Relentless Suzuki Enduro rider, Paul Edmondson, prepares this week for the British round of the World Enduro Championship taking place at the Hafren Forest in Wales at the weekend.

Riding the two-stroke RM250, Edmondson makes a return to the world stage, where he recorded four championship titles and still retains the accolade of being the longest serving rider in the series history.

Talking about his return to the WEC, Edmondson commented, “I’m really looking forward to riding again next weekend. I’ve enjoyed a great deal of success in the championship over the years and using the RM250 gives me added confidence for the potentially tricky conditions.”

Edmondson, who suffered a rare ‘DNF’ at the Welsh Two Day Enduro last month, injuring his hand in the process, is almost back to full-strength and expects to be able to contest for a top spot after a promising ride last weekend in the Great Britain X Country event at Llanarmon, where despite running out of fuel showed great pace.

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The legendary Honda RC 163

Honda’s impressive racing heritage will again be displayed at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed (11-13 July), with performances from two and four wheeled legends spanning five decades, and a host of Honda’s most famous racing champions.

New for 2008 on Honda’s consumer stand, Vicki Butler Henderson will host a Question of MotorSport where two teams of Honda racers will pit their sporting acumen against one another. The quiz will take place at 2pm on Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday, team captain John McGuinness will be joined by quiz mates Alex Wurz and Stuart Graham, who will challenge John Surtees’ team of Cal Crutchlow and Mick Doohan. On Sunday, Jenson Button (captain) will be joined by Leon Haslam and Tommy Robb, to take on John McGuinness (captain) with his new team of Jim Redman and Ralph Bryans.

Blasting up the Goodwood Hill for Honda will be:

Motorcycles
Tommy Robb: RC 163 – Winner of all nine races in the 250cc class in the 1962 World Championship, the RC 163 took the Manufacturer’s and Rider’s Championships, contributing to Honda’s continuous streak of title wins with Jim Redman.

Stuart Graham: RC 174 – Winner of seven out of eight races in the 1967 World Championship, the RC 174, equipped with a DOHC 6-cylinder engine took the Manufacturer’s and Rider’s Championships in the 350cc class. It was also an IOM TT winner with Mike Hailwood.

Luigi Taveri: RC 163 – This machine’s victory in the 250cc class at the 1961 West German Grand Prix was the first GP win for a Japanese rider. The machine dominated the class, winning all 10 events it entered.

Bob Heath: RC 173 – One of the rarest motorcycles at the Festival, valued at more than £400,000 this is one of only two RC 173s built for Mike “the bike” Hailwood by Honda in 1965. This 4-cylinder, 350cc machine took Hailwood to victory in every Grand Prix he entered that year. The machine was re-built by Bob Heath with the help of Honda in Japan.

Jim Redman: Honda Superstock CBR1000RR 2008 – Honda’s lastest Fireblade capable of reaching 100mph in first gear! It’s currently leading the 2008 Superstock Championship in the hands of Steve Brogan.

Ralph Bryans: Honda RC 171 – This machine contested the 1962 Grand Prix Championship in the 350cc class. A successor of the RC 170, it debuted at the Ulster GP (Round 7) and contributed to Honda’s first 3-class sweep.

John McGuinness: 2007 TT winning Fireblade – Honda’s Fireblade power also features in the hands of the Isle of Man TT’s lap record holder at 130mph. John’s mastery of road circuits has made him one of the world legends of the sport. At Goodwood he’s riding the actual bike that broke the TT record and won four TT races.

Cal Crutchlow (Saturday) and Leon Haslam (Sunday): HM Plant Superstock Fireblade – This 200-plus horsepower rocket races in this year’s hotly contested British Superbike series. With a top speed of nearly 200mph, this is one of the fastest, best engineered racing bikes in the world today.

Mick Doohan: HM Plant Superbike Fireblade – Mick will ride Leon Haslam’s official 2008 Honda Fireblade Superbike machine which produces over 200bhp in the 2008 British Superbike Championship.

Cars
Alex Wurz (Saturday) and Jenson Button (Sunday): Honda RA107 – Powered by a 2.4 litre V8 engine, the Honda Racing F1 team’s 2007 challenger can reach maximum speeds of 211mph.

Tom Chilton (Friday), Stephen Worthy, Journalist (Saturday) and Vicki Butler Henderson (Sunday): 2008 Civic Type R BTCC – One of Britain’s most iconic hot hatches, Honda’s 2-litre Civic Type R has been a power to reckon with, spearheading the Team Halfords attack in the most challenging and demanding of series outside of F1.

Andrew Frankel, national freelance journalist: Tarquini’s Accord Super Touring BTCC 2000 – For more than a decade Honda has been at the forefront of Britain’s Touring Car Series. This outstanding Accord was driven in the British Touring Car Series in 1994 by Italian Gabrielli Tarquini and partnered by Britain’s James Thompson.

The full range of Honda cars, motorcycles and power products will be displayed on the Honda stand at Goodwood on each of the three days of the event.

