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  1. The last show of the season has begun around the fast Montmeló circuit near Barcelona. Alex Marquez and Marc Marquez did not disappoint as they both secured the direct seed to Q2 in their absolute home round. 
     
    Team Gresini Racing MotoGP therefore achieves an important one-two in what is the season finale for 2024, with both riders that will do their best for their own personal goals with regards to their final championship positions. 

    7th - ALEX MARQUEZ #73 (1’39.295s)
    “It was a fun day. We tried several things this morning and, in the afternoon, the feeling was positive. Obviously, the track is very different, condition-wise, compared to last May, but we’re in a good moment and we showed it today. There’s still work to do, and we’ll be back on track tomorrow with the goal to improve some more, without the pressure of having to make it into Q2.”
     
    8th - MARC MARQUEZ #93 (1’39.361s)
    “Even though the conditions were very different compared to last May, I’m still having a challenging time at this track. We’re losing a lot of time in the second half of the track, but we have an idea on what to work on tomorrow. Despite all of the above, unlike last time we’re in Q2 at the first try, so at least we’ll have a head start compared to a few months ago.”

     

  2. GET ready for a celebration of classic motorcycling at The Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show. Taking place on February 22–23, 2025 at the Bath & West Showground, this year's show is set to be a true tribute to motorcycling heritage, showcasing hundreds of beautiful machines, special guests, club stands, and stalls featuring everything from memorabilia to rare bike parts.

    This year, Classic Bike Shows are thrilled to announce special guests Alex George and Chas Mortimer, two icons of the racing world. Alex George, celebrated for his awe-inspiring performances on the Isle of Man TT circuit, will be joining the lineup to share stories from his racing years, where he etched his name into motorcycle racing history. Chas Mortimer, the only rider to have achieved Grand Prix victories in 125cc, 250cc, 350cc, and 500cc classes, will also be there to meet fans and relive the thrilling moments of his multi-class achievements.
    The Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show isn’t just about the bikes – it’s an event the whole family can enjoy. With incredible club displays, a wide range of trade stands, and an autojumble that promises fantastic finds for collectors and restorers alike, there's something for every enthusiast. So, come along and explore an array of classics and take part in a weekend of motoring nostalgia and excitement!
    Tickets are available now by going to www.classicbikeshows.com.
     
     
     
  3.  ‘Mesh Boost’ expands DMC group to 31 riders, and introduces brand-new Dynamic Mesh features – all this plus the launch of Cardo’s Celluar Intercom connectivity 

    Cardo Systems, the global leader in wireless communication systems for groups in motion, announces a first-ever ‘Mesh-Boost package of new capabilities to all second generation PACKTALK devices. ‘Mesh Boost’ expands Dynamic Mesh Communication (DMC) group to 31 riders, adds Remote Grouping, and Public Mesh features and enhances existing Private Chat mode. On top of these, Cardo will also add a VoIP-based Cellular Intercom to all Cardo products using the Cardo Connect app.

    ‘Mesh Boost’ takes rider connectivity to the next level, enhancing group communication capabilities, flexibility and range. Best of all, the new collection will be available, free of charge, via a simple over-the-air software update.

    In 2025, Cardo will celebrate its 10-year anniversary since bringing the world’s first mesh communicator – the original PACKTALK – to market, an innovation that revolutionized the world of communication. Next year will be ‘The Year of The Mesh’, starting with ‘Mesh Boost’ as the phase one in a line of exciting announcements to come.

    Unprecedented connectivity

    ‘Mesh Boost’ will be automatically available early next year as a free over-the-air software update to all users of Cardo’s current 2nd generation DMC devices – including the PACKTALK PRO, EDGE and Neo – making it even easier to communicate with Cardo.

    Key enhancements include:

    • Expanded group size to 31 riders

    Cardo’s Mesh Boost is the first in the market to allow groups of up to 31 riders to communicate seamlessly in true DMC mode – more than doubling the previous capacity of 15 – without losing any of the DMC characteristics that have made Cardo PACKTALK’s the best-selling comms in the world. Now, even more riders can experience the benefits of auto-reconnection, ease of pairing and reliable connection.

