Race Retro 2010 celebrates 60 years of Norton
It’s 60 years since Norton’s Featherbed frame made its debut, and Race Retro has chosen this illustrious manufacturer as its feature motorcycle marque when the show returns to Stoneleigh Park from the 12th to 14th March 2010. Back in April 1950, almost exactly sixty years ago, Geoff Duke debuted the Featherbed Manx frame and it went on to become one of the most famous competition motorcycles of all time.
Race Retro’s tribute sees the Norton Owners’ Club running the main stand, which will feature a selection of Manx models, from period racers to the latest incarnations running in the Lansdowne series. A selection of John Player Commando Twins and later rotary models are also being shown.
Norton racers will be on hand to talk about the bikes’ finest hour: expect to be rubbing shoulders with Peter Williams, Phil Read MBE, John ‘Mooneyes’ Cooper, Trevor Nation and Keith Heckles, who will be talking with Race Retro motorcycle MC Steve Parrish.
And making its first public outing since its racing days is the Jim Lee Racing Collection. Jim, whose nickname was ‘The Yorkshire Ferret’, built competition frames and helped kick-start Mick Grant’s career – Mick went on to win seven TTs and the Macau Grand Prix. On display will be the JL Velocette – which is still being raced - the JL Yamaha (which notched up 16 consecutive victories ridden by Mick) and the JL Ossa. There’s also a large supporting display of memorabilia and photographs.
Talking of the TT, Senior TT 2009 winner Steve Plater will also be making an appearance. Steve also won the 2009 British Supersport Championship with a 36 point advantage over his nearest rival.
The International Historic Racing Association is back at Race Retro, and is promoting its ‘IHRO 2’ race series: this pan-European series is aimed at more recent bikes and a selection of eligible machinery will be on display.
Also making a more than welcome return is the Ken Fox Troupe Wall of Death, who brings another side of motorcycling to Race Retro. Using Indian and early Honda twins, Ken and his riders continue to defy the force of gravity.
Adult ticket prices start from just £20 for Friday and £15 for Saturday and Sunday when booking in advance or upgrade to a VIP ticket with fantastic hospitality and a chance to meet are special guests. Children’s tickets are £5 on Friday or Saturday and free on Sunday. Parking is also free throughout. The show is open from 9.30am each day and closes at 5.30pm on Friday and Saturday and 4.30pm on Sunday. To book tickets and for the latest updates, visit raceretro.com.