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1962 HONDA CB77 SUPER HAWK (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)

US-based two-wheel devotees are invited to the third annual Japanese Motorcycle Saturday at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum on June 7, 2008. Located on the campus of the American Motorcyclist Association in Pickerington, Ohio, a few miles east of Columbus, the Museum is the country’s premier showcase of motorcycling heritage and history. Over 400 enthusiasts and nearly 200 Japanese motorcycles of all styles, including new and vintage sportbikes, café racers and tourers, are expected to gather at the Museum for Japanese Motorcycle Saturday.

Whether visitors ride in on a classic Japanese motorcycle or simply stop by to glimpse machines showcasing decades of design and engineering, the event is sure to please all motorcycling aficionados. Highlights of Japanese Motorcycle Saturday include a non-judged bike show and seminars. Admission is only US$10 and includes access to all museum exhibits, including the new “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” an installation chronicling many of the world’s most well-known enthusiasts.

Additional details about Japanese Motorcycle Saturday can be found at www.motorcyclemuseum.org or by calling (614)856-2222.

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Triumph Motorcycles Ltd is celebrating the arrival of spring with some fantastic offers at their Sports Open Weekend, taking place between the 29th–30th March 2008 at your local dealership.

Triumph dealers are offering the opportunity to see the brand’s new bikes and test ride the latest models from the Urban Sports range. The new Speed Triple, with its reshaped iconic headlights and new wheels, will be part of the showroom launch. In addition you will be able to test ride the all new Rocket III Touring with its awesome 2.3 litre triple performance combined with the handling, braking and agility of a bike half its size.

No weekend spectacular would be complete without checking out the latest accessories from Arrow, so if you’ve already gone your own way and own a Triumph then it’s worth a visit to see the new 2008 Triumph Arrow exhaust systems now available. Not just for Sports bikes either, Arrow have produced some authentic looking systems for the Modern Classics too.

The weekend also sees the launch of the new summer T-shirt range, including the much sought after Steve McQueen Special Edition, with an offer of 10% off the entire range (see promotional flyers for details)!

Visit your local dealer now! A complete list of UK Triumph dealers can be found below.

UK TRIUMPH DEALERSHIPS

continue reading "GEAR UP AT TRIUMPH’S MARCH OPEN WEEKEND"

Rush drummer Neil Peart with two of his favorite things: his drums and his BMW. (Photo by Andrew MacNaughtan)

The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the country’s premier showcase of motorcycling heritage and history, has revealed the names of more than 25 significant personalities and groups to be featured in the upcoming “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” exhibit. The exhibit will spotlight the world’s most recognizable enthusiasts and present priceless machines, exclusive memorabilia and tales from celebrities’ favorite two-wheel adventures. Featured MotoStars, Motorcycle Hall of Famers, industry leaders and enthusiasts will gather on the grounds of the Museum in Pickerington, Ohio, June 27-28, 2008, for the exhibit’s grand opening and the “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” Ribbon-Cutting Weekend.

Prominent personalities from a variety of industries have offered motorcycles and ephemera to the exhibit. Notable athletes include Jeff Lacy, super middleweight boxing star, and Wally Dallenbach Sr., champion race car driver and founder of the Colorado 500, a charity dirt bike ride now in its thirty-third year. Barrett Brooks, Super Bowl-winning Pittsburgh Steelers tackle, will lend his Sara Liberte-built custom bike, as well as personal memorabilia.

The music industry is also well-represented in “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles.” Queensryche guitarist Mike Stone’s Buell motorcycle and Erik Buell-designed guitar will be featured alongside custom motorcycles built for Def Leppard drummer Ric Allen and Blink182 drummer Travis Barker. Additionally, a leading Buddy Holly collector will provide rare ephemera from the rock n’ roll legend.

Hollywood’s longtime romance with motorcycling is chronicled in the exhibit. Chad McQueen honors his legendary father, the late actor Steve McQueen, as “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” presents memorabilia, photos and McQueen’s competition motorcycle from the International Six Day Trials. Actor and motorcyclist Francesco Quinn will lend the motorcycle he rode in the new Quentin Tarantino and Larry Bishop film “Hell Ride,” in addition to offering an intimate glimpse into the two-wheel passions of his father, legendary actor Anthony Quinn. Dan Haggerty, known worldwide as star of the television series “Grizzly Adams,” will also participate in the exhibit. A Hollywood stuntman, biker movie actor and bike builder for celebrities like Ann-Margret, Haggerty helped create the chopper featured in the most famous motorcycle movie of all time, “Easy Rider.” The iconic motorcycle television series “Then Came Bronson,” starring Michael Parks, will be represented through a custom Harley-Davidson. Additionally, Perry King, star of over 50 films and television movies and spokesperson for Los Angeles Olive Crest, an organization providing Homes and Services for Abused Children, provides a motorcycle from his stable. “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” will also display a rarely seen custom motorcycle built for the flamboyant Oscar-winning star of screen and song, Cher.

Finally, through the eyes of respected stunt people, the exhibit offers a rare look behind the scenes at Hollywood’s portrayal of motorcycling. Stuntman Gary Davis, whose skills lit up the screen in everything from “Viva Knievel” to “Terminator 2,” and stuntwoman Debbie Evans, who dazzled viewers in “Terminator 2,” “The Matrix Reloaded” and the Brad Pitt – Angelina Jolie thriller “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” both contribute high-flying insights.

“MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” exhibit curator David Morris is dedicated to relating the diverse nature of motorcycling aficionados. The breadth of motorcycling’s cultural impact is portrayed by renowned artists, such as Charles Schulz and David Hockney. Schulz’ son Craig, a competitive motocross racer, will lend the exhibit a full size statue of Snoopy as “Joe Motocross.” Craig will also provide artwork drawn by his father inspired by Craig’s racing adventures. David Hockney, one of the twentieth century’s most important exponents of the Pop Art movement, will partner with Dr. Charles Falco, co-curator of the Guggenheim Museum’s seminal “Art of the Motorcycle” exhibit, to present a unique view of the motorcycle experience. “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” is also privileged to have the participation of Thomas Krens, Director of the Solomon R Guggenheim Foundation.

Custom motorcycle builders, now recognized as artists in their own right, are also highlighted in “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles.” Ed “Big Daddy” Roth pioneered the new wave with his outrageous and visionary creations. Son Darryl opens the family vault to bring “Big Daddy’s” art and legendary trike to the exhibit. He is joined by “Big Daddy” contemporary Carl Morrow, a legendary builder whose past clients include the King of Malaysia. The art of Von Dutch, Hollywood motorcycle cult figure, is also represented courtesy of a prominent collector. Contemporary creators showcased include Cyril Huze, a member of the International Master Builders Association Hall of Fame, and Sara Liberte. Liberte, represented through the bike she created for Barrett Brooks, will lend insights into the world of customization from the perspective of a female builder. As a writer and photographer, Liberte is uniquely positioned to share her story. Her latest project is garage-girls.com.

Celebrities from a variety of industries have been instrumental in the success of charity motorcycle rides. “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” will present the story of the country’s most well-known charity rides. These include “The Love Ride,” the largest charity motorcycle ride in America, “The Ride for Kids,” “The Buffalo Chip at Sturgis” and the “Camp Boggy Creek’s Ride for Children.”

“We are thrilled by the personalities and groups who have offered to support ‘MotoStars’ and look forward to announcing further exhibit contributors in the coming months,” says Mark Mederski, executive director of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. “The Museum is committed to making ‘MotoStars’ as diverse and comprehensive as possible, and the industry leaders already contributing are making this goal a reality. We are eager to share the stories of these prominent motorcyclists and show visitors the strength and passion of the motorcycling community.”

“MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” is the latest in a series of award-winning exhibits at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. For an online tour of current Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum exhibits and a schedule of upcoming events and special activities, please visit www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

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Motorcycling nostalgia spanning over 70 years will be showcased at Race Retro 2008, the international historic motorsport show. Held from 14th to 16th March at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry, the displays include the popular Ace Café and its inaugural Café Racer Concours competition, Championship Sidecar racers, the Yamaha Classic Racing Team, a tribute to Seeley machines and the vintage ‘Wall of Death’.

The hugely popular replica Ace Café will be the centrepiece of the motorcycle area of the show and to celebrate its 70th Anniversary, the Ace Café is launching the inaugural Café Racer Concours competition. The best 25 motorcycles entered into the concours will be displayed at Race Retro 2008 where they will be judged by a panel of experts led by current president of the TT Riders Association, Colin Seeley, a former manufacturer of the finest racing motorcycles of the classic British period. Other judges include ex-racers Dave Croxford, who’s racing career began at the Ace Café, Peter Williams, a former works development engineer and rider for the original John Player Norton team, and James Hewing, Chief Executive of the Vintage Motorcycle Club (VMCC).

Supported by Autoglym, Triumph Motorcycles, and the VMCC, the Ace Café 70th Anniversary Café Racer Concours carries a cash prize fund of £1,000 plus accessories and products prizes from the sponsors. Full details and entry particulars can be found on the Ace Café London website. (www.ace-café-london.com)

One of the special features at Race Retro 2008 will be a tribute to British Sidecar World Champions, from Eric Oliver to Tim Reeves, with many of the World Championship winning outfits showcased. The display will range from the inaugural 1949 winning Norton/Watsonian racing outfit of Eric Oliver/Denis Jenkinson to the latest LCR/Suzuki F1 racing outfit of reigning champions Tim Reeves/Patrick Farrance, portraying the development of World Championship sidecar racing through the years. Tim Reeves, World Sidecar Champion for the past three years, will be joined by ten times former champion Steve Webster MBE, to conduct the show opening ceremony on one of the three days. They will be joined by several of the other former British champion riders and passengers. A memorable gathering and showcase for the elite of our sidecar racing community and their special racing machines.

Former Yamaha works racing team engineer and current Chief Executive of Arai Helmets Europe, Ferry Brouwer and the Yamaha Classic Racing Team, from Holland, will display six fully race prepared ex-works Yamaha GP racing motorcycles from the Japanese manufacturers glorious GP racing past. Ferry Brouwer, a Yamaha racing two stroke guru, will be joined by team mates including former works Yamaha GP riders Rod Gould, the 1970 250cc World Champion, Dieter Braun, the 1973 250cc World Champion, and Chas Mortimer, the 1978 British 250cc Champion and seven times GP winner. The team will be on hand to talk about their years as GP riders on the ‘Continental Circus’ and their current parading schedule with the Yamaha Classic Racing Team machines.

