News

We are delighted to announce the results of the VMCC July-Dec 2007 raffle drawn on 27/06/08.

First  Prize -1969 Norton Commando 750s Motorcycle.

Winner-Mr F M Jones, Powys, Wales. Ticket No 234818.  

Second Prize- 1962 AJS Model 14 CSR 250 Motorcycle.

Winner-Mr C Knox, Glasgow, Scotland. Ticket No 187095.  

Third Prize- Davida Ninety 1 Helmet, courtesy of Davida UK.

Winner- Mr H Rendle, E Yorkshire, England . Ticket No 127882.      

Fourth Prize- One years subscription to Old Bike Mart & The Classic Motorcycle, courtesy of Mortons Motorcycle Media   .

Winner- Mr Rick Clogg, Cleveland, England. Ticket No 43769.

Fifth Prize- One Years subscription to Classic Racer, courtesy of Mortons Motorcycle Media.

Winner-Mr B Pippet, Northumberland, England.  Ticket No 142591.

                                            THE JULY-DEC 2008 VMCC RAFFLE.          

Following on from our first raffle of 2008 the VMCC is pleased to announce the details of the July-Dec 2008 Raffle.

1st Prize-1969 BSA A65 Lightning 650cc Motorcycle (image for media use attached).

2^nd Prize-  Davida “Jet” Helmet.

3rd Prize- One Years subscription to “Old Bike Mart” & “The Classic Motorcycle”.

4th Prize- One Years Subscription to Classic Racer.

Many thanks again to our friends at Davida UK Ltd & Mortons Motorcycle Media for their generous support.

Tickets have been distributed to all VMCC members with the July 2008 edition of the Clubs magazine “The Vintage Motorcycle”.

Two books of 3 Tickets will also be distributed with the Aug 2008 edition of Old Bike Mart.

The draw will take place on Fri 19/12/08 with the winners informed immediately afterwards.

Tickets may also be obtained via VMCC HQ on 01283 540557 e-mail hq@vmcc.net.

Tickets may also be ordered on line at www.vmcc.net

The Sprint Section is delighted to announce that John Hobbs will be running the ‘Hobbit’ on the SUNDAY of this years 1000 Bikes Festival at Mallory Park. John, Sprinter & Drag Racer, is a former World Record Holder, British and European Champion.

John, with his final incarnation of the famous 'Hobbit', dominated the British and European Drag Race scene in the 1970's. The 'Hobbit' will be on show in the Sprint Marquee and will also running on Sunday during the Lunchtime and afternoon Sprint Demo's.

We’re indebted to John for committing to be our star attraction for the event as he has put a lot of effort into getting the bike ready for some exciting ‘Rolling Burnouts’.

You can read more about John’s illustrious Career by clicking here in Allan Currans’ fantastic article.

ABOUT THE HOBBIT :

Built: c1974 – 1700cc by John Hobbs

Powered by: Two Nourish Weslake Engines & two Shorrock Blowers with 3-Speed Transmission.

Achievements: First European ‘Side by Side’ run in the 8 Second bracket

with an 8.84 sec. against Danny Johnson’s Double Harley.

Best ¼ Mile: 8.04 seconds with 176mph Terminal

Winner – ACU British Drag Racing Championship – 1976

Winner – European Drag Racing Championship – 1980

REMINDER: We’re also STILL looking to see what else we can tempt out from ‘under the bench’ to engage an enthusiastic public keen to know more about our sport and it’s history, so if you’re willing to put your historic or interesting Sprint bike on show, please contact: chrisillman@vmccsprint.co.uk

 Ticket prices on show day: Adult £9, Senior Citizen £7.50, Child 15 years and under £3.50

In July 2008 Alain Phyfferoen will be riding his 1959 Triumph  6T from John O'Groats to Lands End to raise money for the STROKE ASSOCIATION, accompanied by his wife Mandy on her 1976 Honda 400/4.  This sponsored event is dedicated to the memory of Alain's father, who was the original owner of the 6T and who died last year following a severe stroke.

This venture is to raise as much money as possible for the Stoke Association, to help it continue its work in preventing strokes and supporting those who are affected by stroke.  Alain contacted the VMCC to ask for help in spreading the word about the event, and request support, and hopefully sponsorship.

The route he has planned will pass near Burton-upon-Trent so if anyone would like to meet him and support the charity, he would be delighted.  He will be visiting the Commando Memorial at Alrewas on Friday 18th July as his fathers name is inscribed there.  The outlined route planned is below but please feel free to contact him to discuss this futher and find out more about the project.

