spectators the opportunity to see some classy racing in fine sunny conditions, contrary to what the forecast, um, forecast. One of the awesome things you see a lot of in events like this is the intergenerational aspect. Seeing older folk get younger riders onto their bikes they no longer race is the future for those magnificent flying around the track machines. Some are younger high-level racers but others are just younger enthusiasts enjoying the history of the motorcycle they are riding and absorbing the experience lurking in those grey hairs in the pits. To be honest, it is hard to pick who enjoys the pits more.
HITTING THE TON ON A BANTAM... No, not 100mph, but Les Harris on his 175cc BSA Bantam was back out in the regularity timed event, although his trusty steed had an off weekend, despite his best efforts. His 1961 motorcycle was built when Les was a young‘ un, only 36 years of age. Yup, born in 1925, the oldest young‘ un you’ ll ever meet turns 100 this month, just a few weeks after the 2025 APS Classic Festival was held. Featuring in the Guinness Book of World Records, as you read this, a telegram from the King will be winging its way to the oldest licenced motorcycle racer on Earth. Congratulations Les. My mind boggles at how the world has changed and what water has
passed under the bridge in his century. With over 300 bikes entered, it is a challenging event to plan, organise and execute but despite organising motorcycles usually akin to herding feral cats on caffeine, it worked. With a total of nine events per round, plus display laps of incredible machines and legendary riders onboard, keeping it moving efficiently but respectfully, was an art form in itself and the entire scheduled programme was completed, so I doff my hat to the volunteers, flaggies, officials and last but not least, the committee. The event builds on a wonderful legacy of having been run 45 times now and the atmosphere in the pits, with people camping at the site and sharing meals and coffees at both ends of the days, is so very much a part of the event. Blending social and competition is rare these days, so taking the time to inhale the event and take the time to share it with likeminded souls is one of my rocking chair memories that I will forever cherish.
GENERATION GAME For spectators, the weekend lets people wander around the pits, not just watch the track action. Whether it was a bike you had, or wished you had, back in the day, or it was what your parents or grandparents had, chances are it was there in the pits with a knowledgeable team to chat about it with. For those looking to get into the classic racing scene, which is huge, it is an unmissable
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