Race Retro - 2010 |
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 Race Retro has established itself as a competition motoring show with something for everyone over the past few years. Well established at Stonleigh, this year again saw all the exhibition halls stuffed with an array of motoring history in all its forms over the weekend of 12th -14th March.Primarily a car event, it has though gradually upped the motorcycle content and this year they featured the Norton brand celebrating 60 years since the famous featherbed frame made its debut. Not only was there an impressive display of early Norton machines, including the very unique 1956 Model F 350 and the 1960 Low Boy on loan from the superb Sammy Miller Museum, but the new Norton concern were displaying the very latest offerings from the historic brand. These new Norton’s are in the process of making history as they once again head for the highways and byways of the world extolling their heritage, but with enough modernity to give the latest plastic clad projectile a good run for their money. Next to the main stage where ex-racer and TV pundit Steve Parish kept things going with a succession of interviews with famous riders and drivers, was the café Racer competition supported once again by the iconic Ace Café where many of these machines once parked. A mouth-watering display showed both ancient and modern versions of the genre which is gradually finding a new lease of life. Motorcycling celebrities could be found just wandering around signing autographs for those who recognised them in between finding about the world of four wheels, or just sitting on the many motorcycle club stands. The auction, run by H&H, had a superb collection of motorcycles from a Spanish museum on offer with the vast majority finding new homes at very reasonable prices when the hammer finally fell. Certainly the two wheeled brigade may have been overshadowed by the four-wheeled world, but it was a case of quality if not quantity. Besides any petrol heads would have found plenty to enjoy even when they had their fill of two wheels. So look out for it next year and don’t be put off buy the predominance of cars! Article by Ian Kerr
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