Tag Archives: Historic Road Racing

News

Classic TT changes its name and shortens from 14 to 9 days

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2022 Manx Grand Prix

The Manx Motor Cycle Club and Department for Enterprise have today confirmed plans for a ‘new look’ Manx Grand Prix in 2022.

It follows a review undertaken by both organisations earlier this year, working closely with other stakeholders critical to the delivery of the event including the TT Marshals Association, Manx Road Racing Medical Services and ACU Events Ltd.

The review was designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Manx Grand Prix, which is set to celebrate its centenary in 2023. Factors considered as part of the review included:

  • Analysis of the delivery costs and the benefits to the local economy
  • The impact road closures required to stage the event had on residents and businesses
  • Safety risk management
  • The provision of sufficient marshalling cover for the full event duration
  • Fan, media and industry relevance, and the continuous need to attract new fans
Classic TT Junior Lee Johnston
Lee Johnston – 2018 Classic TT

The new look for the event will bring to an end the use of the Classic TT designation, with a five-race programme planned featuring a range of classes for modern and classic machinery all held under the Manx Grand Prix title.

The Manx Grand Prix Races for modern machinery will be more closely aligned to the Isle of Man TT Races, with the Senior and Junior Races, for Supersport and Supertwin machines respectively, operating to similar (but not identical) specifications as seen at the TT, giving riders the opportunity to achieve their goals on the TT course.

The Classic Manx Grand Prix races will build on the Island’s reputation for high profile classic motorcycle racing, with the world’s best teams and many of the leading TT competitors expected to take part.

The duration of the event will reduce from fourteen days to nine in 2022, starting on Sunday 21st August and culminating on Monday 29th August (August Bank Holiday). This reduction will ensure sufficient marshalling cover can be provided for all qualifying sessions and races, whilst reducing the overall net cost of the event to the Isle of Man taxpayer and lessening the impact of road closures on local residents and businesses.

The Manx Grand Prix will also follow the Isle of Man TT Races by adopting the new Safety Management System being introduced for racing on the Mountain Course, which is aimed at driving safety performance across all areas of the events.

In a further development, the Manx Motor Cycle Club have also appointed ACU Events Ltd as race organiser, who have fulfilled the same role at the Isle of Man TT Races since 2008.

The Manx Motor Cycle Club will retain ownership of the Manx Grand Prix brand and lead the administrative delivery of the event, whilst the Department for Enterprise will continue to provide the funding required to stage the event, provision of facilities, infrastructure and logistics, in addition to assuming responsibility for event marketing and promotion.

A spokesperson from the Manx Motor Cycle Club said: “Having continually evolved since its inception in 1923, these latest set of developments announced today for the Manx Grand Prix mark an exciting, new chapter for the famous event.

“Ensuring its long-term sustainability, we have acted not only to address the challenges that the event faces, but also to inject new energy into both the look of the event, to which we believe will lead us to a successful future that stretches long beyond the centenary event in 2023.”

Classic TT Junior Michael Rutter
Michael Rutter – Classic TT 2018

Rob Callister, Political Member with responsibility for tourism and motorsport, commented: “Having played an important role in our visitor economy for almost 100 years, I greatly welcome the developments announced today with regards to the Manx Grand Prix.

“This key event contributes a significant £7.1m to the wider Manx economy and, when combined with the Isle of Man TT Races, accounts for £44m of visitor spending, which could be supporting up to 815 jobs in the island’s economy. It was therefore crucial that, together with the Manx Motorcycle Club, we undertook this review to identify ways that can help us to ensure the long-term sustainability of the event ahead of its centenary in 2023.

“As the event enters a new and exciting phase, working alongside all key delivery partners, we are committed to ensuring its future success, supporting the Manx Motor Cycle Club and the other organisations involved for many years to come.”