Graham Boothby’s International Historic Racing Organisation (IHRO) will focus on Seeley machines, which form a major part of the current IHRO race series. Expect to see several variations on the Seeley, ranging from the Mk1 G50 through to unusual examples such as the Seeley Gold Star. Current TT Riders Association president Colin Seeley, along with his old works riders, John ‘Mooneyes’ Cooper and Dave Croxford are expected to be on hand to share their racing experiences throughout the Race Retro weekend.

Live motorcycle action will be provided throughout the three days of the show by the popular and spectacular Ken Fox Troupe, riding their vintage 1926 Indian V-Twin motorcycles and other specially adapted machines on the genuine vintage ‘Wall of Death’.

There will also be a variety of classic motorcycle club and racing series stands, many guest celebrity riders from the classic ‘Continental Circus’ racing days and the current historic racing scene as well as interviews on the live stage by former TT winner and accomplished TT commentator Charlie Williams. And not forgetting the convivial motorcycle friendly atmosphere of the Ace Café where you can enjoy your bacon or sausage wad washed down with a mug of hot tea. Motorcycling nostalgia doesn’t get much better than Race Retro 2008.

For more information on Europe’s premier historic motorsport show and the latest updates, visit www.raceretro.com

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The MCN London Motorcycle Show 2008 is rapidly approaching and is set to be a feast of excellent exhibitions and entertainment! From 31st January – 3rd February, ExCeL London will be transformed into a biker’s paradise, with everything from trade stands to thrilling stunt shows in the Live Action Arena!

This year will see exhibitions from a staggering selection of the top motorcycling manufacturers; for the first time at London ExCeL, visitors can check out the latest models from the likes of Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Ducati, alongside BMW and KTM and much more!

For those looking to pick up anything from a new bike through to the latest accessories, there will be an impressive range of trade stands offering top of the range equipment and merchandise! And if that’s not enough for motorcycle enthusiasts, they can check out the live entertainment or get down to the Live Action Arena to watch the amazing live stunt shows!

The MCNLive! stage will be buzzing with exciting events, giving visitors the opportunity to meet top biking superstars and take part in all kinds of awesome activities including the legendary search for the 2008 MCN “Babe Of The Year!”

But this show isn’t just for those who are mad about motorcycling… whether bikes are a potential new passion, or one you’d like to re-ignite; there really will be something for everyone! The MCN London Motorcycle Show is now London’s 2nd largest motorcycling consumer show, and an outstanding entertainment event not to be missed!

ExCeL London is conveniently situated outside of the congestion charge zone near Canary Wharf, making it easily accessible by road or public transport; visitors can also take advantage of the ample parking and on-site amenities including hotels, pubs and restaurants! This is the ultimate day out for committed bikers, enthusiastic beginners and even those who are just looking for a good time!

To get involved get down to the MCN London Motorcycle Show 2008 from 31st January – 3rd February or for further information about the show please visit www.londonmotorcycleshow.com.

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The Goodwood Revival, the world’s most authentic historic motor race event, is set to encompass an exciting new dimension to its race programme for 2008. A fresh grid of motorcycles and legendary top riders are set to star in a ‘new look’ Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy for 1950s motorcycles.

In the Goodwood Motor Circuit’s racing heyday, between 1948 and 1966, there was only one dedicated motorcycle meeting – ‘Goodwood Saturday’, held in 1951. Taking inspiration from this 1951 event, the ‘new look’ Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy will be representative of this original meeting – including machines such as the Matchless G45 and Vincent Grey Flash. From 2008 onwards the motorcycle race at the Goodwood Revival will alternate annually between this newly-introduced 1950s race and the familiar competition for 1960s machines – such as the Manx Norton 500 and Matchless G50 – as is already the case for the popular St Mary’s Trophy for saloon cars of the 1950s or 1960s.

Goodwood will also introduce significant revisions to the overall race format. As before, there will be one race on Saturday and another on Sunday, with the result decided by aggregate timing. The difference in 2008 will be that each owner-rider will be paired up with a professional racer, and both will ride in each race, changing over in the pits around half distance. Plans are also afoot to introduce a Le Mans-style running start, which is certain to cause some drama and excitement for both spectators and competitors alike.

To meet the new eligibility criteria, motorcycles will have to be of a type that competed in the period 1951-1954, in the spirit of the original Goodwood race meeting. Owners of appropriate motorcycles or prospective competitors seeking further information should contact either Tom Hobbs in Goodwood’s Competitions Department thobbs@goodwood.co.uk or Gordon Russell at the Classic Racing Motorcycle Club CRMCelig@aol.com

The 2008 Goodwood Revival is set to take place at the Goodwood Motor Circuit near Chichester, West Sussex, on 19.20.21 September. Entry to the Goodwood Revival is strictly by advance ticket only.

To order advance tickets, please contact the Ticket Hotline:
Telephone: +44 (0)1243 755055
Fax: +44 (0)1243 755058
Email: bookings@goodwood.co.uk;
Via the Online Ticket section of the Goodwood website: www.goodwood.co.uk

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Relentless Suzuki Enduro rider, Paul Edmondson, prepares this week for the British round of the World Enduro Championship taking place at the Hafren Forest in Wales at the weekend.

