Known for his love of fast cars and high powered motorcycles, the MP for South Thanet, Dr Stephen Ladyman, is making ready to ride a 200 horsepower racing motorcycle in aid of charity. The 57 year old Member of Parliament, who started his two wheeled love affair on a humble 50cc machine at 16 years old, will ride an MSS Colchester Kawasaki Superbike at the Thundersprint event held in Northwich on 10 May. Having owned, “too many bikes to remember”, Ladyman has decided that the high profile event, which annually attracts over 100,000 visitors, is the ideal platform to bring attention to the CALM charity, the focus of his fund raising attempt.

“CALM seeks to help young men who are experiencing a variety of serious personal issues”, commented Ladyman. “The theme of the web site at TheCalmZone.net is that staying silent is not being strong”. One thing that Ladyman will not be on 10 May is silent though as he rides a highly tuned British Superbike helped by Kawasaki’s official entry in the 2009 Championship, as MSS Colchester Kawasaki’s Team Principle, Nick Morgan, explained.

Read more at bikechatter.co.uk

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World Champions Jim Redman and Sammy Miller Lead All Star Classic Entry at the Thundersprint

Motorcycling icon Jim Redman leads a fantastic classic entry at this year’s Thundersprint which will be held over the weekend of May 8/9 in Northwich, Cheshire.

As six times World Champion Jim has seen a lot of motorcycle racing and is a huge Thundersprint fan. The super fit septuagenarian looks on the Thundersprint as very much his “own” meeting - having competed in the last 12 events.

Jim says: “I have ridden in every Thundersprint except the very first one and I think it would be illegal to organise a Thundersprint without me there.

“What makes the Thundersprint special for me is that it is simultaneously one of the most laid back events in the classic racing calendar - and also one of the most intense.

“When I roll up to the start, and see the thousands of cheering spectators, it’s just like a 1960s’ GP - and yet the whole weekend is completely relaxed with everything open to the general public.

“I enjoy every event that I attend but I must admit that the Thundersprint is my favourite.”

Thundersprint organiser, Frank Melling, is delighted to welcome Jim back for the 12th. time. Frank said: “Jim is a true professional and a real gentleman. Despite being a motorcycling superstar he remains modest, kind and courteous. Nothing is ever too much trouble for fans and this is why he is so popular with everyone from Grannies to teenagers.

Backing Jim up will be an all star entry headed by European Champion Sammy Miller. Sam will be showcasing his replica of the fabulous Honda RC181 as ridden by Mike Hailwood. This bike is a wonderful tribute to the machine on which Mike Hailwood battled Giacomo Agostini during the 1967 season. Thundersprint fans will be able to step back in time to the Golden Age of Grands Prix racing and see the Honda scream past just a few feet away. Truly, an unforgettable experience.

Sammy said: “I came to the Thundersprint last year and had an excellent day at what really is a unique event. Hammering down the start straight with the front end in the air, and the scream of the Honda engine bouncing off the spectator banking, was one of the highlights of my year. I was still learning the detail of riding the Honda last year so this year I will be having an even bigger go!”

And with a massive entry of 120 riders ranging from Dennis Price and his 1929 Velocette KNN to Jerry Ashton’s classic 350 MV Agusta and on to Barry Steels’ 750 Honda RC30 in the Post Classic class, there will definitely be something to excite anyone with a passion for motorcycle racing.

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Northwich Town Centre May 8/9

Free Admission and Free Parking

www.thundersprint.com

Norton at the Thundersprint With British Superbike Star Chris Walker

Thundersprint fans will have the first ever opportunity to see the brand-new Norton Commando 961 in action on the track. The thundering Norton twin will be in the talented hands of British and World Superbike star Chris Walker, who is now Norton’s Sales Manager.

Chris said: “The Thundersprint is the one event we had to be at this year. It is the best possible mix of classic and modern motorcycling - which is just what we are doing with the all new Norton Commando.