Classic TT Qualifying Horst Saiger Conor Cummins
Horst Saiger & Conor Cummins – 2019 IoM Classic TT

Manx Grand Prix 2022 classes

  • Senior Manx Grand Prix (For Supersport machines)
  • Junior Manx Grand Prix (For Supertwin machines)
  • Lightweight Manx Grand Prix (For GP250cc and Moto 3 machines)
  • Senior Classic Manx Grand Prix (For Classic machines up to 500cc)
  • Superbike Classic Manx Grand Prix (For Classic Superbike machines)

Manx Grand Prix 2022 schedule*

  • Qualifying

Sunday 21 August
Afternoon – Qualifying

Monday 22, Tuesday 23, Wednesday 24, Thursday 25 August
Evening – Qualifying

Friday 26 August
Morning – Qualifying

Friday 26 August
Afternoon – Race 1

Saturday 27 August
Morning – Race 2
Afternoon – Race 3

Monday 29 August
Morning – Race 4
Afternoon – Race 5

*Full schedule and road closure times to be confirmed in January 2022 following Department of Infrastructure and COMIN approval

Source: MCNews.com.au

News

2021 AHRRC moved to April 2022 at McNamara Park

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2021 Australian Historic Road Racing Championships rescheduled

The Mount Gambier Motor Cycle Club will now host the 2021 Australian Historic Road Racing Championships, which have been rescheduled for April 1-3, 2022 at South Australia’s McNamara Park Raceway due to Covid.

AHRRC Collie Motorplex Preview
2019 AHRRC

The Championships had previously been postponed twice due to border restrictions, and the club is now planning for the Championships to be bigger than ever and a true celebration of historic racing.

The renowned Mount Gambier circuit is 2.41 km long and is a mix of technically demanding slow and fast turns over undulating terrain, designed and dedicated solely to motorcycle road racing.

The track runs in a clockwise direction with 12 turns ranging from the sharp hairpin at turn 1 to the fast and sweeping turn 8.

The Mount Gambier Motor Cycle Club thanked everyone for their patience through these trying times, especially those that have already booked their entry, as well as Motorcycling Australia for their help in making the event possible. Dates for the 2022 AHRR will be released at a later date.

Rider's Briefing at Wakefield Park
Rider’s Briefing at the AHRRC

Entries are now open via Ridernet and will close on February 11, 2022.

2021 AHRRC Classes of Competition

  • Period 1 Ultra Lightweight up to 125cc
  • Period 1 Lightweight 132cc to 250cc
  • Period 1 Junior 263cc to 350cc
  • Period 1 Senior 368cc to 500cc
  • Period 1 Unlimited 526 to 1300cc
  • Period 1 Sidecar up to 1300cc
  • Period 2 Junior up to 350cc
  • Period 2 Senior up to 500cc
  • Period 2 Unlimited 368 to 1300cc
  • Period 2 Sidecar up to 1300cc
  • Period 3 Ultra Lightweight up to 125cc
  • Period 3 Lightweight 132cc t0 250cc
  • Period 3 Junior 263cc to 350cc
  • Period 3 Senior 368cc to 500cc
  • Period 3 Unlimited 526 to 1300cc
  • Period 3 Sidecar up to 1300cc
  • Period 3 Formula 700- 526cc to 700cc
    • Note: This class is for push rod engines only and there is no capacity tolerance.
  • Period 4 Ultra Lightweight up to 125cc
  • Period 4 Lightweight 132cc t0 250cc
  • Period 4 Junior 263cc to 350cc
  • Period 4 Senior 368cc to 500cc
  • Period 4 Unlimited 526 to 1300cc
  • Period 4 Sidecar up to 1300cc
  • Period 4 Formula 750 -526cc to 750cc
  • Period 5 Ultra Lightweight up to 125cc
  • Period 5 Lightweight 132cc t0 250cc
  • Period 5 Junior 263cc to 350cc
  • Period 5 Senior 368cc to 500cc
  • Period 5 Unlimited 526 to 1300cc
  • Period 5 Sidecar up to 1300cc
  • Period 5 Formula 750 526cc to 750cc
  • Period 6 Ultra Lightweight up to 125cc
  • Period 6 Lightweight 132cc t0 250cc
  • Period 6 Senior 263cc to 500cc
  • Period 6 Formula 750 526cc to 750cc four cylinder & 750cc to 1000cc two cylinder
  • Period 6 250 Production 250cc
  • Period 6 Formula 1300 788cc to 1300cc

Source: MCNews.com.au

News

44th Historic Winton | P3, P4, P5, Sidecars | Event Report

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2021 Historic Winton

Report by Colin Rosewarne – Photos by RbMotoLens – Rob Mott

The weekend of the 22nd and 23rd of May saw the 44th running of the Austin 7 Car Club’s 4×2 Historic Meeting at Victoria’s Winton Raceway.

The sidecars kick off at Winton led by Donald / Anderson

Unlike previous years where the venue swam in torrential rain on Saturday afternoons, the skies stayed a crisp California blue and setting stage was set for a couple of days of magic two and three-wheeled racing.

