The British Grand Prix will stay on the Formula 1 calendar till at the least 2034 after Silverstone secured a 10-year extension to its present deal.
The new deal secures the long-term way forward for the occasion on the 3.6-mile Northamptonshire circuit, which hosted the first-ever spherical of the Formula 1 World Championship in 1950.
A document 480,000 followers attended the occasion throughout the weekend final yr.
Silverstone’s present deal was because of expire on the finish of the 2024 F1 season, making it the final remaining race on the schedule but to safe a long-term deal.
While the British GP is a cornerstone of the calendar, F1 bosses had launched a collection of recent races on road circuits in recent times, together with Miami and Las Vegas. Meanwhile, the Spanish GP will swap from Barcelona to a brand new road circuit round a conference centre on the outskirts of Madrid.
Peter Digby, chairman of the British Racing Drivers’ Club, which owns Silverstone, mentioned the extension “will provide a solid base for the further development of the venue as we continue to improve and transform the circuit into a year-round international motorsport and leisure destination”.
F1 boss Stefano Domenicali added that he was “delighted” with the deal, calling Silverstone “an iconic venue at the heart of F1 history”.
F1 chiefs have labored lately to safe long-term offers with many established occasions.
The Japanese GP lately secured an extension to run at Suzuka till 2029 and the Austrian, Canadian, Hungarian and Australian GPs have all secured offers operating to 2030 or past.
The races in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain all have offers of comparable lengths.
The F1 calendar has been expanded in recent times to accommodate the brand new races, and this yr will function a document 24 occasions.
This yr’s British GP is about to happen on 7 July.
FMF KTM Factory Racing rider Dante Oliveira has opened the 2024 AMA National Grand Prix Championship (NGPC) with a Pro Class victory at Round 1 in Delano California . Oliveira was locked in a race lengthy battle with Beta mounted Dare Demartile for the highest spot. Justin Hoeft, Cole Martinez, Mateo Oliveira, Ryan Surratt and others weren’t far behind all the 90 minute predominant occasion. You can see all the race action here!
Defending champ Dante Oliveira got here out swinging profitable a tough fought spherical one.
Beta mounted Dare Demartile in on fireplace proper now! He lead most the race and seemed very snug on the bike. He completed within the runner up spot however undoubtedly has the velocity to win.
Justin Hoeft put his Purvines Yamaha on the rostrum in third.
SLR Honda’s Cole Martinez was within the combine for the win and finally completed simply off the rostrum in 4th.
Mateo Oliveira rounded out the highest 5 aboard his manufacturing facility Red Bull KTM.
Ryan Surratt with out an official journey this yr borrowed an engine SLR simply to race the occasion and completed sixth.
Tyler Lynn is new to the SLR Honda workforce and completed a robust seventh on the opener.
Trevor Stewart has a brand new search for 2024 and completed eighth at spherical 1.
Vet racing famous person Giacomo Redondi combined it up within the premier class ending a strong ninth aboard his Gas Gas .
New to the open professional class Purvines Yamaha Jack Simpson rounded out the highest 10.
Torsten Hallman was a serious catalyst to the expansion of motocross. In his profession he had 37 Grand Prix victories, 5 Trophée des Nations victories (1963, 1964, 1966, 1967 and 1968), 4 250cc Motocross World titles and 4 250cc Swedish National Motocross championships (1961, 1962, 1963 and 1965)
Torsten had a novel fashion which was easy, and used his whole physique to be very environment friendly whereas utilizing his legs to assist suck up the jumps. This saved him decrease, quicker and again to the bottom faster than his competitors. Five-time World Champion, Roger DeCoster believed that Hallman’s using fashion as having influenced his personal using habits.
His profession at Husqvarna began in 1960 with a full sponsorship to race the European Motocross Championships. Greeves mounted Dave Bickers received, whereas Torsten completed seventh after lacking occasions from a damaged collarbone. He improved to fourth within the 1961 250cc European Motocross Championship, with Bickers repeating as champion. Hallman was the highest factors scorer at 1961 Trophée des Nations, serving to the Swedish workforce place second behind the British workforce. Husqvarna nearly stopped bike manufacturing when enterprise waned. They knowledgeable Torsten that their bike growth would cease and that he ought to search employment elsewhere. He almost signed with Greeves however on the final minute Husqvarna administration discovered the funding to put money into an all-new 4-speed 250 2-stroke.
Torsten Hallman remained at Husqvarna and helped growth of the brand new bike whereas competing within the World Championships. Husqvarna grew to become one of many first bike producers to undertake two-stroke engine expertise.
