7-8 MAY 2011 Edition 4 2009 NORTHWICH’S VERY OWN GRAND PRIX IN A CAR PARK In the early days of the Thundersprint, the motorcycling press used to tease us – gently and kindly – about having “The Shopping Trolley GP” or a “Grand Prix in a Car Park”. How things have changed! With an entry led by some of the great motorcycling icons of the past, plus the bulk of Britain’s current GP entry, Northwich’s Baron’s Quay car park looks more and more like a tiny GP track every year. 2011 really is the best ever in terms what I love best in life: be with bikes, of star riders so where to start? At the meet fans - and have a play about on absolute top of the tree has to be the track too.” GP legend Jim Redman riding Clive Steve Parrish was a top GP rider before joining BBC TV’s commentary team Brooker’s beautiful Honda CR750. Possibly Britain’s best hope for World Jim’s success record is incredible. Six Championship success this year is World Championships, six TT wins – Scott Redding who is riding in the and against the toughest opposition fiercely competitive Moto 2 class. Scott – and one of the very, very few riders will be at the Thundersprint wearing to ever win three Grand Prix races in the colours of our title sponsor, a single day. Now 80 years young, Bennetts, and there’s no doubt that Redman is as keen on bike racing the track will light up as Scott gives as a 16 year old in his first season. the Bennetts’ Yamaha R1 an airing. In support of Jim is an all star clas- Moving down a capacity class brings sic cast led by European Champion us to one of our favourite riders in the Sammy Miller riding his Honda RC181 world - 125cc title contender, Danny tribute to Mike Hailwood’s factory Webb. The young Kent rider is bring- machine. With Jim and Sammy come ing a truly unique bike to entertain European super stars such as French- Thundersprint fans – the Mahindra man Alain Marie, and his ex-works Mojo. Danny is the lead rider for the BMW, Jean-Claude Castella making Mahindra GP team this year and the the long haul from Switzerland and enthusiastic Indian company are our most dedicated racer German flying in their latest bike for Danny. Joerg Trautvetter who travels over 800 How good is that? miles to bring his fabulous MZ for our Sammy Miller will be screaming his fabulous RC181 Honda round the Thundersprint track entertainment. It’s not only GP riders on the Thunder- sprint track. BBC TV’s MotoGP 7 MAY – SATURDAY: 10.00am – 4.00pm: Thundersprint Bike Show And now to the present day. Heading Commentary Team; the dynamic duo Outside the Memorial Hall. Over 125 classic and modern bikes on the modern GP stars is Tech 3 MotoGP of Steve Parrish and Matt Roberts will show, trade area and side shows. All in a lovely setting alongside rider, Cal Crutchlow riding the latest be out there with the racers. Steve the River Dane. FREE ADMISSION AND FREE PARKING. R1 for Wigan Yamaha. Cal competes was a genuine world championship in MotoGP - the toughest class in contender in his own right but Matt 8 MAY – SUNDAY: 6.15am Open – Walk the track with the Thunder- motorcycle racing – lining up along- is a racing virgin. Will the track be sprint stars before 8 am. 8.40am - Practice runs begin. 9am - Funfair side Valentino Rossi, Casey Stoner harder than the interviews? Get a & Children’s area opens. 12 noon until 12.20pm Cavalcade begins and current World Champion Jorge good seat trackside to find out. its 3 laps of Northwich. 1.20pm Battle of Britain Memorial Spitfire Display. Lorenzo. Cal is really looking forward 1.30pm Lap of Honour round the Thundersprint track with Cal to the Thundersprint and said: “I have But the Thundersprint is far more than Crutchlow, Danny Webb, Scott Redding, Steve Parrish and Matt Roberts. heard so many good things about just superstars. With thirteen classes, and the Thundersprint that for 2011 I was bikes ranging from 1924 all the way to 8 MAY – 1.40pm – The 2011 Thundersprint Races. determined to be there. I enjoy racing the present day, you will never see See full Race programme on page 8. in World Championship events but a wider range of racing motorcycles Prize presentation in the Paddock, all welcome. they are serious work in every way. competing together – and there’s no- 5.30pm I’m coming to the Thundersprint to do where you can get closer to the action. WARNING: Despite the organisers taking all reasonable precautions, unavoidable accidents can happen. Please comply with all instructions of marshals and notices and remain in permitted areas. They are concerned with your safety. 