Classic Racer takes you so close you can actually smell the Castrol R. With the world's finest archive, and an editorial team who live and breathe the sport, the only way you'll get closer will be to put on your leathers.
Attention paddock, attention paddock, time to get pushing... The Mountain calls and the men line up to test themselves and their motorcycles on it.That clock ticking by, egging them on. Number 5 is LuigiTaveri, Honda; 7 Mike Hailwood, Honda (who went on to win); 11Tommy Robb, Bultaco; 16 is Dan Shorey; 17 Rex Avery, EMC; 21 Johnny Grace; 22 Phil Read, Bultaco; and 23 is Gary Dickinson on a Ducati.…
In front of the packed banks around the atmospheric Assen circuit, Rob McElnea (Suzuki) and Joey Dunlop (Honda) do battle for the 1983 Formula 1 crown. Come the race, it was the Burly Humbersider who stalked and then pounced on his Dunlopshaped prey. Rob was victorious and Joey had to be happy with the fact that he led home Honda team-mates Roger Marshall and Wayne Gardner on Dutch soil.…
Welcome to this, the CR #200 Crossword. To mark the landmark issue we’ve made the puzzle a bit bigger, with even more clues to test your racing knowledge. And to make this Classic Racer Crossword that bit more special, we’ve landed a unique prize to give away to race fans like you – an actual piston and rod from Alex Marquez’s Moto2 racebike. Yes, we can’t believe it either, but it’s true.This is a piston from with proof that it was at the heart of the bike that contested Moto2 races this year at Argentina,Texas and Jerez. Incredible, eh? We’re very jealous of you (we’re not allowed to enter) so all that we can now do is to wish you luck and ogle the piston for the remaining time it’s…
If you want to get in touch… Then please do. We read every letter, email and comment sent to us and we enjoy hearing from you. If you’ve an event coming up, a motorcycle you own or just want to let us know about something you find interesting in Classic Racer’s world, get in touch. FROM THE OTHER SIDE Dear CR Writing from the antipodes I congratulate you on the quality of your excellent publication Classic Racer. I regard myself as a true enthusiast, having learned to ride on a 1938 Royal Enfield 500cc, interspersed with a Honda CB175. I did a recent appraisal and established that I have either owned or ridden 47 motorcycles: Bridgestones, Ducatis, Gileras, Suzukis, Yamahas and Jawas to name but a few. These days I…
Dear CR With regards to the ongoing debate about what defines a classic/vintage racing machine, I would like to propose that there be three different types as follows: 1. Completely original (eg: Lansdowne Series, Goodwood Revival) 2. Replica (faithful to original drawings/ specifications e.g.: Works Racing Manx Norton). 3. Alien.The third type is defined by deviations in drawings/specifications to the original design in order to achieve a competitive advantage in either engine horsepower or machine handling. Typical changes to engine configuration are a shortened stroke, enlarged bore or reangled ports / valves when compared with the original. These changes manifest themselves in fewer barrel fins or carburettors fitted at steeper angles. How to control such a variation in machine types?This is usually achieved by appointing an eligibility officer in the…
As its official media partner, Classic Racer has a unique relationship with the Classic TT, and the man in overall charge of the event, Paul Phillips. In an exclusive interview Paul shares his thoughts on the Classic TT and its future with Malc Wheeler. CR: With another Classic TT successfully completed, are you happy with how the event is continuing to develop? PP: Very much so. Without doubt it was the most successful one we have delivered to date, tainted of course, by the sad loss of the brilliant Chris Swallow. This year was a big step forward in terms of the activity off-track and we have bigger plans for that side of the event moving forward. The way the schedule worked between on and off-track was much more cohesive…
