This year the brand new machine will be joining its famous Rotary predecessors out on track for the very first time in the hands of non other than multiple British Champion Jamie Whitham! What about that for another VMCC first!
If the above isn’t enough to whet your appetite prior to seeing this new British Machine for the first time how about a couple of figures? 200BHP! 135KG! We reckon that’s worth a trip to Mallory Park!
More details of all the on and off track activities at the largest Classic Track weekend in Europe can be found on the dedicated event website www.festivalof1000bikes.co.uk

The VMCC Ltd is delighted to announce that dates for the 65th VMCC Banbury Run which will be held at the Motor Heritage Centre, Gaydon, Warwickshire on Sunday 16th June 2013.

The Event.
With the support of event partners Footman James Insurance Brokers, Bonhams Auctioneers & Old Bike Mart the format of the 65th “run” will be similar to 2012 but with new routes and checkpoints to challenge the riders. With 600 entrants the VMCC Banbury Run is the biggest gathering & run in the world for machines manufactured before 1931. Operating over 3 different routes which all converge back on Gaydon the Banbury Run caters for those who wish to enter a timed event or those who just enjoy the thrill of riding with so many other Vintage, Veteran & Pioneer bikes.
Discounted entries fees will be available for Veteran machines (manufactured prior to 01/01/15) to encourage more of the very oldest bikes to enter the event.
The event becomes even more exciting in 2013 when, in conjunction with auction partner Bonhams, the VMCCs Vintage Training Day also becomes part of the programme making for a real “Vintage Weekend”
All 600 Banbury Run places sell out before the closing date of 28/02/13 so it’s important that entry forms (which are available from VMCC HQ on 02/01/13) are returned as quickly as possible.

The Bonhams Auction.
Event partner Bonhams will again be holding a sale of Pioneer, Veteran and Vintage Motorcycle’s the afternoon before the “run” on Sat 15/06/13. The venue for the auction will be Bonhams prestigious saleroom at Banbury Rd, Shipton on Cherwell, Kidlington, Oxford, OX5 1JH.

The Autojumble.
Supported by Old Bike Mart the famous Banbury Run autojumble is always a favourite as one of the best sources of Veteran & Vintage Motorcycle spares. If you are interested in an autojumble pitch please contact Vicky Frost at VMCC HQ or email members@vmcc.net

VMCC Vintage Training Day in conjunction with Bonhams Auctioneers.
The VMCCs famous Vintage Training Day become’s part of the event when Saturday 15/06/13 will see the Motor Heritage Centre become the venue for a single & expanded Vintage Training Day which replaces the two VMCC training days held in previous years. In conjunction with Auction partner Bonhams this unique feature gives “Vintage Virgins” the chance to learn to ride hand change and girder fork machines under supervision from their (VMCC Member) owners. Entry forms & more details will be available from VMCC HQ after 01/02/13.

Can you help?
We rely on dozens of volunteers to make the event happen. We always require marshals to help at the checkpoints on the various routes or on the site itself and can promise you not only a great day out but also a packed lunch! If you would like to help please contact Sam Brown at VMCC HQ sambrown@vmcc.net

The dedicated event website it available @ www.banbury-run.co.uk which not only has all the latest event information, but also has all the entry forms etc to download in a PDF format as from 02/01/13.

An extremely rare racing motorcycle from the 1920s that lapped the famous Brooklands race circuit at over 100mph is expected to generate intense competition among bidders at the Bonhams Autumn Stafford Sale on Sunday 21^st October 2012.

One of only two of its kind known to survive, the 1929 Grindlay-Peerless-JAP 500cc ‘Hundred Model’ (estimate £50,000 – £70,000) won the Brooklands ‘Gold Star’ award in 1937 in the hands of prominent VMCC member, the late Edmond ‘Boy’ Tubb.

When Grindlay-Peerless rider C W G ‘Bill’ Lacey became the first man to cover 100 miles in an hour on British soil in August 1928, the Coventry factory lost no time in bringing out a replica of his machine, the Brooklands ‘Hundred Model’, of which only five or six were ever made.

Offered for sale by the Tubb family, this Grindlay has been displayed at the Brookland Museum since the late 1980s, and used by the Brooklands Society on numerous demonstration runs in recent years.

Ben Walker, Director of the Bonhams Motorcycle Department, said: “Brooklands machines rarely come to market so we are truly honoured to be offering not one but two important examples at our Autumn Stafford sale.

“The ex-Edmond ‘Boy’ Tubb 1929 Grindlay-Peerless represents the period of ‘no fear’ motorcycle racing when Brooklands was the centre for the world’s most epic speed record attempts.

