Bike Show takes place at Edinburgh’s Royal Highland Centre on the weekend of August 9-10, and topping the bill of live action is Yamaha’s Dark Side MT Tour, which sees the Japanese manufacturing giant offering an array of free activities.

Test ride opportunities will be available on models across the MT range, including the MT-09 Street Rally and the new MT-125, and there will also be a host of other riding experiences.

John Milbank, editor of Motor Cycle Monthly and MoreBikes.co.uk, said: “We were the first publication to test the new Street Rally, and we think it’s a fantastic and unique opportunity for riders to be given a chance to do the same.

“Yamaha has sold the MT range as ‘the dark side of Japan’ and I can tell you, this is more than just marketing babble – the MT-09 delivers on that ‘dark side’ promise.

“Make no mistake about it, these bikes are going to be popular. Those wanting to have a go should book their places now.”

A fleet of MT models will be available to test for those with a full motorcycle licence, while novices, A1 and A2 licence holders can sample the MT-125 and the 35kW version of the MT-07 on a specialist test course with instructors on hand to assist.

In addition to the unique test ride opportunity, the MT Tour events will include the incredible Dave Coates Stunt Show, ‘have-a-go’ activities including the MT-09 Extreme Wheelie Machine, the amazing MT Tour truck with exclusive MT apparel and accessories on display, a paddock for existing MT owners and much more.

Another display team, the madcap Purple Helmets, will be making their way to Edinburgh from the Isle of Man adding their own brand of stunt humour to proceedings.

There’s competitive action too in the form of Moped Mayhem and Scottish Supermoto demos as organisers look to make the most of facilities, both inside and out, at the RHC.

“We’ve gone to great lengths in our efforts to provide an all-round motorcycle weekend with interactive, live action taking place outside supplementing the usual excellent trade and club stands filling the halls,” said Nick Mowbray, exhibition manager.

A host of top dealers will be bringing the latest models from Honda, Suzuki, Victory, Indian, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Aprilia and Moto Guzzi along with autojumble plots offering all manner of machines and motorcycle parts and accessories.

The event will also welcome racing royalty, with Giacomo Agostini as star guest alongside one of Scotland’s own, three times TT winner Alex George.

“The show will celebrate all that is best about biking, from classic to modern and everything in between,” added Nick.

“We’ve even got Scottish indie-rock cover band Shardlake playing three separate hour-long sets each day of the show – the entertainment simply doesn’t stop.

“Whether it’s someone looking to fill their boots with biking bits or a family looking for a great day out, there really is something for everyone at the Carole Nash Great Scottish Bike Show.”

... IN MOTORSPORT MERCHANDISE FORMULA 2 CLASSIC TT RACE

The Motorsport Merchandise Formula Two Race will be the final race to get underway at this year’s Classic TT presented by Bennetts. Last year's race featured a battle royal between eventual race winner Chris Palmer and runner-up James Cowton and this year's race promises to be another thrilling contest.

Although Palmer has now hung up his leathers, Cowton, one of the sport’s brightest young talents, will be back for another try, again mounted on one of Peter Berwick’s TZ250 Yamaha’s. He'll face tremendous opposition from two of the sport’s true stalwarts and most successful riders.

Ten times TT winner Ian Lougher has a record that speaks for itself. The Welshman may have retired from the TT and other International road races but he remains a formidable competitor, particularly on the two-strokes where he made his name.

Classic racing legend Roy Richardson was forced to retire from last year’s race but won the corresponding event at the 2011 and 2012 Manx Grand Prix, lapping in excess of 111mph in 2011, so is sure to be challenging for the honours on the FCL Racing/Bullock Motorsport Yamaha. Phil McGurk, a regular on both the Classic scene and MGP, will certainly pose more than a threat on his Springcourt Motorcycles TZ Yamaha having finished third last year with the similarly mounted Chris Moore, fourth in 2013, also likely to challenge.