2 The lovely Bennetts’ Babes will be at the Thundersprint all weekend BEnnETTS AT THE THUNDERSPRINT When we were looking for a sponsor for the Thunder- sprint we had a wish list. A premium quality brand with a high profile. An enthusiasm for bikes which stretched beyond simple commercial interests and, best of all, a firm which was going to be fun to work with as we pushed the Thundersprint to ever higher levels. We found Bennetts. Bennetts have an unmatched reputa- with its impressive history and tion for quality and service in the bike popularity. Bennetts is instantly world and the company also shares recognisable throughout the biking our love of motorcycling. Working world and we look forward to together we are going to produce welcoming Thundersprint visitors to the best ever Thundersprint. During our fabulous new stand and encour- the last three months, Bennetts have aging them to have a fantastic time devoted a huge amount of time, effort with goody bags, the Bennetts’ Babes and resources to help us and their and the infamous Bucking Bike.” enthusiasm has been a delight. Bennetts’ representation will be exten- Michael Mann, Communications sive throughout the Thundersprint so Manager of Bennetts, said: “We are make sure that you stop by and talk delighted to become the title bikes with a company which truly sponsor of an event that is such a shares your love of motorcycling. major highlight in the biking calendar, Six times World Champion Jim Redman is 80 years young and still super fast 3 NORTHWICH Northwich was a hot destination for the Romans 2,000 years ago – and has remained a “must visit” town ever since. Nestling in the cradle between the rivers Dane and Weaver, the town is picture post card pretty. Although a pivotal town in the area, Over 120 classic, custom and race Northwich is very much on a human bikes will be displayed outside the scale. This gives it the feel of a very Memorial Hall along with a huge large village rather than a traffic trade area and Honda test rides. jammed urban sprawl. All the main thoroughfares are pedestrianised The Memorial Hall is located no and the myriad of independent, and more than 300 yards from the centre sometimes quirky, shops shows the of Northwich and there is very easy rich diversity of this archetypal access to the shops, restaurants and English market town. pubs via a pedestrian underpass. The actual show area for the bikes is In these regulation ridden times on one side of the Memorial Hall and Northwich is wonderfully relaxed it is no exaggeration to say that this Northwich is one of Britain’s prettiest small towns with free parking, and a genuinely is one of the best sites for a bike show warm welcome, for the thousands anywhere in the world. The whole of visitors who fill the town for each area is paved and there are rows of year’s Thundersprint. trees, lawns and park benches: Tuscany in Cheshire! If the town is authentically English in its appearance and approach to life, Next to the show is the River Dane, the one exception is the Memorial with its tree lined walks and a large Hall – Northwich’s very own commu- park - in all, a very beautiful setting nity theatre and concert hall. Opened and one which reflects what makes in 1960, the Memorial Hall was rocked Northwich a truly unique experience. to the roof with early Beatles’ shows and has been packing audiences in ever since. Now, its impressive tree lined piazza – all very Italian – hosts the Thundersprint Bike Show. Northwich is framed by the elegant rivers Dane and Weaver 4 5 Race Paddock Cavalcade Paddock Race Saturday May 7th Control BIKE SHOW LEICESTER STREET Knutsford Trade Area All day from 9am Helmet and bike gear park opens inside the Memorial Hall. Honda There will be a small charge for this service levied by the Village Memorial Hall, Good food and drink at very reasonable prices. The Memorial Inflatables Hall has an excellent restaurant and will be open all day. Also you can test all AY ROAD the latest Hondas from Knutsford Honda www.knutsfordhonda.co.uk BARONS QU Toilets Area e The Thundersprint Bike Show from 10am until 4pm, over 125 bikes and so d a Premier Tr RACE Trade much to see and do! Disabled Area TRACK Viewing Trade 5pm Memorial Hall doors open for Hot Pot Supper and Bar, followed, at 7pm, Are a Trade Area First Aid by “An Evening of Grands Prix Entertainment” hosted by BBC TV’s Steve Parrish, Picnic & Entertainment Centre Area and starring: Jim Redman – six times World Champion; Sammy Miller – T ABLEY STREET European Champion; Cal Crutchlow – World Supersport Champion and Lost Children, Nursing Mothers Y Family & Disabled Rest Centre MotoGP star; Danny Webb – World 125 MotoGP; Scott Redding – World MotoGP WA Fun Disabled VER Pa Disabled 2; and BBC TV’s Matt Roberts.