The VMCC’s hard-working events team had to make some last minute re-organisation of the autojumble, the camping and the spectator car parking because of the weather, but on the big day, there was a ‘weather window’ for the 64^th Banbury Run.

Because of space restrictions in the hastily created hard standing areas the famous “Banbury autojumble” was roughly half its normal size at 70 pitches. However the huge 130+ pitch jumble will be restored to its full size for 2013.

Nearly 600 riders coaxed their pre-1931 machines out of the Heritage Motor Centre at Gaydon on to the byways of Oxfordshire and Warwickshire in groups of five starting at 10.00 am.

It was a cold but dry morning, ideal weather conditions for elderly motor cycles, if not for the riders who undertook one of three different routes either timed or untimed.

The ‘Banbury’ is the high-point of the year for many enthusiasts, the opportunity to ride a true ‘Vintage’ machine in the largest gathering of Veteran and Vintage machines in the world.

The event always brings out some exciting ‘new’ machines fresh from the restorer’s bench as well as the old Faithfull’s which return year after year.

A copy of the programme is essential for complete enjoyment of the day. Not only does this give you details of the machines taking part, but there are delightful little anecdotes and stories about the discovery, the restoration and the performance of many of the machines.

After a day whiffling around quiet country lanes, tackling the famous ‘Sunrising’ Hill and paying their respects to the cross in the centre of Banbury, competitors were able to ravage the autojumble, admire the assembled machines – exchanging experiences and often picking up useful ideas for their own steeds. The site at Gaydon also offers the excellent facilities and attractions of the Heritage Motor Museum as a relaxing conclusion to a grand day out.

Prior to the “big day” on Sunday during Sat 16^th June the annual Bonhams Auction held in conjunction with the VMCC Banbury Run was another huge success with an un-restored Vincent Rapide heading up the prices at £31,050.

Riding entry to the VMCC Banbury Run is available to VMCC Members only with entry forms for next year’s event will be available to download from the dedicated website www.banbury-run.co.uk or direct from VMCC HQ in early January 2013.

Even with 600 entries competition for a place is fierce and it is essential to submit entries in good time to avoid disappointment.

Schwantz first rode a 500cc two-stroke at Mallory Park in 1986 and it kick started a fantastic and exciting career.

Other names included on the list already include Carl Fogarty, Randy Mamola, Mick Grant and Stan Woods, Neil Hodgson, Paul Smart and many more. And don’t forget the autojumble, trials, grass track, sprint, avenue of clubs, trade stands, real ale bar and entertainment.

A whopping 1349 bikes are booked to go on track over the weekend, each of them with a story to tell and a rider happy to talk to the knowledgeable crowd.

Mallory Park General Manager John Ward said: “Kevin Schwantz may be the headline but there will be nearly 1350 other riders taking to track on some of the most exotic and valuable bikes from yesteryear.

“The track sessions sold out months ago and give spectators the perfect opportunity to spot the bikes in action before walking round the paddock and seeing them close up. It is an interactive extravaganza of classic bikes and fans – if you like bike racing then it doesn’t get much better than this.”

John Cooper and Alan Carter are just two more of the names that will be visiting Mallory Park for the biggest event of the year at the circuit. The Festival of 1000 Bikes is back at Mallory Park and all the biggest names in motorcycle racing from the last decades will be there, along with some of the best kept classic racers and bikes you’ll find anywhere in the world – all on display and with an open paddock for spectators to walk around. Trade stalls, evening entertainment, a bar, camping and hopefully some excellent July weather will make this a weekend to remember.

Friday starts at 1800 with beer marquee and entertainment and costs £5 on the gate to enter. Saturday costs £16 on the gate, while Sunday costs £20 on the gate. A weekend ticket costs £36 on the gate and permits entry on all three days. Camping from 6th-8th July is £25 per unit with a maximum of four people; additional people are £6 each.

For more information visit www.mallorypark.co.uk or call on 01455 842931. Mallory Park, the Friendly Circuit, is situated in the heart of the midlands in Leicestershire just off the A47 between Leicester and Hinckley and easily accessible from the M1, M69 or M6. For further directions, please visit www.mallorypark.co.uk

That achievement led the BSA Company to name their top sporting 500 “The Gold Star”, which became perhaps the best-known name of any British motorcycle.

On 30th June 2012, 75 years to the day, the Gold Star Owners Club plans a commemorative celebration at Brooklands, the world’s first purpose circuit for motorsports.

