Norton Goes Classic Racing… Sort Of

The famous British manufacturer, Norton, has been announced as the sponsor of a classic motorcycle racing series in the UK

Norton Manx, Lansdowne

Norton, the historic British motorcycle manufacturer, has been announced as the sponsor for the Lansdowne Classic Series for 2024.

The Lansdowne Classic Series is a motorcycle racing series for, you guessed it, historic motorcycles. More specifically, only pre-1965 motorcycles are permitted, meaning that the famous Norton Manx 500 - whose production ran from 1947 until 1962 and whose 1969 500cc Yugoslavian Grand Prix win was the final victory in the category for a single-cylinder motorcycle - has been a feature of the series since its inauguration.

Speaking on the announcement of Norton’s sponsorship of the Lansdowne Classic Series, Robert Hentschel, CEO of Norton Motorcycles, said: “While Norton has an illustrious history within international motorcycle racing, we recognise the importance of investing in grassroot motorsports in the UK. With our new sponsorship of the Lansdowne Classic Series, we look forward to supporting the motorcycling community throughout the season.”

Gordon Russell, Lansdowne Classic Series Organiser, said: “We are delighted to have Norton join the series this year. It will help raise the profile of the series, and classic racing, and hopefully attract new (and old) riders to get involved. It really is a very special community of riders and Grand Prix motorcycles that are the envy of any paddock. We are recreating the sight, sounds and spirit of racing in the 1950s and early 1960s. Our rules are designed to create a level playing field so you will always see some of the closest racing at any meeting.”

The opening round of the 2024 Lansdowne Classic Series takes place this weekend (5-7 April) at Pembrey Circuit.

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