Northwich Town Centre May 7/8 - 2011
Free Admission and Free Parking
www.thundersprint.com

Cheshire’s Income £6.4 Million From the Northwich Thundersprint

In 2009, an Economic Evaluation survey undertaken by Visit Chester and Cheshire on behalf of The North-West Development Agency, showed that the Thundersprint brought £4.37 million to the region in the form of participant, trader and visitor expenditure.

This year, a similar survey indicated a rise to £6.4 million

Not only did Northwich, and its surrounding districts, benefit from what is now a two night and two day event but Thundersprint visitors were filling hotels throughout the region - and beyond. In fact, visitors are now complaining at the distance they have to stay from Northwich such is the shortage of bed space in the area during the Thundersprint weekend.

84% of participants, and 65% of traders, interviewed at the event indicated that they were staying overnight in the region, their average stay being 2.5 days.

Better still, the Thundersprint was given as the main reason for visitors coming to Northwich and fans then stayed on in the area. 68% of respondents said that the Thundersprint was the only reason for them to visit Cheshire.

Customer satisfaction with the Thundersprint was incredibly high. 64% of those interviewed had been to the event before and 35% had attended four times or more. The survey reported that: “…the findings indicate a very strong and loyal customer base for the event.”

Cllr. Mike Jones, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council said: “The Thundersprint is one of the region’s success stories both in terms of the amount of revenue it generates but also in the way that it provides an event which the whole community can enjoy.

“The Thundersprint is also very important because it puts Northwich on the map and is a key driver for the local economy, being one of the major events in Cheshire West and Chester.”

Thundersprint organiser, Frank Melling, was just as enthusiastic: “The Thundersprint is a huge credit to Cheshire West and Chester Council without whose support the event would not happen. For me, the most exciting thing is that with the help of the Council we are able to provide a world class event which has free admission, free parking and free grandstand seating. This means that the whole community can enjoy the Thundersprint instead of being excluded by the high admission fees prevalent at many other events.

“The interest in next year’s Thundersprint from riders, traders and the public is already incredible and we are looking forward to making Thundersprint 2011 the best ever.”

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Northwich Town Centre May 7/8 - 2011
Free Admission and Free Parking
www.thundersprint.com

Thundersprint 2010 on TV

The hour long Thundersprint 2010 TV show will be aired for the first time by Motors TV on Thursday 8 July, at 21.15.

The programme is far more a documentary than the normal sports reports shown on specialist TV channels. The show follows Chris Walker as the Norton factory race prepares his 961 Commando. Then, the cameras focus on Chris at the Thundersprint Bike show – and move with him as he enjoys a 6am start at the following day’s racing. Motorcycle racing can be a tough business!

Finally, there is some incredible footage of the “Stalker” giving Norton their first ever race win with the all new Commando.

Classic superstars Jim Redman and Sammy Miller feature heavily supported by BBC TV’s Steve Parrish and current Grand Prix star, Danny Webb.

Trader insights are provided by Eric Warburton of the Thundersprint’s title sponsor, Knutsford Honda, whilst Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Leader, Mike Jones, shows the area’s support for what is by far their biggest tourism event.

The programme shows all the skills of top international Director/Producer Rob Hallam - and the huge amount of time, effort and money which was lavished on the show.

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The sun beat down, cheering crowds packed the two miles of Cavalcade route five deep and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire climbed into a brilliant blue sky to salute Thundersprint 2010. Things couldn’t get any better!

Chris Walker really has collected every t-shirt in the racing world from GPs to World and British Superbike and as he sat on his Norton 961 race bike, surrounded by hundreds of autograph hunting fans, he was amazed: “This really is a mega event. I’ve always heard stories about the size of the Thundersprint but you’d never believe it without seeing it.

“The atmosphere was great too with really good natured crowds and a huge interest in our new Norton 961.

“Winning on the Norton in its first ever race made for a perfect day. We’ll be back next year for sure.”

Current GP star Danny Webb was just as enthusiastic. “I had a brilliant day. The fans are great and although I’ve been to the Thundersprint twice now I still can’t believe the numbers. It’s magic and I love every minute of the weekend.”

Chris Cook, Head of Culture and Recreation for Cheshire West and Chester Council said: “The Thundersprint has a huge impact on the local, and regional, economy with many tens of thousands of visitors staying in the area during the weekend.

Thundersprint is an important component of events Portfolio within Cheshire West and Chester. Free admission and an international reputation provide our community with the opportunity to be part of something that is unique, special and successful.”

Thundersprint organiser Frank Melling was delighted with the whole weekend. He said: “We could not have asked for better. We had a fantastic race entry ranging from pre-War bikes all the way to the two week old Norton 961. There was fabulous racing which gave great entertainment to the crowd and delighted traders. But best of all, there was nothing but happy faces - and that’s the reason we run the Thundersprint.”

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