Here’s DeCoster utilizing the leaping fashion of Torsten Hallman. Roger believed that absorbing jumps along with your legs saved the bike decrease and allowed for faster energy to the bottom.
some weeks later…
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
STEW ON THIS!
•
I’ve ridden loads of path with this maniac- Mark “Mental” Mangold. I took this shot of him again in 2015, enjoying within the frosting on his twin sport bike. He and I’m going again to 1974 once I met him once I working for O’Neal as a highway rep and he labored on the Kawasaki Dealership in Lancaster, CA.
Back in 2012 I spent loads of time on the Husaberg 300. Naturally the machine was a redressed KTM, and this specific unit I had labored with Bones at Pro Circuit and match it with a Showa fork and shock. My buddy Mr. Kramer snapped the pic.
Irish Road Racing, together with the North West 200 and Ulster Grand Prix, is known however faces challenges resulting from excessive insurance coverage premiums.
The Dakar Rally is named the hardest motorbike race, with excessive circumstances, lack of sleep, and the chance of ready hours for assist.
The Baja 1000 in Mexico is known, attracting star members, however accidents have occurred resulting from public roads remaining open throughout the race.
Motorsport is harmful; two wheeled motorsport, doubly so. Drivers of vehicles have a steel shell to guard them from influence, whereas a motorcyclist doesn’t have a lot in the way in which of influence safety apart from the crash helmet. To mitigate the chance, there are a bunch of guidelines that have to be adopted, from security requirements for gear, machines, racetracks, licensing for the riders, and medical employees on standby on the location.
However, regardless of this, there are a number of races that exist that may (and do) lead to fatalities. We’re going to take a look at a number of of them right here, however we’ve got set standards for them. One, they have to be present. Races that we’d like to increase on just like the Siberian Ice Run that’s run on the world’s deepest lake (a frozen one), the Pikes Peak Hillclimb, and the Raid de Himalaya aren’t presently run, so we’re going to go away them out.
We’ve additionally not restricted ourselves to highway racing, and there’s even an occasion that hardly meets the definition of ‘organized’. Without additional ado and in no specific order, then, listed here are the world’s most harmful motorbike races that also exist.
In order to provide the most recent and correct info attainable, the information used to compile this text was sourced from authoritative sources, together with Cyclenews.com, Motorcyclenews.com, Adventurebikerider.com, and the respective official racing collection web sites.
America has had its fair proportion of greats, whether or not on the house entrance or internationally
5Irish highway races
Founded: 1902 / Next version: 2025
The Motor Cycling Union of Ireland is now 121 years previous, and a number of the races on the Irish Road Racing calendar have legendary standing. Any fan of two-wheeled motorsport may have heard of the North West 200, or the Ulster Grand Prix. The latter has been discontinued since 2019, however not for lack of attempting.
It was a prestigious race, being a part of the Grand Prix racing (now MotoGP) calendar from the primary season in 1949, till 1971. Names resembling Joey Dunlop, Guy Martin, Bruce Anstey and Ian Hutchinson have all gained the Ulster Grand Prix. If you don’t acknowledge any of these names, attempt these: John Surtees, Mike Hailwood, Giacomo Agostini, Phil Read, and Wayne Gardner. The Ulster Grand Prix additionally had the quickest common velocity file till the Isle of Man TT took it away.
The North West 200 is faring significantly better than the Ulster occasion, with positivity across the 2024 version being held. It is near 100 years previous, with its centenary in 2029. Average circuit speeds are in extra of 120mph, with security measures together with hay bales put on the base of lamp posts across the circuit. Needless to say, there have been fairly a number of fatalities on the NW200, and chicanes have been launched in a number of locations to convey speeds down.
Irish Road Racing is so dangerous that your complete shebang won’t return, since insurance coverage premiums out of the blue tripled in 2023, which means that organizers merely couldn’t afford to place up even with occasions which were working for a century, just like the Ulster Grand Prix. The NW200 web site appears constructive in regards to the 2024 working of the occasion, however time will inform whether it is truly held in 2024.
4Dakar Rally
Founded: 1977 / Next version: 2024
Nobody is shocked by this occasion being on this record; the Dakar Rally is extensively acknowledged to be the hardest motorbike race on the earth, if not the hardest race on the earth, interval. It is so powerful that merely ending it counts as an enormous achievement. Theirry Saubine is the creator of the occasion; he primarily based it on a time he obtained misplaced within the Tenere desert whereas collaborating in one other rally.