The aim is to get more Gold Stars and Rocket Gold Stars in one place at one time than has ever happened before. Owners and riders of other BSA models are also very welcome. There will be an opportunity for Gold Star and RGS owners to ride up the Test Hill and on the Members’ Banking. It is hoped there will also be static photo opportunities for the “Goldies” and RGS in front of Concorde “Delta Golf” and on the famous Brooklands Banking

Among the machines attending are two replicas of Handley’s 1937 winning bike, to include that built by George Wander which recently won the Ace Cafe London award at the Southern Classic Bike Show, Kempton Park. In addition George will be bringing along his 1937 Gold Star with the production number of 102, the oldest “Goldie” in existence.

Some of the Brooklands Museum racing machines will be run as well.

The event will take place from 10am on Saturday 30th June at Brooklands Museum near Weybridge in Surrey.

All owners of “Gold Stars” and RGS are urged to attend and help ensure a record turnout to mark this unique and historic occasion.

Entry will be the normal Museum ticket cost of £10 (£9 for Seniors). There will be a special price of £15 for riders with a pillion passenger.

Bikes can be ridden in or brought by van or trailer. There is no limit to the number of eligible bikes. Non-BSA owners are encouraged to make the event a destination for a ride out.

www.brooklandsmuseum.com
www.bsagoldstarownersclub.com

The Banbury Run ™ is aimed at those who enjoy the thrill of riding with other Vintage, Veteran & Pioneer bikes. Visitors can see the bikes in all their glory as they set off for their annual Run around the countryside which is an amazing spectacle to watch.

Visitors can also buy some of the best vintage fashions, accessories, curios and handmade crafts on the first floor of the Heritage Centre. There are free activities for children, including the chance to win a Giant Retro Space Hopper in the Space Hopper Hunt!

Emma Rawlinson, Event Executive for the Heritage Motor Centre stated “The Banbury Run is a fantastic event and we’re delighted to be hosting it for the fifth year with the Vintage Motor Cycle Club. Watching hundreds of vintage motorcycles cruise the roads is a wonderful sight to see!”

The Museum will be open from 9am – 5pm on Sunday 17 June with the Banbury Run ™ beginning at 10am. Advance tickets costs £5 or £7 on the day. FREE museum entry is offered to entrants and spectators. Camping is available from Friday 15 June through to Monday 18 June. Advance tickets or camping can be purchased by phoning the ticket hotline on 01926 645029 Monday – Friday from 9am – 5pm.

For more information please see the website www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk or call 01926 645031.

The dates have now been set for the “Southern” and “Midlands” events which will be held at the following locations in May & June-

TRAINING DAY SOUTH-
Sunday May 6th 2012, Arborfield Barracks, Nr Reading, Berkshire.

TRAINING DAY MIDLANDS-
Bank Holiday Monday June 4th 2012, Curborough, Nr Lichfield, Staffordshire.

The Vintage Training Days give both VMCC members & non members the opportunity to experience the type of machine that they might not normally get the chance to ride.
Owners of 1920s and 1930s hand change machines will be available to give instruction in the art of riding for those willing to brave lever throttle’s and tank mounted gear sticks!
Entry fee is just £37.00 and will give the opportunity of riding at least 10 different Vintage machines.

James Hewing, CEO of the VMCC stated “Vintage Training Day is a wonderful opportunity to introduce people to the joys of Vintage Motorcycling and is very much in keeping with the ethos of the Club. In this way we can help to ensure that the oldest machines are learnt about, preserved and most importantly, used by a new generation of motorcyclists. With two training days this year we are appealing for hand change Veteran Motorcycle owners to contact us if they can bring their machine along and help us in this most worthwhile endeavour”.

Places are limited and the VMCC advise early booking as no entries are taken on the day due to the events being so oversubscribed.
One day membership will be available for Non VMCC members at a cost of £3.00 which will allow them to enjoy the thrills of Vintage Motorcycling.

Entry forms are available by contacting VMCC HQ on (01283) 540557 or e-mail events@vmcc.net

Kenny was born in 1951 and started his hugely successful career on the dirt oval tracks of the States. In 1978 he became the first American to win a Grand Prix World Championship and in the following years he totally dominated the World Grand Prix circuit, and by 1980, had won three consecutive 500cc Championship titles. After retiring in 1983, Kenny formed his own Yamaha team and by the end of the 1993 season, Rainey had equalled Kenny’s feat, securing three successive World 500 titles for the Roberts team. In 1996, Kenny decided to develop and build his own Grand Prix machine. Due to a number of factors the project had limited success, but it proved the potential for manufacturers outside of the big four Japanese companies to make competitive machinery.

During the late 1970’s, Kenny’s confrontation with the FIM ultimately led to the adoption of stricter safety standards and made significant improvements in the way riders were treated by the race organisers.  But Kenny will always be remembered for his fantastic riding style, hanging from the side of the bike with his knee close to the ground. This style has now been adopted by all riders and it’s hard to imagine racing without it.

