THE VMCC in association with Michelin is proud to announce that 1987 500cc GP World Champion Wayne Gardner will be riding an ex-works Honda RS500 in the “Past Masters” track feature on Sunday 14th July at the Festival of 1000 Bikes at Mallory Park. Wayne stated: “I’m really looking forward to being part of this year’s Festival of 1000 Bikes. It’s been a long time since I was on a motorcycle at Mallory Park and I’m sure it’s going to be a nostalgic weekend for me. “I’ve heard a lot of great things about the event over the years from other riders, and it’ll be fun to catch up with some of my old comrades, as well as get back in touch with the British fans. I’ll be riding a Honda RS500, which is the same bike I used to race in the early 80s in the British Championship, and I can’t wait to get back into the seat. Britain was my launching pad to Grand Prix, and so it’ll be nice to come back and thank all the fans for supporting me in the early days and enjoy the weekend with them.” VMCC CEO James Hewing commented: “It is fantastic news that Wayne has agreed to ride in this year’s Past Masters track sessions as it’s a perfect fit with what is turning out to be a really strong Honda line-up.” This iconic manufacturer will be one of the themes for this year’s event, as other original superstar Honda team members from both the international & domestic scene will take to the track. Currently Phil Read, Mick Grant & Jim Redman will be riding on Sunday 14th July. Not only this but we are delighted to announce that Honda Legends & TT superstars John McGuinness and Michael Rutter will be joined by Honda Race Team Manager Neil Tuxworth on some very special machinery! The VMCC is also delighted to announce that the ever popular ex works Norton Rotaries will be back again courtesy of the National Motorcycle Museum & Brian Crighton. This year’s sees the welcome return of ex British Champion Steve Spray who will join ex team mate Trevor Nation as well as Terry Rymer. Other superstar riders at this year’s event will include Carl Fogarty (on something very special, watch out for a forthcoming announcement!), Christian Sarron (YZR 500), John Cooper (Rocket 3) Sammy Miller (BMW Rennsport), Jamie Whitham (Belgarda Yamaha), Tepi Lansivouri (TR750), Stan Woods (RG500) & Tony Rutter (Norton Manx) with more to be announced! Anyone who has attended the event previously will have seen the massive “1970s sized” crowds that swamp Mallory Park on “Past Masters Sunday”. With more star riders than at any other event (& with many more TBC including a couple of big surprises) the 2013 event will be no exception. Everyone from track participants to spectators can mix with all the star riders in the paddock, making this the friendliest event of its type in the World! Over the past few years “1000 Bikes” has become synonymous with the sheer variety of motorcycle sport on offer & 2013 will again include the established mix of Pre-65 Trials & Straight Line Sprinting. Off track the ever expanding Trade & Auto jumble will be situated at the end of the 55 strong Avenue of Clubs display. Evening entertainment continues to be central to the weekend’s event with the huge marquee (& real ale bar) overlooking Stebbe Straight featuring live bands & star interviews on the Classic Racer Magazine Stage. The VMCC Festival of 1000 Bikes is run in association with our event partners Footman James Insurance Brokers, Michelin Tyre PLC, Bonhams Auctioneers, Mortons Media, the National Motorcycle Museum & Eriks (UK). You can book your tickets online by clicking FESTIVAL OF 1000 BIKES 2013. NEW EVENT WEBSITE LAUNCHED Full event updates including an up to date list of star riders plus much more besides can be found by visiting the brand new event website www.festivalof1000bikes.co.uk For more information please visit www.mallorypark.co.uk or call on 01455 842931. Mallory Park, the Friendly Circuit, is situated in the heart of the midlands in Leicestershire just off the A47 between Leicester and Hinckley and easily accessible from the M1, M69 or M6. For further directions, please visit www.mallorypark.co.uk.