Monday 14th July - John O'Groats to Inverness

Tuesday 15th July  - Inverness to Glasgow

Wednesday 16th July - Glasgow to Penrith/Ullswater

Thursday 17th July - Penrith to Manchester

Friday 18th July - Manchester to Stratford-upon-Avon

 Saturday 19th July - Stratford to Bristol

Sunday 20th July - Bristol to Plymouth

Monday 21st July - Plymouth to Lands Ends

Donations can be given directly and securely to the Stroke Association via: www.justgiving.com/georgesmemorialride.

Thank you.

JIM MOODIE JOINS ROTARY RACE MACHINE LINE UP AT THE FESTIVAL

Latest news is that ex Norton Rotary works rider Jim Moodie joins us in a tribute to the late Roy Richards when The National Motorcycle Museum will be running 4 of their famous ex-works Rotary Norton Race bikes.

Ex Norton works riders Trevor Nation, Ian Simpson & Phil Borley will be joined by Jim in putting these most iconic of race bikes through their paces. Not only that but up and coming rider Lee Dickinson will be riding the new Norton NRV588 rotary race machine which is currently under development by Rotary Guru Brian Crighton. This will be only the second time that the new machine has been run in public (the first being at last Year’s Festival).   

With names like Agostini, Cooper, Read, Grant, Miller & a packed timetable ranging from the public track sessions, historic Grass Track, straight line Sprinting & evening entertainment on the Ace Cafe Rock n Roll Stage there won’t be a moment to spare!

Full Past Masters/Machines rider list below.

So much more than a track weekend for old motorcycles, that’s why this year’s VMCC Festival of 1000 Bikes is supported by some of the biggest names in the old bike movement including Footman James Insurance Brokers, Bonhams Auctioneers, Mortons Motorcycle Media, The Ace Cafe, The National Motorcycle Museum & Eriks (UK).

Spectator tickets are available to purchase on the day or in advance from Mallory Park-

SAT PRE BOOK £9.00

SUN PRE BOOK £12.00

WEEKEND PRE BOOK £18.00

CHILDREN UNDER 16 FREE

FREE PARKING

FOR ADVANCE SPECTATOR TICKETS SALES CONTACT MALLORY PARK (01455) 842931

www.mallorypark.co.uk 

Want to know more?

For full event updates see the specific event website at www.vmcc.net which was recently updated with the facility to watch video clips of previous events. 

Celebrating its 70^th Anniversary at Champions Park on Lazelle St

Dealer World Inc, publisher of American Motorcycle Dealer (AMD), Dealer World and International Dealer News magazines, as well as owner/operator of the AMD Official World Championship of Custom Bike Building, announced today that it has reached an agreement with Ace Cafe London Ltd to bring the legendary gathering spot for millions of motorcyclists, the Ace Cafe, to Champions Park on Lazelle St.. The Ace Cafe will be a part of the Champions Park entertainment complex along with The Official World Championship of Custom Bike Building, Champions Park vendor row and the S&S Cycle 50^th Anniversary celebration.

 “Our vision has always been to have Champions Park as a center of activity on Lazelle St during the Rally”, says AMD Publisher/Owner Robin Bradley. “We have always wanted to bring something to Sturgis that would be iconic for all bikers and what better than the Ace Cafe.”

Originally opened as a 24 hour road side cafe in 1938, the Ace Cafe quickly began to draw motorcyclists who would hang out, fix bikes and listen to music. The height of the site’s popularity came in the 1950’s and 60’s with the “Ton Up Boys” and “Rockers” who established the Ace Cafe as a cultural center for rock and roll and motorcycles in England. The Ace Cafe was also the birthplace of many motorcycle clubs and the legend of “record racing” where riders would race one another by dropping a coin in the jukebox and race to a certain point and back before the end of the song. The cafe was closed in 1969 due to cultural changes, growth in the car market and the expanding highway system in and around London.

 Re-opened in 1997 by Mark Wilsmore, with a major refurbishment in 2001, the Ace Cafe is once again the center of motorcycling for a new generation of enthusiasts. Hosting bike gatherings, hot rod and car clubs, rock n’ roll bands and industry events such as the recent S&S Cycle X-Wedge European launch, the Ace is, once again, the motorcycling destination in England.

 "We are very excited, thrilled and honored with the opportunity, in this the cafe's 70th anniversary year, to not only be present at the world renowned and legendary Sturgis Rally, but also to be able to play our part at the prestigious World Championship of Custom Bike Building", says Mark Wilsmore, Managing Director.

 The Ace Cafe will be open the entire week of the Sturgis Rally - Sunday, August 3^rd through Saturday August 9^th from 10:00am to 6:00pm. Champions Park and the Ace Cafe will be located at 3^rd and Lazelle St in Sturgis.

So much more than a track weekend for old motorcycles, that’s why this year’s VMCC Festival of 1000 Bikes is supported by some of the biggest names in the old bike movement including Footman James Insurance Brokers, Bonhams Auctioneers, Mortons Motorcycle Media, The Ace Cafe, The National Motorcycle Museum & Eriks (UK).