The first Dakar Rally ran in 1977 from Dakar in Senegal to Paris, France. 182 autos began the race, and solely 74 completed. The Dakar Rally’s route has modified a number of occasions with stops in South America, with the most recent iteration stabilizing to a route that runs nearly solely in Saudi Arabia. The cause for the shift to Asia was terrorist threats! Of course, the deadliest factor to opponents earlier than the threats shifted the situation have been landmines.
Among the necessities for Dakar Rally motorcycles are for the bikes to hold three liters of potable water, in case a competitor will get stranded and has to attend for evacuation. You see, there are solely so many medevac helicopters, and so many crashes and breakdowns that it might be a day till assist arrives.
The largest enemy of opponents is the shortage of sleep. Make no mistake, Dakar opponents are world class athletes who trip their machines at 100mph on unknown roads (or no roads) with an analog navigation system to information them, and any crash may imply hours ready for certified assist. Still, there are those who thumb their noses at the dangers of the Dakar, and survive.
These occasions are the final word celebration of bike tradition.
3Baja 1000
Founded: 1967 / Next version: 2024
The Baja 1000 is the Mexican equal of the Dakar Rally. Starting in 1967, there’s extra to the Baja 1000 than Trophy Trucks and Beetle-based buggies. Participants must cowl 1000 miles within the desert of Baja California, with motorbike courses working from 125cc upward. There are even courses for riders over 60 years of age.
There is star energy within the Baja 1000 – Mario Andretti, Steve McQueen, James Garner, and Paul Newman have all participated within the race, and it’s this race which cemented the legendary reputation of the Kawasaki KX500. The locals are principally very supportive of the race, though the general public roads aren’t closed for the race, which has led to accidents prior to now, and a few race members getting on the unsuitable facet of the regulation. The most well-known Baja associated dying was that of Kurt Caselli, who crashed whereas within the lead and succumbed to his accidents.
The risks don’t cease members from getting into the Ironman motorbike class as nicely, the place a single rider has to cowl your complete route within the given time. Contenders higher be outfitted with some sturdy machines. Finishes normally take nearly 24 hours, so the form of health required and sleep deprivation that members bear is sort of just like the Dakar Rally. That hasn’t stopped some incredible stories from coming out of the Baja 1000.
MotoGP 2023 is about to get underway and for this reason try to be excited
2Isle of Man TT
Founded: 1907 / Next version: 2024
This is essentially the most harmful race on the earth, no query. The Snaefell Mountain Course is a monitor made out of public streets identical to the Irish Road Racing tracks, full with stone partitions, hedges, lamp posts, and other people’s homes inches from the monitor floor. MotoGP riders have gone on record to state that they discover the Isle of Man TT too harmful.
The common velocity is now nicely over 130mph across the 37-mile course. Since its inception in 1907, the Isle of Man TT has accounted for 260 deaths and extra accidents. It does take a nod to modernity, with the TT Zero class for electrical autos, however in just about each different method it has caught to its roots. Despite the hazard, the Isle of Man TT is a particularly standard race, with over 40,000 spectators visiting the island in 2023.
It is without doubt one of the final races of its sort, with strain to alter or discontinue it in its present kind due to the hazard it poses to members and spectators – however for the second its future appears to be safe. For the uninitiated, there are fairly a number of documentaries in regards to the Isle of Man TT as nicely.
1Special Mention: Mongol Rally
Founded: 2004 / Next version: 2025
https://www.theadventurists.com/mongol-rally/
Open the Mongol Rally website, and the primary phrases you’ll see are ‘Motoring stupidity on a global scale’. It is troublesome to disagree with their self evaluation; the Mongol Rally has no fastened route, no assist, and for essentially the most half, no proof of civilization. You’re simply given the ending level, and despatched off with a cheery wave.
No backup, no checkpoints, nothing. Oh, and you must cowl 10,000 miles in every week. On a motorbike with an engine no larger than 125cc. It is open to scooters as nicely, and there’s a monkey bike class for individuals who search the utmost discomfort attainable. If you’re nonetheless studying, we assume you need to learn about this craziness.
The present place to begin lies simply exterior of Prague, within the Czech Republic. Older beginning traces have been Hyde Park in London, UK, and Goodwood in West Sussex, additionally within the UK. The end line lies in Ulan Ude, simply north of the Mongol capital Ulaanbaatar. In the previous, opponents have meandered their solution to the end by way of Iran, Pakistan, and north of the Arctic Circle. The entry price for bikes is a shade underneath 200 {dollars}, however every little thing else needs to be borne by members.
