Classic motorcycle lovers have a rare opportunity to see their beloved machines in action at the Castle Combe Circuit's Fowlers Motorcycles ProbikeNational meeting place on Saturday August 22.
In a packed day of 14 races and parades, the highlight for many will be thetwo eight lappers for the 'Lansdowne Classic Cup'. The invitation only series is designed to recreate the sights, sounds, and spirit of Grand Prix racing in the late 1950's and early 1960's when British built bikes ruled the world.
There are two classes, for 350 and 500 cc machines, with local rider Duncan Fitchett from Wroughton near Swindon, likely to be a front runner on his 500 Norton. Following some early season machine problems, Fitchett has made up alot of ground with several wins and his incredibly neat style could bring him another at his local track.
Whilst the Nortons are numerically dominant,AJS and Matchless are also well represented. There are over 40 riders for the Past Masters Parade including a 1951 Douglas, all of which were made in Bristol. John Hammond from Oxford brings his unusual 1968 Aermacchi Ala D'oro which he has owned from new!
There will also be a static display in the Strawford Centre including the Moto GPDucati Desmosedici GP6 and from British Superbikes, Leon Haslam's 999 Airwaves Ducati.
The modern machinery will be providing plenty of thrills too with local riders emerging in force, many taking part in several races. Amongst those,Darrell Higgins from Melksham has his Dennis Trollope Racing Yamaha 250 out in the Allcomers 80cc to 690cc championship race and the combined 250cc and 125cc Grand Prix races.
Other locals doing the same include Aaron Ridewood from Bristol on his 400 Kawasaki and Gloucester's Trudi Silvey, a rare female rider on her Honda 400. Bristol riders Justin Garrett and JonathanStenning field Suzuki 650 and Yamaha 400 respectively.
The Allcomers up to 1300cc race is packed with local riders including Bristol's Daniel Kift on the MJ Church Honda 1000 and Radstock's Rob Joneson the Ducati 996 he also rides in the two ' Sound of Thunder' races.
The Simply SAAB King of Castle Combe Trophy Race incorporating the Bridgestone Pro-Bike Open championship has Bath's Sean Ridley, Chippenham'sClinton Curtis, Trowbridge's Thomas Mann and Bristol's Chris Richards on onSuzuki 1000s, with Chippenham's Jonathan Bartram on a Honda 1000.
The Suzuki GSX-R Trophy with Formula 600 races see Swindon's Ricky Elder,Bristol's Mike Smith and Glastonbury's Lee Hembury all on Yamaha 600s
The event gets under way with practice from 08-45 am, with the first race at 11.05pm.
Admission prices are £12 for adults, OAPs £6. Paddock transfer is£2-50.
Accompanied children under 16 are free.
For more information, log on to the circuit's web site www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk. built by Racecar