Riding the two-stroke RM250, Edmondson makes a return to the world stage, where he recorded four championship titles and still retains the accolade of being the longest serving rider in the series history.

Talking about his return to the WEC, Edmondson commented, “I’m really looking forward to riding again next weekend. I’ve enjoyed a great deal of success in the championship over the years and using the RM250 gives me added confidence for the potentially tricky conditions.”

Edmondson, who suffered a rare ‘DNF’ at the Welsh Two Day Enduro last month, injuring his hand in the process, is almost back to full-strength and expects to be able to contest for a top spot after a promising ride last weekend in the Great Britain X Country event at Llanarmon, where despite running out of fuel showed great pace.

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The legendary Honda RC 163

Honda’s impressive racing heritage will again be displayed at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed (11-13 July), with performances from two and four wheeled legends spanning five decades, and a host of Honda’s most famous racing champions.

New for 2008 on Honda’s consumer stand, Vicki Butler Henderson will host a Question of MotorSport where two teams of Honda racers will pit their sporting acumen against one another. The quiz will take place at 2pm on Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday, team captain John McGuinness will be joined by quiz mates Alex Wurz and Stuart Graham, who will challenge John Surtees’ team of Cal Crutchlow and Mick Doohan. On Sunday, Jenson Button (captain) will be joined by Leon Haslam and Tommy Robb, to take on John McGuinness (captain) with his new team of Jim Redman and Ralph Bryans.

Blasting up the Goodwood Hill for Honda will be:

Motorcycles
Tommy Robb: RC 163 – Winner of all nine races in the 250cc class in the 1962 World Championship, the RC 163 took the Manufacturer’s and Rider’s Championships, contributing to Honda’s continuous streak of title wins with Jim Redman.

Stuart Graham: RC 174 – Winner of seven out of eight races in the 1967 World Championship, the RC 174, equipped with a DOHC 6-cylinder engine took the Manufacturer’s and Rider’s Championships in the 350cc class. It was also an IOM TT winner with Mike Hailwood.

Luigi Taveri: RC 163 – This machine’s victory in the 250cc class at the 1961 West German Grand Prix was the first GP win for a Japanese rider. The machine dominated the class, winning all 10 events it entered.

Bob Heath: RC 173 – One of the rarest motorcycles at the Festival, valued at more than £400,000 this is one of only two RC 173s built for Mike “the bike” Hailwood by Honda in 1965. This 4-cylinder, 350cc machine took Hailwood to victory in every Grand Prix he entered that year. The machine was re-built by Bob Heath with the help of Honda in Japan.

Jim Redman: Honda Superstock CBR1000RR 2008 – Honda’s lastest Fireblade capable of reaching 100mph in first gear! It’s currently leading the 2008 Superstock Championship in the hands of Steve Brogan.

Ralph Bryans: Honda RC 171 – This machine contested the 1962 Grand Prix Championship in the 350cc class. A successor of the RC 170, it debuted at the Ulster GP (Round 7) and contributed to Honda’s first 3-class sweep.

John McGuinness: 2007 TT winning Fireblade – Honda’s Fireblade power also features in the hands of the Isle of Man TT’s lap record holder at 130mph. John’s mastery of road circuits has made him one of the world legends of the sport. At Goodwood he’s riding the actual bike that broke the TT record and won four TT races.

Cal Crutchlow (Saturday) and Leon Haslam (Sunday): HM Plant Superstock Fireblade – This 200-plus horsepower rocket races in this year’s hotly contested British Superbike series. With a top speed of nearly 200mph, this is one of the fastest, best engineered racing bikes in the world today.

Mick Doohan: HM Plant Superbike Fireblade – Mick will ride Leon Haslam’s official 2008 Honda Fireblade Superbike machine which produces over 200bhp in the 2008 British Superbike Championship.

Cars
Alex Wurz (Saturday) and Jenson Button (Sunday): Honda RA107 – Powered by a 2.4 litre V8 engine, the Honda Racing F1 team’s 2007 challenger can reach maximum speeds of 211mph.

Tom Chilton (Friday), Stephen Worthy, Journalist (Saturday) and Vicki Butler Henderson (Sunday): 2008 Civic Type R BTCC – One of Britain’s most iconic hot hatches, Honda’s 2-litre Civic Type R has been a power to reckon with, spearheading the Team Halfords attack in the most challenging and demanding of series outside of F1.

Andrew Frankel, national freelance journalist: Tarquini’s Accord Super Touring BTCC 2000 – For more than a decade Honda has been at the forefront of Britain’s Touring Car Series. This outstanding Accord was driven in the British Touring Car Series in 1994 by Italian Gabrielli Tarquini and partnered by Britain’s James Thompson.

The full range of Honda cars, motorcycles and power products will be displayed on the Honda stand at Goodwood on each of the three days of the event.