Participants even have to boost a minimal of 630 US {dollars} for the charity Cool Earth, past which they’re free to boost cash for a charity of their selection. There aren’t any fatalities to indicate from the Mongol Rally, however the potential for catastrophe is extraordinarily excessive, and in addition to, if somebody have been to vanish within the steppes of Mongolia, would we even know?
After a challenging couple of years, the Macau Grand Prix is making a comeback. In recent years, the city circuit has seen limited action due to various circumstances, most notably the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with the easing of restrictions and the passing of time, the organizers have announced that the Grand Prix will be held again this November, marking its 70th anniversary.
Last year, the Macau GP took place, but with several notable names missing from the lineup. Riders like Peter Hickman and Michael Rutter couldn’t participate due to the still prevailing COVID-19 restrictions. However, this year, these riders and others, such as Davey Todd on the Burrows Engineering/RK Racing BMW, will be making their return.
In 2022, the 54th season of the GP saw the organization of seven races, including the Sands China Formula 4 Macau Grand Prix, Galaxy Entertainment Macau GT Cup, Wynn Macau Guia Race, MGM Macau Touring Car Cup, Melco Greater Bay Area GT Cup, SJM Macau Roadsport Challenge, and the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix. Despite health and safety regulations being strictly enforced, the relaxed rulings this year may result in the Grand Prix returning in full swing for its 55th edition.
The schedule for this year’s Macau Grand Prix includes a free practice session on November 16, 2023, lasting 45 minutes. The following day, November 17, a qualifying session of the same duration will be held.
On race day, November 18, 2023, a 20-minute warm-up session will precede the main event: a 12-lap race. According to the organizers’ schedule, the motorcycle race will take place first on Saturday.
Thursday, November 16
07:45 a.m. to 08:30 a.m. – Free Practice
Friday, November 17
08:00 a.m. to 08:45 a.m. – Qualifying
Saturday, November 18
07:40 a.m. to 08:00 a.m. – Warm-up
08:30 a.m. – Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix Race (12 laps)
On August 23, 2023, Ian Bainbridge, a well-known classic motorcycle racer, tragically lost his life in a crash during a qualifying session for the 2023 Manx Grand Prix (MGP). He was 69 years old.
The incident took place in Kirk Michael village, just north of Peel, during Bainbridge’s first lap of his first qualifying session for the 2023 MGP. Following the crash, the qualifying session was immediately stopped and eventually canceled.
Bainbridge began racing on the Mountain Course in 2005 and had been a regular participant in classic motorcycle racing ever since. According to event organizers, he had only missed two MGP events from 2005 to 2023. His best result came in 2010 when he finished eighth in the Classic Senior Manx GP.
Hailing from Barnard Castle, Bainbridge leaves behind a loving family and friends who cherished him. His daughter, Victoria, expressed their grief, saying, “He was doing what he loved, and we have been told he would not have suffered, which is a small comfort at this time. I don’t really know what to say other than he will be sorely missed with his big smile and daft sense of humor as a dad, a son, a husband, a grandfather, and a friend.”
Victoria also mentioned that the family may not be engaging with messages on social media for a while, but they would appreciate any photos and memories of Bainbridge shared by those who loved him. She believes that when the family is ready, they will treasure these heartfelt tributes.
The racing community, including fellow racers, fans, and classic motorcycle racing clubs, have been sharing their condolences and tributes to Bainbridge on social media. It is evident that he was widely respected and admired within the racing community.
Tragically, Bainbridge’s death marks the second fatality during the 2023 Manx Grand Prix qualifying week, following the passing of Gary Vines at the beginning of the same week. We extend our deepest condolences to Bainbridge’s family, friends, colleagues, and fans during this incredibly difficult time.
Alpine has unveiled a special edition A110 S to mark its Formula 1 team and the upcoming British Grand Prix. The limited-production model pays homage to the BWT Alpine F1 Team by incorporating carbon-fiber elements from the same Enstone workshop where the racing outfit is based.
This is the first time that Alpine has produced interior carbon components using the tools, molds, and autoclaves from the Alpine F1 factory. The instrument cluster visor, center console, and drop zone all feature these exclusive carbon-fiber materials. The bill and console are branded with Alpine’s A arrow mark and the signature of the BWT Alpine F1 Team.
