Thundersprint 2008
Northwich Town Centre May 10/11
Free Admission and Free Parking
www.thundersprint.com

MotoGP Star Danny Webb at the Thundersprint

Danny Webb, one of Britain’s brightest hopes for MotoGP glory, will line up at this year’s Thundersprint alongside motorcycling legends Giacomo Agostini, Jim Redman and Sammy Miller.

Danny said: "When I was offered the chance to ride at the Thundersprint I jumped at it. I have heard so much about the Thundersprint and I just can’t wait to see how a small town like Northwich can be packed solid with over 100,000 race fans.

"MotoGP is a serious business so I am looking forward to a really relaxing weekend meeting fans and cruising round on my Aprilia.

"The Thundersprint is a perfect opportunity to meet a lot of my fans personally and that’s something which is really important to me.

"My weekend will start at the eBike Thundersprint Bike Show on Saturday afternoon and then on Sunday you’ll find me in the paddock when I’m not on the track.

"I’ll be at the Thundersprint all weekend to talk with anyone who has a passion for bikes - except when I’ve sneaked off to see all the fabulous classic race machines. There are no restricted areas or special passes at the Thundersprint. Wherever you see me I’ll be there to talk to you.

Thundersprint organiser, Frank Melling, said: "It will be great to have one of the fastest young riders in the world join us alongside some of the most famous riders from the past.

"It gives me particular pleasure to welcome not only a brilliant rider but one of the best representatives for bike racing one could hope to find.

"We want Danny to treat the Thundersprint as a weekend off from the pressures of chasing the World Championship on his Molenaar Aprilia.

Danny will be having a play in the Motorcycling Personalities class, spending a lot of time with fans and no doubt admiring some of the wonderful classic bikes. And I wouldn’t mind betting that he’ll be chatting to Giacomo Agostini who has Danny’s Dad, Jim, as his greatest fan!

"The Thundersprint will provide a unique opportunity for spectators to meet Danny without any restrictions or pressures and we hope that many of his thousands of supporters will be in Northwich to cheer him on."

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Thundersprint 2008
Northwich Town Centre May 10/11
Free Admission and Free Parking
www.thundersprint.com

Gladiators’ Jet Rides Again

Diane Youdale, (www.dianeyoudale.co.uk) who wowed over 10 million viewers with her stunning performances as "Jet" in the TV programme "Gladiators", will be in action at this year’s Thundersprint held in Northwich town centre on Sunday 11 May.

Diane is a huge bike fan and is looking forward to riding again - particularly in front of the massive Thundersprint crowd.

Diane said: "I’ve always been a biker at heart and I loved presenting motorcycle programmes in the past. My favourite machines are Harley-Davidsons, which say exactly what I feel about bikes.

"The thought of launching a 1200cc Harley Night Rider off the Thundersprint start line in front of 30,000 cheering fans is both incredibly exciting - and more than a bit terrifying - but I’m 100% up for the challenge!

"When I’m not in action on the track, I will be with my Harley on Mosshaselhurst Solicitors’ stand and I’m really looking forward to meeting as many fans as possible. Make sure you come across for a chat."

Gerry Rooney, Senior Partner at Mosshaselhurst Solicitors (www.mosshaselhurst.com), added, "We are thrilled to welcome Diane as the ‘face’ of Mosshaselhurst. So many people remember her fondly from her "Gladiator" days.

‘We are also ‘jet-set’ for an exciting day at this year’s Thundersprint! Everyone is invited to visit our stand, meet Jet in person and talk to members of the Mosshaselhurst team to find out more about the range of services we offer local businesses and individuals.

"Whatever your legal needs – we have a specialist who can help."

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Thundersprint 2008
Northwich Town Centre May 10/11
Free Admission and Free Parking
www.thundersprint.com

Thundersprint 2008

If you have any interest in motorcycles there is only one place to be over the weekend of May 10/11 - and that’s Northwich, Cheshire, for the 11th. annual Thundersprint!

Every year the Thundersprint gets bigger and better and for 2008 it’s going to be a spectacular! Whether it’s the chance to see Giacomo Agostini, the world’s greatest living motorcycle racer, back in action on the track or "Top Gear’s" James May cruising around in the Masterclass, there is something for everyone.

The weekend opens on Saturday 10 May with the Thundersprint Bike Show held at Winnington Park Rugby Club. There will be over 100 classic and modern bikes on display, a trade area, hog roast and safety tips from Bike Safe and Arai helmets - plus appearances from celebrity guests.

Ducati and Harley Davidson will be running test rides all day and Winnington Park is also the venue for Thundersprint camping.

Admission to the show is completely free of charge and camping for the weekend costs just £25 per tent or motorhome. Winnington Park is three miles from Northwich town centre and is well signposted.

Sunday 11 May sees the Thundersprint itself taking place right in the centre of Northwich. There is no charge for admission, parking or the excellent grandstand seating. However, the certainty of a huge crowd means you need to get to Northwich early if you want to park near to the show’s centre.