Cameron Donald / Kaz Anderson

Centre stage had to be given to Horner’s Irving Vincent garage with a pair of stunning Period 4 and Period 5 (Unlimited class) three wheelers up for a spin.

Husband and wife duo Cameron Donald and Kaz Anderson (#86) put in a commanding appearance on the P4 winning all their events convincingly.

Barry and Michael Horner

Although not as successful as the P4, father and son duo Barry and Michael Horner (#888) gave the P5 outfit a great post-Covid19 trophy winning airing much to the delight of the large appreciative crowds present on both days.

Garth Francis / P. Kenny

Commendable three-wheeled performances over the weekend saw Period 3 successes for the Garth Francis / Kenny #97 Norton and the Peter Large / Heywood (in 650 cc) #87 Triumph, both giving the later model period ‘fat wheelers’ some genuine irreverent curry.

Needam / Morgan – #20 Martin Honda

Rounding off the silverware for the three-wheelers, the Period 4 (836cc) gong was won by the Needam / Morgan combination on their #20 Martin Honda.

P3 and P4 Race Start

The Period 3 (500) two-wheelers were handsomely represented with a great field of true classics, led by a pair of single-cylinder Godet Vincent Comets.

Cameron Donald & Bob Rosenthal

This saw Cameron Donald (#86) having a red-hot shot against the established 500 single-cylinder racing mafia of Bob Rosenthal (#41 Geoff Clatworthy ES2 Norton), Keith Campbell (#3 George Campbell prepared ESO) and Garth Francis (#97 also riding a Francis ESO.)

Garth Francis and Cameron Donald
Bob Rosenthal

Sadly though, an early valve failure saw Campbell withdraw, taking no further part in the weekend’s racing.

Period 3 – Donald, Rosenthal and Francis

The Period 3 (500) racing was the undisputed highlight of the weekend with Donald, Rosenthal and Francis swapping positions with some good, close, hard, racing and the younger statesman Cam Donald eventually taking home the silverware on a countback.

Garth Francis
Cameron Donald

The Hand Shifter brigade, Periods 3, 4 and 5 all had a multitude of classes competing with some really high-quality racing performances across the board.

The Harley vs Indian hand-shift start with Clint Chegwidden leading

This ranged from the century old, 998cc Altoona Indians of Stan Mucha (#112) and Peter Birthisel (#111) tearing up the track with some gear box crushing performances.

Clint Chegwidden, Adam Moxey and David Hoy

Through to the modern Period 5 (Unlimited) Harris Suzuki 1200 of Roger Gunn (#107).

Roger Gunn – Suzuki Harris 1200
 Stan Mucca

The Winton 4×2 is a wonderful event and a must see on your racing calendar. Highly recommended.

Clint Chegwidden
Mason Birthisel
Jack Petith

Source: MCNews.com.au

News

Island Classic to be delayed and staged without International Challenge

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The plague postpones Island Classic

Boasting a 27 year history of sensational historic bike racing, the International Island Classic held on the Australia Day long weekend, is an institution at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. But in this brave new COVID world even long-held traditions are subject to change, with confirmation this week the 2021 Island Classic meet for historic bikes will be postponed.

The Phillip Island circuit management announced the decision today, saying the Island Classic will hopefully be held later in the year, but in 2021 would not feature the hotly contested multi-nation competition, the International Challenge.

General Manager of the circuit, David Bennett, said the ongoing complexities and risk associated with the COVID-19 pandemic had halted planning of the historic bike event.

“We had desperately hoped the situation would be different and would have loved to welcome everyone to another Island Classic. But the worsening situation overseas and the ongoing restrictions impacting the events industry locally, has led us to making this difficult decision” said Bennett.

“We are hopeful of staging an Island Classic in 2021, but not in January.

“Scheduling though will be subject to state borders reopening, quarantine requirements being lifted and government restrictions easing sufficiently to run a viable event. We have to wait to see how the COVID situation evolves locally in the coming months.

“We will continue to review our options to host an historic race meet at some stage in 2021 and look forward to welcoming Australian riders, historic teams and race fans back to Phillip Island soon.”

Run for the past 27 years on January’s Australia Day long weekend, the International Island Classic has attracted bike racers, their legendary historic bikes and hordes of race lovers to Phillip Island from around the world. It is one of the largest historic motorcycle meets in the world today.