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1962 HONDA CB77 SUPER HAWK (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)

US-based two-wheel devotees are invited to the third annual Japanese Motorcycle Saturday at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum on June 7, 2008. Located on the campus of the American Motorcyclist Association in Pickerington, Ohio, a few miles east of Columbus, the Museum is the country’s premier showcase of motorcycling heritage and history. Over 400 enthusiasts and nearly 200 Japanese motorcycles of all styles, including new and vintage sportbikes, café racers and tourers, are expected to gather at the Museum for Japanese Motorcycle Saturday.

Whether visitors ride in on a classic Japanese motorcycle or simply stop by to glimpse machines showcasing decades of design and engineering, the event is sure to please all motorcycling aficionados. Highlights of Japanese Motorcycle Saturday include a non-judged bike show and seminars. Admission is only US$10 and includes access to all museum exhibits, including the new “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” an installation chronicling many of the world’s most well-known enthusiasts.

Additional details about Japanese Motorcycle Saturday can be found at www.motorcyclemuseum.org or by calling (614)856-2222.

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Triumph Motorcycles Ltd is celebrating the arrival of spring with some fantastic offers at their Sports Open Weekend, taking place between the 29th–30th March 2008 at your local dealership.

Triumph dealers are offering the opportunity to see the brand’s new bikes and test ride the latest models from the Urban Sports range. The new Speed Triple, with its reshaped iconic headlights and new wheels, will be part of the showroom launch. In addition you will be able to test ride the all new Rocket III Touring with its awesome 2.3 litre triple performance combined with the handling, braking and agility of a bike half its size.

No weekend spectacular would be complete without checking out the latest accessories from Arrow, so if you’ve already gone your own way and own a Triumph then it’s worth a visit to see the new 2008 Triumph Arrow exhaust systems now available. Not just for Sports bikes either, Arrow have produced some authentic looking systems for the Modern Classics too.

The weekend also sees the launch of the new summer T-shirt range, including the much sought after Steve McQueen Special Edition, with an offer of 10% off the entire range (see promotional flyers for details)!

Visit your local dealer now! A complete list of UK Triumph dealers can be found below.

UK TRIUMPH DEALERSHIPS

continue reading "GEAR UP AT TRIUMPH’S MARCH OPEN WEEKEND"

Rush drummer Neil Peart with two of his favorite things: his drums and his BMW. (Photo by Andrew MacNaughtan)

The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the country’s premier showcase of motorcycling heritage and history, has revealed the names of more than 25 significant personalities and groups to be featured in the upcoming “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” exhibit. The exhibit will spotlight the world’s most recognizable enthusiasts and present priceless machines, exclusive memorabilia and tales from celebrities’ favorite two-wheel adventures. Featured MotoStars, Motorcycle Hall of Famers, industry leaders and enthusiasts will gather on the grounds of the Museum in Pickerington, Ohio, June 27-28, 2008, for the exhibit’s grand opening and the “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” Ribbon-Cutting Weekend.

Prominent personalities from a variety of industries have offered motorcycles and ephemera to the exhibit. Notable athletes include Jeff Lacy, super middleweight boxing star, and Wally Dallenbach Sr., champion race car driver and founder of the Colorado 500, a charity dirt bike ride now in its thirty-third year. Barrett Brooks, Super Bowl-winning Pittsburgh Steelers tackle, will lend his Sara Liberte-built custom bike, as well as personal memorabilia.

The music industry is also well-represented in “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles.” Queensryche guitarist Mike Stone’s Buell motorcycle and Erik Buell-designed guitar will be featured alongside custom motorcycles built for Def Leppard drummer Ric Allen and Blink182 drummer Travis Barker. Additionally, a leading Buddy Holly collector will provide rare ephemera from the rock n’ roll legend.

Hollywood’s longtime romance with motorcycling is chronicled in the exhibit. Chad McQueen honors his legendary father, the late actor Steve McQueen, as “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” presents memorabilia, photos and McQueen’s competition motorcycle from the International Six Day Trials. Actor and motorcyclist Francesco Quinn will lend the motorcycle he rode in the new Quentin Tarantino and Larry Bishop film “Hell Ride,” in addition to offering an intimate glimpse into the two-wheel passions of his father, legendary actor Anthony Quinn. Dan Haggerty, known worldwide as star of the television series “Grizzly Adams,” will also participate in the exhibit. A Hollywood stuntman, biker movie actor and bike builder for celebrities like Ann-Margret, Haggerty helped create the chopper featured in the most famous motorcycle movie of all time, “Easy Rider.” The iconic motorcycle television series “Then Came Bronson,” starring Michael Parks, will be represented through a custom Harley-Davidson. Additionally, Perry King, star of over 50 films and television movies and spokesperson for Los Angeles Olive Crest, an organization providing Homes and Services for Abused Children, provides a motorcycle from his stable. “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” will also display a rarely seen custom motorcycle built for the flamboyant Oscar-winning star of screen and song, Cher.

Finally, through the eyes of respected stunt people, the exhibit offers a rare look behind the scenes at Hollywood’s portrayal of motorcycling. Stuntman Gary Davis, whose skills lit up the screen in everything from “Viva Knievel” to “Terminator 2,” and stuntwoman Debbie Evans, who dazzled viewers in “Terminator 2,” “The Matrix Reloaded” and the Brad Pitt – Angelina Jolie thriller “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” both contribute high-flying insights.

“MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” exhibit curator David Morris is dedicated to relating the diverse nature of motorcycling aficionados. The breadth of motorcycling’s cultural impact is portrayed by renowned artists, such as Charles Schulz and David Hockney. Schulz’ son Craig, a competitive motocross racer, will lend the exhibit a full size statue of Snoopy as “Joe Motocross.” Craig will also provide artwork drawn by his father inspired by Craig’s racing adventures. David Hockney, one of the twentieth century’s most important exponents of the Pop Art movement, will partner with Dr. Charles Falco, co-curator of the Guggenheim Museum’s seminal “Art of the Motorcycle” exhibit, to present a unique view of the motorcycle experience. “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” is also privileged to have the participation of Thomas Krens, Director of the Solomon R Guggenheim Foundation.

Custom motorcycle builders, now recognized as artists in their own right, are also highlighted in “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles.” Ed “Big Daddy” Roth pioneered the new wave with his outrageous and visionary creations. Son Darryl opens the family vault to bring “Big Daddy’s” art and legendary trike to the exhibit. He is joined by “Big Daddy” contemporary Carl Morrow, a legendary builder whose past clients include the King of Malaysia. The art of Von Dutch, Hollywood motorcycle cult figure, is also represented courtesy of a prominent collector. Contemporary creators showcased include Cyril Huze, a member of the International Master Builders Association Hall of Fame, and Sara Liberte. Liberte, represented through the bike she created for Barrett Brooks, will lend insights into the world of customization from the perspective of a female builder. As a writer and photographer, Liberte is uniquely positioned to share her story. Her latest project is garage-girls.com.

Celebrities from a variety of industries have been instrumental in the success of charity motorcycle rides. “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” will present the story of the country’s most well-known charity rides. These include “The Love Ride,” the largest charity motorcycle ride in America, “The Ride for Kids,” “The Buffalo Chip at Sturgis” and the “Camp Boggy Creek’s Ride for Children.”

“We are thrilled by the personalities and groups who have offered to support ‘MotoStars’ and look forward to announcing further exhibit contributors in the coming months,” says Mark Mederski, executive director of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. “The Museum is committed to making ‘MotoStars’ as diverse and comprehensive as possible, and the industry leaders already contributing are making this goal a reality. We are eager to share the stories of these prominent motorcyclists and show visitors the strength and passion of the motorcycling community.”

“MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” is the latest in a series of award-winning exhibits at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. For an online tour of current Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum exhibits and a schedule of upcoming events and special activities, please visit www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

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Motorcycling nostalgia spanning over 70 years will be showcased at Race Retro 2008, the international historic motorsport show. Held from 14th to 16th March at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry, the displays include the popular Ace Café and its inaugural Café Racer Concours competition, Championship Sidecar racers, the Yamaha Classic Racing Team, a tribute to Seeley machines and the vintage ‘Wall of Death’.

The hugely popular replica Ace Café will be the centrepiece of the motorcycle area of the show and to celebrate its 70th Anniversary, the Ace Café is launching the inaugural Café Racer Concours competition. The best 25 motorcycles entered into the concours will be displayed at Race Retro 2008 where they will be judged by a panel of experts led by current president of the TT Riders Association, Colin Seeley, a former manufacturer of the finest racing motorcycles of the classic British period. Other judges include ex-racers Dave Croxford, who’s racing career began at the Ace Café, Peter Williams, a former works development engineer and rider for the original John Player Norton team, and James Hewing, Chief Executive of the Vintage Motorcycle Club (VMCC).

Supported by Autoglym, Triumph Motorcycles, and the VMCC, the Ace Café 70th Anniversary Café Racer Concours carries a cash prize fund of £1,000 plus accessories and products prizes from the sponsors. Full details and entry particulars can be found on the Ace Café London website. (www.ace-café-london.com)

One of the special features at Race Retro 2008 will be a tribute to British Sidecar World Champions, from Eric Oliver to Tim Reeves, with many of the World Championship winning outfits showcased. The display will range from the inaugural 1949 winning Norton/Watsonian racing outfit of Eric Oliver/Denis Jenkinson to the latest LCR/Suzuki F1 racing outfit of reigning champions Tim Reeves/Patrick Farrance, portraying the development of World Championship sidecar racing through the years. Tim Reeves, World Sidecar Champion for the past three years, will be joined by ten times former champion Steve Webster MBE, to conduct the show opening ceremony on one of the three days. They will be joined by several of the other former British champion riders and passengers. A memorable gathering and showcase for the elite of our sidecar racing community and their special racing machines.

Former Yamaha works racing team engineer and current Chief Executive of Arai Helmets Europe, Ferry Brouwer and the Yamaha Classic Racing Team, from Holland, will display six fully race prepared ex-works Yamaha GP racing motorcycles from the Japanese manufacturers glorious GP racing past. Ferry Brouwer, a Yamaha racing two stroke guru, will be joined by team mates including former works Yamaha GP riders Rod Gould, the 1970 250cc World Champion, Dieter Braun, the 1973 250cc World Champion, and Chas Mortimer, the 1978 British 250cc Champion and seven times GP winner. The team will be on hand to talk about their years as GP riders on the ‘Continental Circus’ and their current parading schedule with the Yamaha Classic Racing Team machines.