Scrutineering opens promptly at 6am and everything has open access with absolutely no restricted, or VIP, areas except for the track itself. If you want to mix with the stars at technical control, this is the time and place to do it.

Expect to see Sammy Miller, with his fabulous RC181 Honda "4", six times World Champion Jim Redman, Leon Haslam and the works HM Plant Honda, and Stuart Manning - better known as "Russ" from Hollyoaks - all getting ready for the day.

Backing up the stars is a fantastic entry of British and European riders campaigning some stunning classics - plus a fair sprinkling of modern Superbikes. Top Europeans include Joerg Trautvetter from Germany, French ace Alain Marie and Spanish classic champion "Pepin" San Millan.

Practice starts promptly at 08.40 and finishes around 11.30. Immediately afterwards, 200 race and road machines gather for the incredible Thundersprint Cavalcade. The cavalcade is one of the great spectacles in motorcycling and takes in two, two and a half mile laps of Northwich on public roads. Leaving precisely at 12.00, it’s an unmissable experience to see a pack of screaming classic race bikes cruise past Northwich Police Station and return via the Magistrates’ Courts.

The Thundersprint has a huge trade area with most of the major manufacturers exhibiting, plus a myriad of clothing and accessory stalls all offering Thundersprint bargains. All the latest bikes from Harley-Davidson, Ducati, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Royal Enfield, Triumph, Honda and BMW will be on show.

Away from the track, there is the Thundersprint fine food centre, wine tasting, street entertainment and the absolutely sensational Leyland Morris Men - and you don’t often see them at a MotoGP!

Super commentator, Garry Gardiner, will be interviewing the stars throughout the lunch break then at 1.20, the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire will roar over Northwich in a unique display. There won’t be a dry eye in the arena!

Racing starts at 1.40 with the Masterclass starring Jim Redman, Ago, and Sammy Miller. Immediately following the motorcycling icons are the Motorcycling Personalities featuring Leon Haslam, Stuart Manning ("Russ" from Hollyoaks), "Top Gear’s" James May and a host of journalists all battling it out on the tight, twisty town centre sprint circuit. Can the scribes ride as well as they write? The heartless timing clock will reveal all!

After the Masterclass, Ago, Jim and the rest of the stars will be on the eBike stand, in the Premier Trade area, to sign autographs and meet fans. And remember, except for the track itself every part of the Thundersprint, including the paddock, has completely open access so make sure you make the best of this unique opportunity.

There are a further nine classes which will take racing through until around 5.00 without a break. At 5.30 there is prize giving which again is open to everyone.

Even for spectators it is going to be a flat out weekend but for sure, there is nowhere in the world offering more for anyone with an interest in bikes. And best of all everything is completely free.

For more information visit the excellent Thundersprint website - www.thundersprint.com - or ‘phone the event hotline on 01928 740 498.

Thundersprint 2008
Northwich Town Centre May 10/11
Free Admission and Free Parking
www.thundersprint.com

Ducati Test Rides at the Thundersprint

One of the highlights of this year’s Thundersprint Bike Show, which is being held at Winnington Park Rugby Club, Northwich, on Saturday 10 May, will be the chance to test ride one of the very latest 2008 Ducatis.

The test rides are being hosted and organised by Manchester Ducati (www.ducatistore.co.uk) and General Manager Chris Booth is extremely enthusiastic about letting as many riders as possible experience the very special pleasures of riding a Ducati.

Chris said: "Riding a Ducati is so different from an ordinary motorcycle that you just have to experience it. There are a lot of safe, fast bikes on the market but a Ducati gives you its heart and soul. It’s more than just brakes, engine and a frame - every time you fire up a Ducati you are reminded of why you wanted to ride motorcycles in the first place.

"We’ve got an excellent route planned on some fabulous Cheshire roads and when you return to Winningrton Park after your ride we will have technical experts from Ducati to provide you with the most detailed information.

"There will also be Ducati owners available to chat with you - and an endless supply of free coffee and Ducati gossip!

"As far as we are concerned, this is not about selling bikes but introducing riders to the Ducati family."

Thundersprint 2008
Northwich Town Centre May 10/11
Free Admission and Free Parking
www.thundersprint.com

Spitfire Over Northwich Town Centre

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 11

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire will perform at Thundersprint 2008 - a unique mix of motorcycle racing, street entertainment and fine food which takes over this pretty market town during the second weekend in May.

The Thundersprint attracts an incredible entry ranging from classic icons such as 15 times World Champion Giacomo Agostini and 6 times World Champion Jim Redman to current British Superbike star Leon Haslam, "Top Gear’s" James May and Stuart Manning - better known as "Russ" from "Hollyoaks." Backing this galaxy of stars will be over 100 top British and European racers.

The Thundersprint has free admission, free parking and provides a packed day’s entertainment for the whole family. Turn one corner and there’s a 1960s Grand Prix star munching on a home made wild boar pie. Walk round the next and find thoroughbred classic race bikes mingling with Morris Dancers and Jazz bands: there’s no-where like the Thundersprint!

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 unmissable experience for any fan of classic aircraft - and one which is absolutely unique to the Thundersprint.

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.