May 12/13 – Northwich, Cheshire, Town Centre Free Admission and Free Parking Best Ever Thundersprint Race Entry This year’s Thundersprint has attracted a fantastic entry – both in terms of riders and bikes. Leading the classic riders is six times World Champion, and six times TT winner, Jim Redman riding Clive Brooker’s 1972 Honda CR 750. Jim said: “I love riding Clive’s CR750. The bike is prepared just as well as the factory Hondas were in the ’60s – and the big, torquey motor is ideal for the tight Thundersprint track.” Backing Jim up is another Honda star – Dutchman Michael Buttinger. Mike will be out on an incredibly rare 1957 Honda Asama racer – a bike which is literally beyond value. Mike said: “If a race bike isn’t raced then it’s just a pile of old metal. I will race the CR71 just once this year – and that will be at the Thundersprint.” The Europeans will be well represented too. Norton’s racing heritage will be shown with Manx Grand Prix and TT star, Keith Heckles’, original Manx Norton. Keith noted: “A quarter of a mile around the Thundersprint track isn’t exactly the TT but I’ll still be having a big go and I can guarantee that you will see a Manx ridden hard!” The oldest bike ever to be raced at the Thundersprint will see Brian Glover in action on his 1914 350cc Douglas which should provide a very interesting spectacle getting away from the standing start. Karin Leffrang and Steffen Bauermeister are making the long trek from Germany with their ultra rare AWO production racers whilst Spanish Champion “Pepin” is bringing Austin Fernandez’s featherweight, and hard accelerating, BSA B.50 which will set the tight Thundersprint track on fire. The fastest time of day award might well be staying in England because Thundersprint specialist Jaeson Caunce, will be in action once again with his spectacular 350cc Honda K4 – a bike and rider so quick that they look set to beat all the modern Superbikes through the 440 yards of corners, curves and trees which make up a Thundersprint lap. Entries from the modern riders are incredible. Leading the pack will be British Superbike Champion Ryuichi Kiyonari and his HM Plant Honda team mate Jonathan Rea both in action on their Superbikes. There will also be factory representation from MSS Kawasaki and British Supersport rider, Stuart Easton and his team-mate for the weekend, American Champion Natalie Jackson. On a more light-hearted note, expect plenty of entertainment from “Top Gear” star James May, and a host of other motorcycling celebrities. Because of the support of the ACU, and Vale Royal Borough Council who control Northwich, a special dispensation is granted to the Thundersprint which allows all these venerable bikes to be run with their original silencing systems. The noise, and smell, of these mighty old warhorses doing battle makes a visit to the Thundersprint worth while in itself. Backing up the racers are a huge number of classic entries who will be strutting their stuff around Northwich town centre in a five mile lunchtime cavalcade through the streets. Another delight of the Thundersprint is that everything, except the track, has open access. There are no controlled or VIP areas and if you want to spend all day chatting to Jim Redman, or admiring factory Aermacchis, nothing will stop you. Away from the track, there is a mile of trade stands, fine food, the Spitfire aerobatic display and the inimitable Leyland Morris Men who are not a common sight at many race meetings The Thundersprint takes place in Northwich town centre on Sunday 13 May and has free admission and free parking. For more information contact the event hotline on 01928 740 498 or visit www.thundersprint.com