With names like Agostini, Cooper, Read, Grant, Miller & Nation to name just a few VMCC CEO James Hewing stated “Just look at the amount of Star riders and unique machines that will be taking to the track on Sunday 15^th July. It’s no idle boast that our star line up of past masters riding together is the best at any event in Europe this year. The event has caused such a stir over the last couple of years that the 2008 festival is actually being filmed for worldwide internet Broadcast later this year”.

13 Times World champion Giacomo Agostini stated “to be riding again at Mallory with my old rival and friend John Cooper is a happy feeling for me & this event has many star riders from that time. It will be good to be riding with them again on the race machines from those great years”.

Latest news is that in a tribute to the late Roy Richards who passed away earlier this year the National Motorcycle Museum will be running 4 of their famous ex-works Rotary Norton Race bikes at this year’s VMCC Festival of 1000 Bikes. Ex Norton works riders Trevor Nation, Ian Simpson, Phil Borley and one other surprise star name will be putting these most iconic of race bikes through their paces. Not only that but up and coming rider Lee Dickinson will be riding the new Norton NRV588 rotary race machine currently under development by Rotary Guru Brian Crighton. This will be only the second time that the new machine has been run in public (the first being at last Year’s Festival).

For those who haven’t been to the event before here are the answers to our most frequently asked questions-

Can I see almost every type of old Motorcycle in action?

Yes, the live motorcycling action that can be seen over both days of the event with the “Public” Track Sessions, Past Masters, Pre 65 Trial, Grasstrack & Sprint Demonstration caters for pretty much every motorcycling interest.

What else is there to see?

Lot’s when we consider everything else going on over the weekend including over 50 Clubs attending making for an amazing Avenue of Clubs & massive static display. Plus with auto-jumble, trade and sponsors stands, the “Demon Drome” Wall of Death, quarter mile Sprinting and the other competitive events mentioned above you need the whole weekend to see everything!

Why do so many people make a long weekend of the event arriving on Friday afternoon and leaving late on Sunday or even Monday morning?

Because the event is becoming famous for its evening entertainment that’s why (& there are 3 Bars)!

This year sees a big expansion of the evening entertainment provided over the course of the weekend in the VMCC “Big Top” Marquee with its own bar area providing refreshment.       

On the evening of both Friday 11th & Saturday 12th there will be live bands providing entertainment on The Ace Café Rock N Roll Stage within in the “big Top” entertainment marquee.

The famous Ace Cafe London will be presenting a rockers music special on both Friday 11^th and Saturday 12^th July from early evening till late into the night with well known Ace Cafe Rock n Roll DJ Tracy Dick at the turntables.

Here are some details of two of the best live bands ever to grace the Ace Café stage will feature on both nights of the event-

Friday 11^th July-

Lynette Morgan & the Blackwater Valley Boys.

Following on from their appearances at the Ace Cafe and venues around the UK we are delighted to welcome this nationally acclaimed band the event. You can hear tracks from the country/rock n roll influenced sound on their website-www.myspace.com/lynettemorganandtheblackwatervalleyboys

Saturday 12^th July-
Darrell Higham & The Enforcers.
Stalwarts of the Ace Cafe stage in London the VMCC is delighted to welcome this most famous of Rock N Roll bands to the Festival of 1000 Bikes. One of the most talented & original artists on the UK rock n roll scene Darrel has 15 solo albums and west end stages appearances to his multiple credits. Also an accomplished session musician the band quote influences from country through to rockabilly and 60s blues and pop. See the bands website-
www.darrelhigham.co.uk 

Kicking off Saturday evening’s festivities there will be the popular “Stars on Stage” featuring interviews with star riders including Giacomo Agostini, John Cooper & Mick Grant (to name but a few) who will be taking part in Sundays “Past Masters” track display.

Can I still take part in the track sessions?

At the time of writing the Sunday Race Bike sessions where almost all sold out with only a handful of sessions remaining for smaller race machines and Racing outfits. There may still be some road bike sessions available for Saturday as we have had to introduce more classes to satisfy demand. So it might well be worth contacting VMCC HQ to see if we can squeeze you in!      

Don’t forget the comments that the event has attracted from people over the last couple of years. Words like “friendly”, “inclusive”, “so much to see”. There aren’t many events where you can get to mix with & chat to so many World Champions and TT winners before everyone takes to the track!

What about spectator tickets & camping if I am not riding in the event?

You can camp for the duration of the event for just £10.00 per tent/caravan and you don’t have to worry about food as all the catering units on site are open from early till late every day.

