The historic hillclimb racing venue, Shelsley Walsh, is once again focusing on two-wheeled motorsport this summer, as the annual Bike Bonanza is confirmed and taking place on 29 June.
The high-octane event features everything from classic motorcycles to hotly contested roadgoing classes, all taking to the narrow, fast and sometimes hypnotic 1,000-yard course. As well as parades of classic and vintage bikes, there is also on-track action which is headlined by the end-of-day run-offs, with the fastest 10 riders going head-to-head for overall honours.
Event ambassador Steve ‘Stavros’ Parrish will be again joining the action and will be taking part in demonstration runs on a Texaco Heron Suzuki RG500. The instantly recognisable bike is the very same type that achieved a great amount of success thanks to riders such as Wil Hartog, Barry Sheene, and Parrish himself.
Parrish is a former team-mate of the legendary Sheene, who will be celebrated at Shelsley Walsh thanks to the presence of the last factory Suzuki that he ever raced – the XR45 (pictured above) on which he won the 1984 Scarborough Gold Cup. The same bike was also used by two other great names from motorcycle racing history: Randy Mamola, who rode it in 1983; and Kevin Schwantz, who rode it at Mallory Park in 1986 after Sheene had helped the young American to get a ride with the Suzuki team. It will be on display throughout the day and is sure to draw the crowds.
As well as the bikes there is plenty for fans of all ages to see and do, including food, drinks and music, with the Rhythm Slingers providing a foot-stomping repertoire of songs evoking the golden era.
Tickets for the event can be bought from the official website, and are priced at £18 or £20 if buying on the gate on the day.
More information can be found on the Shelsley Walsh website.