Stuart Garton is always a force to be reckoned with in the class on the Haskell and Co 250cc Yamaha while regular TT competitors David Hewson (250 Obsession Engineering Yamaha) and Grant Wagstaff are also likely to be in the mix, the latter on one of the few TZ350 Yamaha’s on the entry list. Tom Snow, on a second FCL Racing/Bullock Motorsport Yamaha, is also expected to feature.

2012 Supertwins Manx Grand Prix winner Nigel Moore cannot be ruled out on his OW47 250cc Yamaha with class regulars Ewan Hamilton, Neil Chadwick, Chris Barratt, Dean Martin and Tom Jackson just some of the other riders in the 30-strong field.

It’s not all about the two-strokes though with a handful of four-strokes in the field, most notably four GPZ 600 Kawasakis in the hands of TT ace Shaun Anderson, Derek Glass, Stuart Noon and Peter Gibson.

This year’s Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show is encouraging the next generation of classic car enthusiasts to share their passion for motoring with a dedicated area of ‘YoungTimers’. These are the clubs focusing on younger members, which are on the increase and as such, bringing new ideas and fresh blood into the classic car world.

November’s NEC show will play host to these clubs with the likes of Oxford University Motorsport Foundation (OUMF), Young Guns Classics, the Morris Minor Owner’s Club Young Members Register and the Supra MkIV Owner’s Club all set to feature in the show’s first dedicated ‘YoungTimers’ area.

Event Director Dan Nwaokolo said: “By having a dedicated area for ‘YoungTimers’, we’re giving these young clubs a platform to introduce themselves to the classic car movement while also promoting the scene to like-minded enthusiasts of a similar generation. We know that they’re not only the future of our show but the entire classic community and we’re thrilled at the number of younger people we see each year – it’s great to see so many clubs either embracing younger people or youngsters forming their own clubs.”

OUMF was founded in 2005 specifically with the intent of bringing younger people into motorsport. “We wanted to give youngsters a practical side to their theory and encourage them into classic motorsport” says Ding Boston from OUMF. “For first timers the simplicity of classic cars makes them perfect for students. It’s always interesting to see what cars inspire these youngsters.”

Another club focusing on younger members is the Morris Minor Owner’s Club, which has set up a specific section within the club to cater for younger members. Matt Tomkins, Chairman of the club’s Young Members Register, said: “We’re heavily involved with promoting the entire classic car scene to the younger generation, having spoken at a number of events.”

The number of youngsters in the scene is growing all the time, thanks no doubt to the formation of clubs like Young Guns Classics. Member Georgina Davies said: “I feel we are a bit more laid back, which is why we have such fun. We all know each other very well and I would almost describe us as one big family. Unlike other classic car clubs we don't mind what car you drive be it a classic Beetle to a Land Rover!”

Supra MkIV Owner’s Club member James Jefferson is another owner with a broad interest in classic and retro cars owning a ’67 Mustang and a MkIV Toyota Supra. “I’m 22 now and I finished the Mustang when I was 19” said James. “I grew up around classic stuff – my Dad has MGBs, I used to ride around in Rover P4s, Minis, allsorts.”

James has found that the older generation is largely accepting of the new breed – with one or two exceptions. “They’re usually pretty pleased when they realise that people like me are genuinely interested. That said I know when my Mustang was part of a restoration feature, the magazine got a few letters from people who found it really difficult to believe it had been built by a 19yr old!”

Richard Morley, Operations Director for Lancaster Insurance said “We are passionate about getting more young people into classics and recognise that we must nurture new members so that we can preserve our motoring heritage. Introducing the ‘YoungTimers’ section to the show and encouraging young people to love and cherish classic cars, is not only a brilliant idea but vital to the future of the industry. ‘YoungTimers’ will inspire new recruits to become lifelong devotees, ensuring that this social pastime is carried on for years to come.”

While some clubs suffer from stagnating or even dwindling memberships, those that look to embrace young members look set to flourish. The youngsters are the future of the classic car movement, bringing with them a wider and wider selection of cars into the scene and with them the enthusiasm needed to keep the scene alive for years to come.

The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show will be held from 14th to 16th November. For more information on the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show or Classic Motorbike Show as well as all the ticket prices and booking details, visit www.necclassicmotorshow.com