You can save money by buying your spectator tickets in advance direct from Mallory park by phoning the ticket hotline on (01455) 842931

Spectator tickets are available to purchase on the day or in advance from Mallory Park-

SAT PRE BOOK £9.00

SUN PRE BOOK £12.00

WEEKEND PRE BOOK £18.00

CHILDREN UNDER 16 FREE

FREE PARKING

FOR ADVANCE SPECTATOR TICKETS SALES CONTACT MALLORY PARK (01455) 842931

www.mallorypark.co.uk 

Want to know more?

For full event updates see the specific event website at www.vmcc.net which was recently updated with the facility to watch video clips of previous events. 

The Festival of 1000 Bikes is really promoting your Club across the world and seems to be the event that everyone is talking about. With entries from as far away as Canada & Japan as well as representation from most European countries it’s becoming a truly global festival of motorcycling.   

If you have attended the event before you wont be surprised to learn that people fly thousands of miles to join us when you consider the fact that VMCC members and non members alike can ride the famous Mallory tarmac & share the paddock with the likes of Agostini, Cooper, Read and Grant just to name a few. And if you have seen the spectacle for yourself in previous you will know why some of the biggest names in the old bike movement including Footman James Insurance Brokers, Bonhams Auctioneers, Mortons Motorcycle Media, The Ace Café, The National Motorcycle Museum & Eriks (UK) want to be involved with the Festival.

If you haven’t been to the event before here are the answers to our most frequently asked questions.

Can I see almost every type of old Motorcycle in action?

Yes, the live motorcycling action that can be seen over both days of the event with the “Public” Track Sessions, Past Masters, Pre 65 Trial, Grass Track & Sprint Demonstration caters for pretty much everyone.

What else is there to see?

Lot’s when we consider everything else going on over the weekend including over 50 Clubs attending making for an amazing Avenue of Clubs & massive static display. Plus with auto-jumble, trade and sponsors stands, the “Demon Drome” Wall of Death you need the whole weekend to see everything!

Why do so many people make a long weekend of the event arriving on Friday afternoon and leaving late on Sunday or even Monday morning?

Because the event is becoming famous for its evening entertainment that’s why (& there are 3 Bars)!

This year sees a big expansion of the evening entertainment provided over the course of the weekend in the VMCC “Big Top” Marquee with its own bar area providing refreshment.       

On the evening of both Friday 11th & Saturday 12th there will be live bands providing entertainment on The Ace Café Rock N Roll Stage within in the marquee until late in the evening.

The famous Ace Cafe London will be presenting a rockers music special on both Friday 11^th and Saturday 12^th July from early evening till late into the night with well known Ace Cafe Rock n Roll DJ Tracy Dick at the turntables.

Here are some details of two of the best live bands ever to grace the Ace Café stage will feature on both nights of the event-

Friday-

Lynette Morgan & the Blackwater Valley Boys

Following on from their appearances at the Ace Cafe and venues around the UK we are delighted to welcome this nationally acclaimed band the event. You can hear tracks from the country/rock n roll influenced sound on their website-www.myspace.com/lynettemorganandtheblackwatervalleyboys

Saturday-
Darrell Higham & The Enforcers.
Stalwarts of the Ace Cafe stage in London the VMCC is delighted to welcome this most famous of Rock N Roll bands to the Festival of 1000 Bikes. One of the most talented & original artists on the UK rock n roll scene Darrel has 15 solo albums and west end stages appearances to his multiple credits. Also an accomplished session musician the band quote influences from country through to rockabilly and 60s blues and pop. See the bands website-
www.darrelhigham.co.uk 

Kicking off Saturday evening’s festivities there will be the popular “Stars on Stage” featuring interviews with star riders including Giacomo Agostini, John Cooper & Mick Grant (to name but a few) who will be taking part in Sundays “Past Masters” track display.

 Can I still take part in the track sessions?

At the time of writing the Sunday Race Bike sessions where almost all sold out with only a handful of sessions remaining for smaller race machines and Racing outfits. There may still be some road bike sessions available for Saturday as we have had to introduce more classes to satisfy demand. So it might well be worth contacting HQ to see if we can squeeze you in!      

Don’t forget the comments that the event has attracted from people over the last couple of years. Words like friendly, inclusive, so much to see. There aren’t many events where you can get to mix with & chat to so many World Champions and TT winners before everyone takes to the track!

What about spectator tickets & camping if I am not riding in the event?

You can camp for the duration of the event for just £10.00 per tent/caravan and you don’t have to worry about food as all the catering units on site are open from early till late every day.

You can save money by buying your spectator tickets in advance direct from Mallory park by phoning the ticket hotline on (01455) 842931

Want to know more?

For full event updates see the specific event website at www.vmcc.net which was recently updated with the facility to watch video clips of previous events. 

There will also be a final event update in the July edition of this magazine.

Thousands of Brits are set to don their leathers and head for the open roads of Europe for this year’s holiday, so whether it’s a rally through Sweden or a tour of Bavaria, specialist insurance broker Footman James has some tips on enjoying a trouble-free trip.