Motorcycle Greats Attend 60th Anniversary Celebrations at Silverstone
By: Garret Cashman |
Published 30 September 2008, 13:06 | Views: 2,924 | tags: bsb, 60th anniversary, leon camier, leon haslam, shane shakey byrne, ‘rocket’ ron haslam, stan woods, stuart graham, tony rutter, trevor nation, niall mackenzie, richard phillips, silverstone, northamptonshire
Past Champions and legends from motorcycle racing were at Silverstone on Sunday to celebrate 60 years of Silverstone at the Northamptonshire circuit’s round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship.
The anniversary celebrations involved a host of motorcycle racing stars being reunited with some of the iconic bikes that have graced the racing world in a variety of categories and championships. In addition to the bikes being on public display, the riders and classic machinery took part in a spectacular Parade Lap around Silverstone’s International Circuit (see notes to editors for full list of bikes and riders).Former Champions and legends who attended the celebrations included ‘Rocket’ Ron Haslam, Stan Woods, Stuart Graham, Tony Rutter, Trevor Nation and Niall MacKenzie, as well as current riders Michael Rutter and Steve Plater.
In addition to the anniversary celebrations a 25,000 strong crowd enjoyed two titanic battles in the BSB races. Leon Camier won Race 1, with Leon Haslam winning Race 2. However, the biggest winner on the day was undoubtedly Airwaves Ducati rider Shane Byrne who secured the 2008 title after a third place finish in Race 1. He then went on to enjoy a second place finish in Race 2.
Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited, commented, “We have had a fantastic weekend of celebrations, both on and off the track. Congratulations to Shane Byrne. It was great to see him win the Championship here at Silverstone. Our International Circuit yet again produced some fantastic action and drama for the fans.”
Speaking about the anniversary celebrations, Phillips added, “I would like to thank all of the riders and bike owners for their tremendous support today. It was fantastic to see so many legends and bikes in the same place at the same time. They are all part of the circuit’s rich heritage and today has been a perfect tribute to both them and Silverstone”.
Full List of Bikes and Riders:
| Bike | Rider in Parade |
| 1954 Rennsport BMW | Display only |
| 1960 500cc MV Agusta | Display only |
| 1960s Matchless G50 | Stuart Graham |
| 1961 BMW R69s | Richard Kirby |
| 500cc 4 cylinder Honda | John Chapman |
| 350cc 4 cylinder Honda | Ron Haslam |
| 350cc 4 cylinder Honda | Dave Hailwood |
| 1971 BSA Rob North 3 cylinder Triple | Gordon Russell |
| 1978 650cc Suzuki RG500 | Steve Plater |
| 1978 Suzuki RG500 | John Hackett |
| 1979 Suzuki RG500 Mk5 | Stan Woods |
| 1980s KR 500 Kawasaki | Trevor Nation |
| 1981 Yamaha TZ350G | Display only |
| 1983 Ducati 750 F1 | Tony Rutter |
| 1985 RS 250cc Honda | Display only |
| 1986 Cagiva V4 500 | Michael Rutter |
| 1991 Yamaha YZR 500 GP | Niall MacKenzie |
| 1994 Yamaha TZ250F | Michael Russell |
| 2004 Suzuki GSX-R1000 | Display only |
Image 1 (and cover image): 60 Years of Silverstone Classic Parade - ‘Rocket’ Ron Haslam riding a 1960s 350cc 4 cylinder Honda, as ridden by Mike Hailwood
Image 2: Motorcycle Legends at Silverstone, including John Hackett, Stuart Graham, Stan Woods, Niall MacKenzie, Trevor Nation, Ron Haslam and Stave Plater
Photos
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