Island Classic RbMotoLens Pits

Source: MCNews.com.au

News

2021 Broadford Bike Bonanza Cancelled

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2021 Broadford Bike Bonanza Cancelled Due To COVID-19 Uncertainty

The Motorcycling Australia (MA) Museum and Heritage Committee has made the very difficult decision, in consultation with Motorcycling Australia to cancel the 2021 Broadford Bike Bonanza in the interest of public health and safety and the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Broadford Bike Bonanza is a major three-day event at the Broadford State Motorcycle Complex, over the Easter long weekend each year, which is on Australian motorcycle enthusiast’s calendar of must attend events.

The Committee has placed the utmost importance on the health and welfare of all stakeholders, including participants, volunteers, emergency staff, Bonanza staff and attendees in making the decision to cancel the event.

Due to various COVID-19 restrictions currently in place both at a State and International level, including crowd restrictions and social distancing measures it is not possible to hold the event in 2021.

Event organiser, Rachelle Pettifer said: “With restrictions on large events, the Committee simply could not run the event in the same or similar way to previous years”.

“We are devastated to share this news with you a second time this year after the 2020 event was also cancelled due to COVID-19.

“The decision to cancel an event is not an easy one. We have made the hard call in consideration of participants, spectators, staff, volunteers, supporting businesses, market stall holders and the wider Broadford community to minimise the impact on them.

“We will now use this opportunity to plan and forge ahead with a revitalised 2022 Broadford Bike Bonanza, that will undoubtedly be the best in Bonanza history.

“The Committee look forward to bringing our entire community back together again, at an event that will be one to remember.”

The MA Museum and Heritage Committee looks forward to providing information and updates surrounding the 2022 event in due course.

Broadford Bike BonanzaSiBBB RbMotoLens Parking
Broadford Bike Bonanza – Image by Rob Mott

Source: MCNews.com.au

News

Aussie Historics postponed until 2021

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Australian Historic Road Race Championships

The news we have been expecting finally dropped today when Motorcycling Australia, in consultation with the Mount Gambier Motor Cycle Club, confirmed that the 2020 Australian Historic Road Race Championships, scheduled to be held at McNamara Park Raceway, November 12-15, will be postponed until 2021.

Given the uncertainty surrounding the current COVID-19 situation and border closures, the Mount Gambier Motor Cycle Club have decided the situation is simply not viable to ask members, volunteers, and competitors to commit to this event.

“This has not been an easy decision to make, and while we apologise for any inconvenience, we trust that everyone understands the reasons behind the decision,” said Mount Gambier Motor Cycle Club President, Alex Trnovsky.

“On behalf of the club I would like to thank everyone who has contributed their efforts in planning the event.”

Discussions are being held with MA for the Mount Gambier Motor Cycle Club to hold the 2021 Australian Historic Road Race Championship at Mac Park next year.

“Fear not, these efforts will not be in vain, as we remain committed to running the best possible event in 2021,” said Mr Trnovsky.

“As soon as we are in a position to announce a date we will, and one thing certainly won’t change – our desire to make the event a spectacle worth attending.”

The decision to cancel any Australian Championship is not taken lightly by and we take this opportunity to apologise for any inconvenience caused by this required decision.

In 2019 the Australian Historic Road Racing Championship will visit Western Australia
Australian Historic Road Racing Championship – Image by Colin Rosewarne

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Aussie Historic Road Race Champs rescheduled to November 15

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2020 Australian Historic Road Racing Championship

Due to COVID-19 and the rescheduling of national championships, Motorcycling Australia (MA) has advised that the 2020 Australian Historic Road Racing Championship, promoted by the Mt Gambier Motorcycle Club, has been moved to November 12-15, 2020.

We believe that a number of rule changes or clarifications are currently being worked through surrounding various classes and machine eligibility.  Supplementary regulations will be available when entries open on August 1, 2020.

M.A. have reminded participants that it will not be a return to sport as usual and certain State and Federal Government restrictions and measures will likely remain in force, but M.A. are confident that if all people follow government guidelines and practice good personal hygiene the championship will be a success.

MA Operations Manager – Martin Port

“Motorcycling Australia would like to thank Mt Gambier Motorcycle Club for their tireless work to reschedule this event in what is a tight national calendar of racing events which had to be rescheduled due to the COIV-19 shutdown. We know the dedication these club members have to putting on a spectacular event is second to none and we certainly encourage historic riders to get their entries in and fans to get along.”