Rolls-Royce celebrates the 110th anniversary of its impressive win at the first-ever Spanish Grand Prix on June 15, 1913
At the race, Silver Ghosts secured first and third places, conquering the challenging terrain north of Madrid
Victory was achieved through team tactics and personal sacrifices, with Don Carlos de Salamanca, Rolls-Royce’s new agent in Spain, taking first place, and Eric Platford, a dedicated engineer, claiming third place
This early achievement highlights Rolls-Royce’s dedication to excellence, inspiring greatness in its owners and staff
“Rolls-Royce’s dominance in long-distance trials in the early 20th century is well-known. However, motor racing, particularly in Europe, also played a crucial role in establishing the brand’s reputation for performance and reliability. Today, we reflect on the Silver Ghost’s victory at the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix on June 15, 1913, which was not only a triumph of Henry Royce’s technology but also a testament to team spirit and self-sacrifice.”
– Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Today, Rolls-Royce commemorates the 110th anniversary of the 1913 Spanish Grand Prix, where Silver Ghosts claimed first and third places. This technical and strategic triumph set the stage for the legendary victory at the 1913 Alpenfahrt a few weeks later.
This victory was built upon three key elements: the superior engineering and performance of the Silver Ghost, meticulous team tactics, and the selflessness of one of Rolls-Royce’s most dedicated employees.
RACING AHEAD
In the early 20th century, endurance trials served as the primary platform for motor manufacturers, including luxury brands like Rolls-Royce, to showcase the capabilities of their cars. Rolls-Royce had an outstanding record in these grueling tests, having excelled in renowned events such as the 15,000-mile Scottish Reliability Trial in 1907 and the famous London to Edinburgh run in 1911, completed entirely in top gear.
During this period, motor racing was also rapidly evolving in terms of sophistication and popularity. In 1906, France hosted its first Grand Prix, sanctioned by the Automobile Club de France, of which Charles Stewart Rolls, a successful pioneer in motor racing, had been a member since the age of 18.
While the company generally favored trials over racing, by 1913, three years after Rolls’ untimely death, managing director Claude Johnson recognized the importance of boosting European sales and saw continental racing as a valuable promotional opportunity.
Consequently, Rolls-Royce entered two Silver Ghosts in the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix on June 15, 1913.
HIGH ENDEAVORS
The Spanish Grand Prix appealed to Rolls-Royce because it tested endurance and reliability, areas where the Silver Ghost excelled, rather than just raw speed.
The 192-mile course consisted of three laps, including two challenging passes in the rugged Guadarrama mountains northwest of Madrid. The race exclusively featured four-seater touring cars, required to have mudguards, lamps, hoods, and two spare tires. Bonnets were sealed, and no water could be added to the radiator once the race began, despite temperatures exceeding 30°C at the start in La Granja.
Among the 17 starters were two modified Silver Ghosts. The first was owned and driven by Don Carlos de Salamanca y Hurtado de Zaldivar, the newly appointed Rolls-Royce agent in Madrid, against the company’s wishes. The second was a Silver Ghost belonging to the company and driven by Eric Platford, one of Rolls-Royce’s most experienced and devoted engineers, responsible for many of the marque’s previous triumphs in trials.
STRATEGY AND SACRIFICE
Three hours into the race, Platford had established a commanding lead of over 20 minutes. However, this endeavor was not solely a sporting challenge but a shrewd business decision. Following strict instructions, Platford selflessly allowed Don Carlos de Salamanca to overtake him, prioritizing the company’s commercial goals over personal ambitions. Salamanca went on to win Spain’s first Grand Prix in a time of 3 hours, 34 minutes, and 12 seconds, with an average speed of 54 mph.
Unfortunately for Platford, his sacrifice also paved the way for another competitor, the Marqués de Aulencia in a Lorraine-Dietrich, who claimed second place, a mere three minutes ahead of him — a narrow margin during an era when races could be won or lost by hours.
JUST REWARDS
However, Platford’s selflessness did not go unnoticed. After the race, he drove his car to Madrid, where he received a congratulatory telegram from Claude Johnson. He was later rewarded with a holiday in Venice, partly as a gift and partly to escape the attention of the press. Additionally, he received two gold watches as compensation: one from the Rolls-Royce directors and the other from an appreciative Don Carlos de Salamanca.
ON TO THE ALPENFAHRT
The victory at the 1913 Spanish Grand Prix preceded the challenging 1,600-mile Alpenfahrt, a trial through the Alps, by just one week. As team manager, Platford led the Rolls-Royce Works Team to a clean sweep of the top four places, solidifying the Silver Ghost’s reputation as the “best car in the world.” Platford’s team spirit, dedication, selflessness, courage, and relentless pursuit of excellence epitomized the ethos of Inspiring Greatness, which continues to resonate at the core of the Rolls-Royce brand today.
Unlock Your Automotive Passion and Explore the Road Ahead
•