    • Public Mesh

    This new feature allows users to talk with up to any 31 participants within the range of the DMC network, offering a truly open channel for spontaneous conversations with nearby riders. Also a handy workaround for those existing users wanting to simplify DMC usage even further, just select the Public Mesh group and ride.

    • Private chat +

    Expanding the existing Private Chat feature, riders will now be able to create private chat sessions within their group with any number of participants (as opposed to just two), making it easier to have personalized conversations within the group on the go. Users are invited by being selected through the Cardo Connect App and can accept the invitation as they would a normal call.

    • Remote grouping

    Understanding that all riders don’t start at the same place when heading out for a ride, Cardo’s remote grouping capability allows a group to be set up ahead of time by simply sharing a link generated from within the Cardo Connect App. Links can be forwarded to other users, but only Cardo 2nd generation DMC users are validated to join.

    Plus NEW Cellular Intercom connectivity

    Along with the new ‘Mesh Boost’ features, Cardo has also launched Celluar Intercom connectivity. Using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) functionality, Cardo’s new Cellular Intercom connectivity ability will allow connectivity between an unlimited number of Cardo users, no matter the range. Like voice and video calls over popular messaging Apps, the functionality relies on a cellular network being strong and available – otherwise known as ‘data signal’ – and a user’s data plan. Cellular intercom will be open to all Cardo units, Bluetooth and DMC, connected to the Cardo Connect App.

    2024: 20 years of ‘Breaking Boundaries’ and 2025: The ‘Year of The Mesh’

    Officially launching its new ‘Mesh Boost’ technology at the Cardo Systems booth at EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, Cardo concludes the brand’s 20th anniversary since pioneering the world’s first Motorcycle Bluetooth headset celebrations and kickstarts the ‘Year of The Mesh’. 2025 will mark a decade since Cardo revolutionized the world of communication by introducing the world’s first mesh communicator.

    To see the full lineup from Cardo Systems, visit www.cardosystems.com.

    About Cardo Systems

    Cardo Systems, a provider of cutting-edge devices and application services for powersports and outdoor enthusiasts, is proudly marking its anniversary in 2024 by celebrating ’20 years of breaking boundaries’. Since launching the world’s first Bluetooth-based wireless intercom headset in 2004, Cardo Systems has been responsible for many of the industry’s innovations, revolutionizing communication, pushing technological boundaries and enhancing user safety. Now sold in over 100 countries, Cardo is proud to be the world’s leading communication device for groups in motion.

     

    • Warm weather graced the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, making for an incredible journey for the British Motor Museum participants.
    • The first of the Museum cars over the line was the 1904 Thornycroft 20hp tourer driven by Mike Brewer (Wheeler Dealers) who was blown away by the crowds lining the streets along the route.
    • Already planning ahead for 2025, the Museum announces an exciting new collaboration with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders to offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience on next year’s run to 4 outstanding apprentices.

    This year’s famous RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, took place on Sunday 3 November and four of the six pre-1905 British Motor Museum cars made it over the finish line. The Veteran Run has been running longer than any other motoring event in the world. It marks the historic day in 1896 when a group of pioneer motorists set out from London towards the seaside, in celebration of the ‘emancipation of the motor car’.

    Despite the early start it was all smiles as the cars set off over the starting line at Hyde Park on the unseasonably warm and dry November morning. Amongst the participants in the British Motor Museum crew were actor, Simon Gregson who has played Steve McDonald on Coronation Street for over 30 years, Paul Cowland, known for the series Salvage Hunters: Classic Cars, and Mike Brewer, most famous for his many series of Wheeler Dealers.

    Arriving in Brighton at the end of the 60-mile route, the first of the Museum cars to cross the finish line was the 1904 Thornycroft 20hp tourer, driven by Mike Brewer. The remaining Museum cars that made it home were a 1902 Albion A1 dog cart, a 1904 Rover 8hp (the oldest known Rover), and a 1904 Wolseley 6hp Phaeton which were driven by Museum members and guests. Sadly the 1899 Wolseley 3.5hp voiturette, affectionately known as OWL & the 1901 Wolseley 10hp tonneau were unable to make it to the finish line. OWL has participated in the famous London to Brighton Run a staggering 39 times now, so with a bit of TLC it is sure to be back to try again next year!

