Biker stars line-up to front the 2006 International Motorcycle & Scooter Show

An impressive line-up of biking stars are to be the new faces of the International Motorcycle and Scooter Show 2006, the organisers announced today. The NEC Bike Show, which takes place from 27th October to 5th November, will be fronted by some of the most recognisable UK biking names. ‘Long Way Round’ and ‘Race to Dakar’ star Charley Boorman will be joining female Isle of Man TT lap and Guinness World Record holder Maria Costello along with former British Superbike Champion, James Whitham and biking journalist and ex-Gladiator, Janie Omorogbe. The stars, who will be acting as ambassadors to help promote the Show via media appearances and interviews, will be also be attending the show throughout the week. Other biking stars also scheduled to appear, include biking legend Carl Fogarty and a host of British Superbike stars.

Charley Boorman will once again be a part of the NEC Bike Show’s celebrity line-up. Since his famous and now ‘Long Way Round’ journey with Ewan McGregor and the launch of his ‘Race to Dakar’ adventure at the 2005 NEC Bike Show, Charley has completed his attempt at the legendary Dakar Rally, commonly regarded as the toughest rally on earth. Charley will be at the Show to promote his new book, ‘Race to Dakar’ a detailed account of his adventures during the gruelling race.

A new addition to the show is legendary female racer Maria Costello. In addition to holding the Guinness World Record for being the fastest woman to get round the Isle of Man TT Circuit and the first ever woman to finish in the top three at the Manx Grand Prix, Maria is also a biking journalist, having written for many high profile biking publications such as MCN, Motorcycle Racer and Ride Magazine. Maria is currently in the Isle of Man taking part in the Manx GP and will be at the NEC Bike Show during the course of the week.

British Superbike Champion James Whitham will be returning to the NEC Bike Show this year, following the outstanding success of his ‘How To?’ Stage last year, where he entertained the crowds in a series of interactive sessions offering advice on a range of biking topics. James’ sense of humour, passion for bikes and biking knowledge make him an ideal person to represent the NEC Bike Show.

Presenter of ITV’s British Superbike coverage, Janie Omorogbe will also be working as an ambassador for the show. Janie, biking correspondent for The Sun and former Gladiator, has a long and colourful history, from taking part in the Gumball Rally in 2000 to presenting a number of biking TV shows including, amongst others, The British Supermoto Championships, Pit Stop Bikes and Pulling Power.

Visitors hoping to meet their biking heros won’t be disappointed, with a host of additional names scheduled to attend the Show, including four time World Superbike Champion and biking hero, Carl Fogarty, who will be signing copies of his new DVD Phileas Foggys’ New Zealand Adventure at the BMW Stand. If that wasn’t enough, all the biggest names in British Superbike will be attending the show on 1st November to collect their honours at this year’s British Superbike Awards at 2pm on the Blackhorse Stage within the Arai Paddock

Tickets for the International Motorcycle and Scooter Show are now on sale and the public can take advantage of the fantastic advance prices for both adult (£13) and family tickets (£30). All other tickets are also available in advance either by booking online at motorcycleshow.co.uk or over the phone on 0870 352 2006. Standard ticket prices are £15 for adults, £13 for students, £5 for senior citizens and children between eleven and sixteen, and £35 for a family ticket. Children under the age of eleven are admitted for free.