Celebration lined up for 0th birthday landmark
It's 60 years since Norton's Featherbed frame made its debut, and Race Retro has chosen the illustrious manufacturer as its feature motorcycle marque when the show returns to the West Midlands in the spring.
It's 60 years since Norton's Featherbed frame made its debut, and Race Retro has chosen the illustrious manufacturer as its feature motorcycle marque when the show returns to the West Midlands in the spring.
Back in April 1950, Geoff Duke debuted the Featherbed Manx frame and it went on to become one of the most famous competition motorcycles of all time.
Its 60th anniversary will be marked at Race Retro at Stoneleigh Park near Kenilworth in Warwickshire from March 12-14.
The Norton Owners' Club will run the main stand at the event, 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 will also being shown.
Norton racers will be on hand to talk about the bikes' finest hours, so 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 rames and helped kickstart Mick Grant's career: Grant 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 Grant) 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.
Plater 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 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 £20 for Friday and £15 for Saturday and Sunday when booking in advance.
VIP tickets, with the chance to meet special guests, are also available.
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.