Graham Boothby’s International Historic Racing Organisation (IHRO) will focus on Seeley machines, which form a major part of the current IHRO race series. Expect to see several variations on the Seeley, ranging from the Mk1 G50 through to unusual examples such as the Seeley Gold Star. Current TT Riders Association president Colin Seeley, along with his old works riders, John ‘Mooneyes’ Cooper and Dave Croxford are expected to be on hand to share their racing experiences throughout the Race Retro weekend.

Live motorcycle action will be provided throughout the three days of the show by the popular and spectacular Ken Fox Troupe, riding their vintage 1926 Indian V-Twin motorcycles and other specially adapted machines on the genuine vintage ‘Wall of Death’.

There will also be a variety of classic motorcycle club and racing series stands, many guest celebrity riders from the classic ‘Continental Circus’ racing days and the current historic racing scene as well as interviews on the live stage by former TT winner and accomplished TT commentator Charlie Williams. And not forgetting the convivial motorcycle friendly atmosphere of the Ace Café where you can enjoy your bacon or sausage wad washed down with a mug of hot tea. Motorcycling nostalgia doesn’t get much better than Race Retro 2008.

For more information on Europe’s premier historic motorsport show and the latest updates, visit www.raceretro.com

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The MCN London Motorcycle Show 2008 is rapidly approaching and is set to be a feast of excellent exhibitions and entertainment! From 31st January – 3rd February, ExCeL London will be transformed into a biker’s paradise, with everything from trade stands to thrilling stunt shows in the Live Action Arena!

This year will see exhibitions from a staggering selection of the top motorcycling manufacturers; for the first time at London ExCeL, visitors can check out the latest models from the likes of Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Ducati, alongside BMW and KTM and much more!

For those looking to pick up anything from a new bike through to the latest accessories, there will be an impressive range of trade stands offering top of the range equipment and merchandise! And if that’s not enough for motorcycle enthusiasts, they can check out the live entertainment or get down to the Live Action Arena to watch the amazing live stunt shows!

The MCNLive! stage will be buzzing with exciting events, giving visitors the opportunity to meet top biking superstars and take part in all kinds of awesome activities including the legendary search for the 2008 MCN “Babe Of The Year!”

But this show isn’t just for those who are mad about motorcycling… whether bikes are a potential new passion, or one you’d like to re-ignite; there really will be something for everyone! The MCN London Motorcycle Show is now London’s 2nd largest motorcycling consumer show, and an outstanding entertainment event not to be missed!

ExCeL London is conveniently situated outside of the congestion charge zone near Canary Wharf, making it easily accessible by road or public transport; visitors can also take advantage of the ample parking and on-site amenities including hotels, pubs and restaurants! This is the ultimate day out for committed bikers, enthusiastic beginners and even those who are just looking for a good time!

To get involved get down to the MCN London Motorcycle Show 2008 from 31st January – 3rd February or for further information about the show please visit www.londonmotorcycleshow.com.

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The Goodwood Revival, the world’s most authentic historic motor race event, is set to encompass an exciting new dimension to its race programme for 2008. A fresh grid of motorcycles and legendary top riders are set to star in a ‘new look’ Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy for 1950s motorcycles.

In the Goodwood Motor Circuit’s racing heyday, between 1948 and 1966, there was only one dedicated motorcycle meeting – ‘Goodwood Saturday’, held in 1951. Taking inspiration from this 1951 event, the ‘new look’ Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy will be representative of this original meeting – including machines such as the Matchless G45 and Vincent Grey Flash. From 2008 onwards the motorcycle race at the Goodwood Revival will alternate annually between this newly-introduced 1950s race and the familiar competition for 1960s machines – such as the Manx Norton 500 and Matchless G50 – as is already the case for the popular St Mary’s Trophy for saloon cars of the 1950s or 1960s.

Goodwood will also introduce significant revisions to the overall race format. As before, there will be one race on Saturday and another on Sunday, with the result decided by aggregate timing. The difference in 2008 will be that each owner-rider will be paired up with a professional racer, and both will ride in each race, changing over in the pits around half distance. Plans are also afoot to introduce a Le Mans-style running start, which is certain to cause some drama and excitement for both spectators and competitors alike.

To meet the new eligibility criteria, motorcycles will have to be of a type that competed in the period 1951-1954, in the spirit of the original Goodwood race meeting. Owners of appropriate motorcycles or prospective competitors seeking further information should contact either Tom Hobbs in Goodwood’s Competitions Department thobbs@goodwood.co.uk or Gordon Russell at the Classic Racing Motorcycle Club CRMCelig@aol.com

The 2008 Goodwood Revival is set to take place at the Goodwood Motor Circuit near Chichester, West Sussex, on 19.20.21 September. Entry to the Goodwood Revival is strictly by advance ticket only.

To order advance tickets, please contact the Ticket Hotline:
Telephone: +44 (0)1243 755055
Fax: +44 (0)1243 755058
Email: bookings@goodwood.co.uk;
Via the Online Ticket section of the Goodwood website: www.goodwood.co.uk

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