“I will be having a bit of a play about on our fabulous Commando 961 which will be great on the tight, twisty town centre track.

“It will also be fantastic to have the time to meet so many Norton fans away from the pressures of racing. We want to welcome everyone to the Norton village which is located opposite the race paddock. Make sure that you come across and say hello.”

Thundersprint organiser Frank Melling said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have Norton, and Chris, join us at the Thundersprint. The new Norton Commandos are truly impressive bikes and are show stoppers wherever they appear.

“We are also huge fans of “Stalker” – a true racers’ racer. I know that Chris has wanted to take part in the Thundersprint for a long time so it will be great to have him with us this year, especially on such an iconic motorcycle.

“Best of all every part of the Thundersprint is completely open to spectators so there will be no VIP or “Keep Out” areas coming between Norton fans and the team.

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Spitfire Display at the Thundersprint

Spitfire fans will have the chance to see this magnificent aircraft display in a unique setting right on the edge of Northwich, Cheshire, on Sunday May 9.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire will perform in one of the most evocative settings in the world. Displaying right on the edge of this pretty market town, the Spitfire gives a true feeling of what it must have been like to see these iconic aircraft in action 70 years ago. The Thundersprint’s arena setting captures, and amplifies, the growl of the mighty Merlin in all its glory, rather than have it dissipated in the wide open spaces where Spits normally display, and there is not a dry eye amongst the thousands of cheering spectators.

As the tension builds for the start of four hours of non-stop racing, the BBMF Spitfire roars across the sky in salute and the thunder of the mighty Merlin engine echoes from Marks and Spencer’s store wall! Truly, an experience not to be missed for any fan of classic aircraft - and one which is absolutely unique to the Thundersprint.

The Thundersprint is an incredible mix of classic motorcycle racing, street entertainment and fine food which takes over Northwich during the second weekend in May.

The Thundersprint festival has free admission, free parking and free grandstand seating. There is a full programme of entertainment for everyone from hard core petrol heads to Mums and babies looking for a relaxing day out. In fact, there is something for the whole family.

Spectator entry to the Thundersprint is free, as is parking, but arriving early is recommended because Northwich gets very busy.

For more information visit www.thundersprint.com or 01928 740 498.

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Top Manufacturers Display at the Thundersprint

There will be one of the best displays of new bikes in Britain at this year’s Thundersprint which is to be held in Northwich town centre, in Cheshire, over the weekend of May 8/9.

All the major Japanese motorcycle manufacturers will be represented with the latest machines from Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki.

Rob Ocego, Sales Manager at Wigan Yamaha who are bringing Yamaha’s giant Thundertruck display unit to the Thundersprint, said: “Having attended the Thundersprint for the first time last year, I was amazed with the level of foot fall.

“It was a really successful event for ourselves, and Yamaha, and now we want to build on this success with an even bigger presence featuring some brilliant bikes.”

As well as the mainstream Japanese machines, motorcycling’s exotics will be out in force too with Millenium Motorcycles’ huge, 300 sq. metre display featuring Aprilia, Victory, Moto Guzzi and the iconic MV Agusta

Alan Pollard, Millenium’s Dealer Principal, said: “We know that we are going to get a huge audience drawn from all over the North-West of England - and the rest of the country too. The Thundersprint gives us a unique opportunity to show bikes which will make any red-blooded motorcyclist weak at the knees.

“I can promise you the best range of exotic bikes in the world ranging from Victory’s world-beating v-twin cruisers to the super sports bikes from Aprilia and on to the latest MV Agusta hyper sports bikes. And they will all be there, in the flesh, along with our knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff.”

Thundersprint organiser Frank Melling said: “If you want to see virtually every new bike on sale in Britain in one place then the Thundersprint will be the place to be. We will have bikes from every sector of the market place from cruisers to sports bikes - and everything in between. And with free admission, free parking and free grandstand seating you won’t be paying a fortune in entry fees to decide on your next, new machine.”

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