    Looking ahead to next year, the Museum is delighted to announce that it will be collaborating with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) to offer 4 outstanding apprentices the chance to participate in the 2025 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. Places on the Run are extremely hard to come by and the Museum is keen to use its unique position to share the history of the industry and inspire the next generation of automotive leaders, designers and experts. Working closely with member companies, SMMT acts as the voice of the motor industry, promoting its position to government, stakeholders and the media. This partnership between the two organisations will create a unique opportunity for apprentices to participate in a once-in-a lifetime experience. More details will be released at the SMMT Annual Dinner on 26 November.

    Jeff Coope, Managing Director of the British Motor Museum, said, “What a fabulous weekend! These wonderful cars are more than a century old and are some of the rarest and finest models from our collection. It was a real treat to watch the cars and their drivers in action! We’re delighted to share this amazing experience with such an enthusiastic and appreciative group of people.”

    To find out more about the British Motor Museum please visit the website at www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk. For more information on the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run please visit www.veterancarrun.com

     

     

     

  4. Royal Automobile Club’s Simms Medal awarded to Maeving for its innovative electric motorbikes designed and built in Britain

    Pall Mall, London, Tuesday 29 October 2024: today an all-new electric motorcycle conceived and created in Britain received a prestigious award for ‘an outstanding contribution to motoring innovation’ by the Royal Automobile Club, in a special ceremony.
     
    The Simms Medal, named after the Club’s founder, was presented to Seb Inglis-Jones, who co-founded Maeving in 2018 with Will Stirrup to open a new era for the British motorcycle industry.
     
    In the year the two friends founded their business, just 297 electric motorbikes were sold in the UK, while over 20m of them found buyers in China. However, the partners’ plan to import and sell Chinese-made models for the British market was soon parked when they decided the quality wasn’t good enough, and that removable batteries were key for ease of use in town and beyond.
     
    In 2023 Maeving launched its first models, the RM1 and RM1S and the initial batch sold out within hours. It immediately became the best-seller in its sector. Following the tradition of legendary motorcycle names including Triumph, Norton and BSA, Maeving opened its factory in the West Midlands, in Coventry, and in doing so became Britain’s first electric motorcycle manufacturer.
     
    Inglis-Jones and Stirrup met and bonded at Durham University and decided that one day they would open a business together. But the idea for an electric motorbike only came when Inglis-Jones bought one for his daily commute.
     
    “We questioned why electric motorbikes lagged in sales and identified the single most important factor: removable batteries,” said Inglis-Jones. “So our innovation addresses the primary barrier to electric adoption – insufficient charging infrastructure – by allowing riders to power up from any standard socket.
     
    “This approach contrasted with what major Western manufacturers were doing: designing heavy, high-powered models that served as alternatives to popular internal combustion-engined motorcycles, but often struggled with reliance on inadequate charging infrastructure.”
     
    A deep and shared respect for the planet was another reason why the two gave up their jobs in the corporate world to found Maeving, and since then they have recruited what Inglis-Jones calls “one of the most talent-dense engineering teams in the world, with over 200 years of combined industry experience”, to help them. The team includes Graeme Gilbert, former Head of Product at Triumph.
     
    “This idea stemmed from the notable discrepancy in electric two-wheeler sales between the East and West,” Will Stirrup added. “The level of experience and expertise in the Midlands is unparalleled. Harnessing this has made Maeving’s motorcycles the embodiment of craftsmanship and innovation.
     
    “The whole Maeving team is thrilled that the Royal Automobile Club recognises our vision with the Simms Medal.”
     
    Maeving joins a rollcall of British talent to have received the Simms Medal, which is presented only in years when the judges feel there is a worthy winner. This has included McMurtry Automotive, Williams Advanced Engineering, Riversimple and the Ariel Motor Company, as well as individuals such as Richard Parry-Jones CBE and Dr Rob Lewis OBE. A full list of previous winners is given below.
     
    Ben Cussons, Chairman of the judges on the Royal Automobile Club Technical Committee (which awards the Simms Medal alongside the Dewar Trophy) said:
     
    “Maeving’s achievement in designing and building an attractive and innovative electric motorcycle in the UK is a project that Frederick Simms would have been proud of. The business exudes the passion of its founders but has the financial backing and commercial nous that will help it achieve its ambitious aims.”