Mt Gambier Motorcycle Club President – Alex Trnovsky

“The date may have changed, but the committee’s excitement and commitment to ensuring the events success is as resolute as ever. The club will continue to do everything it can to showcase McNamara Park Raceway and create a truly memorable celebration of historic motorcycle racing.”

Chas Hern on the T Rex FJ1200 Yamah leads eventual championship winner Aaron Morris also on a FJ1200 and Stephen Kairl off the front straight in the Period 6 Unlimited fieldAustralian Historic Road Racing (2017 – Image by Colin Rosewarne)
Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Classic TT now also a victim of Coronavirus | Officially cancelled

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The Isle of Man Government and the Manx Motor Cycle Club, the race organisers of the Classic TT and Manx Grand Prix, have taken the joint decision to cancel this year’s Classic TT presented by Bennetts and Manx Grand Prix, which were due to take place between the 22nd August and the 4th September on the Isle of Man.

The decision to cancel both events has been taken following consultation between the Department for Enterprise and race organisers, the Manx Motor Cycle Club, taking into account the emergency measures including current border controls and travel restrictions caused by the global Covid-19 pandemic.

Peter Maddocks, Manx Motor Cycle Club Chairman

‘We were asked, as race organisers, by the Government whether we were confident that the event could take place purely from a logistical and operational point of view this year. Although we were confident that we could provide the officials, the situation around other key personnel, such as marshals and medical personnel could not be guaranteed. Additionally the availability of event critical contractors and whether the infrastructure and equipment could even reach the Isle of Man in time is also an area of great uncertainty.

‘We also took into account the levels of pre-event practice the riders would have had to enable them to effectively take on the unique challenge that racing on the Mountain Course represents. All of these factors were considered and ultimately formed the basis of the decision that, from an operational point of view, the event had to be cancelled this year. Even though we are all in uncertain times the Club is looking forward to planning a return to the mountain course in 2021.’

Classic TT PracticeQ Pits

Classic TT PracticeQ Pits

Classic TT
Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Broadford Bike Bonanza joins list of cancelled events

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2020 Broadford Bike Bonanza cancelled

The MA Museum and Heritage Committee have announced that the 2020 Broadford Bike Bonanza will be cancelled due to recommendations by State and Federal Governments, limiting gatherings of over 500 people.

The announcement comes following the cancellation of the 2020 Festival of Speed, with the Broadford Bike Bonanza cancelled entirely, and not delayed or postponed. Full refunds will be offered for pre-purchased tickets, as well as for bike registration, while it was stressed the cancellation had nothing to do with recent resurfacing at the Broadford State Motorcycle Complex road race circuit.

See the official announcement below:

Broadford Bike BonanzaSiBBB RbMotoLens Parking

Broadford Bike BonanzaSiBBB RbMotoLens Parking

Broadford Bike Bonanza – Image by Rob Mott

Offician Broadford Bike Bonanza announcement

In light of current situation regarding COVID-19 (commonly known as Coronavirus), the MA Museum and Heritage Committee are closely following recommendations as set out both State and Federal Governments, on the limits placed on organised gatherings of more than 500 people at any non-essential public gathering.

The Committee is placing the utmost importance on the health and welfare of all stakeholders, including participants, volunteers, emergency staff, Bonanza staff and attendees in light of recent Coronavirus recommendations and mandates. Therefore, the Committee have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 event entirely.

Motorcycling Australia fully supports the early and proactive decision considering the nature of the event, which relies heavily on its participant and spectator attendance.

The Committee will be issuing full refunds to those who have already pre-purchased event tickets and bike event registrations. Refunds will be actioned as swiftly as practical with further information to follow.

The Committee would like to add that the event cancellation is in no way related to the recent resurfacing of the Broadford State Motorcycle Complex road race circuit. The Committee is saddened that Bonanza entrants will no longer be among the first to utilise the amazing new track in 2020.

Going forward, the Committee is resolute in focusing on the 2021 event, and trust all those in the well-established Bonanza community understand the current position of the Committee, Motorcycling Australia and Motorcycling Victoria in this instance.

The Committee are wishing everyone a very healthy, happy and safe Easter break with family and friends and look forward to seeing everyone again in 2021 for the biggest Bonanza yet.

Further information on COVID-19 can be found at the Australian Government Health website –  https://www.health.gov.au

Source: MCNews.com.au