So it was certainly a great pleasure to meet someone who has had such a massive influence on racing – and is also a real gentleman too.

Hello Kenny, welcome back to England! This year’s festival is a superb event – do you attend many events like this?
Absolutely not! I spend my time playing golf, and building the occasional bike. I’ve just finished a Yamaha YSR50 that I’ve fitted with a 450cc motor and a TT500. So I’m definitely a man of leisure. A lot of us Americans really don’t do travel due to the distances involved, so I guess I agreed to come in a moment of weakness..! But it’s certainly a great event and I’m glad I’m here.

For us Brits, one of the races that will always stick in our mind, is against Barry Sheene in the 1979 GP at Silverstone. Was that one of your best races?
It was a great race! Barry and I both knew that we weren’t going to leave it to the last lap, so we were both really going for it. But it wasn’t my best race though. My best race was the Spanish GP at Jarama in 1982. Barry was chasing me and I was leading, riding the first V twin Yamaha. But my tyres had gone and I was riding a real animal of a bike. I was determined not to let him beat me and I pushed it right to the limit on every single lap. It was by far my best physical and mental performance.

You have raced pretty much everywhere. What were your favourite circuits?
Well, Jarama is a great track. You just point it and pull the trigger – that kinda suits my style! And I love Silverstone. Mallory Park is great too – mainly because it only has 4 corners, and being a bit stupid, I find the circuit a lot easier to memorise!

And how about circuits that you didn’t get on with?
I just hate Donnington Park. The corners are all off-camber and it has a really weird surface that didn’t suit bikes. And I found that the harder I tried, the slower I went. I like circuits where the opposite is true!

Your first trip to Europe was to Assen in 1974, but then went straight back to the US. Why was that?
I was over for the 1974 250cc GP. I finished third. But I felt that the GP was run so badly, I thought, why would I want to race here? So I decided to go back home to make a living. And then when I couldn’t, I decided to come back to Europe!

And of course, you then came back over here in 1978 for the Transatlantic Trophy. Barry Sheene famously said that he didn’t think you were going to be very good anyway. Did that spur you on?
I don’t think he actually said that. He said that I was good rider but probably wasn’t going to win the world championship. At the time I’d never really raced in Europe and didn’t know the tracks. So to be honest, I think it was a fair statement. I didn’t like it, but was true!

The Transatlantic Trophy was very well attended. How was your first experience of European spectators?
It was my first experience of a whole lot of things. I just wasn’t used to short races and short tracks. In the States, they were all hour long races – a very different arena. I guess I just tried to survive. There was so much more to be aware of on the track. I was for ever being told, “You can’t ride on that part of the track because of leaves; you can’t ride there because of gravel…” There was a lot to take in. I remember I used to fall off a lot at Oulton Park, but if you were going to fall off anywhere, then that was the circuit to do it. They had the prettiest nurses in the hospital there – I got to know them very well!

Of course you were not only a fantastically successful rider, but you also ran a hugely successful Yamaha team. Would you ever consider running another team in MotoGP or MotoGP2?
Yes! But only if it was funded properly!

In 1997, you surprised everyone by moving into motorcycle manufacturing with Tom Walkinshaw racing here in the UK. What happened there?
It was really a project that wasn’t feasible in the timescales we were working to – with the level of engineering and budget that we had. With hindsight I would have made a 4 cylinder bike. The gas and tyre rule changes that came into effect really made it hard for us and prevented our three cylinder machine from being competitive. We signed a major funding deal with a Malaysian business man, the man behind Modenas Motorcycles and Proton cars, for a much needed injection of cash. But five days after the deal was signed, he was tragically killed in a helicopter crash and the funding disappeared. But I really enjoyed the experience – I still have all the bikes. They’re lovely little machines.

You were famously the first American to win the World Championship in 1978. Since then, a lot of American riders have followed in your footsteps. Colin Edwards and Nicky Hayden have both been around for a long time now. Who do you see coming on the scene next?
Really good riders don’t come around every year. Someone who sets themselves apart from the others comes only every ten to fifteen years. At the moment it’s the Spanish riders who are running the show. I’ve heard that the Spanish have more sex and that makes them ride faster!

You did a lot in the 1970s in improving conditions and safety for racers. You must also be very proud of this?
Yes, people now don’t realise just how much we did in such a short period of time. There were too many people dying and a lot of people were getting hurt. Not only that, but the wrong people were making money – it wasn’t the riders or the teams. But it all changed in 1980 and has continued to improve since then. The circuits are much safer now, and the sport is much better all round.