More Afternoon Moto News - Day of the Champion & Ducati Hypermotard

The "Day of the Champion" event held this past weekend at South Africa's Zwartkop Raceway turned into a perfect race day for all who attended. Steve Plater was on hand and was even launching a limited edition Honda of South Africa "Steve Plater" Fireblade (or CBR1000RR in the US) for sale in the African nation. For all the details and one nice photo, take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yacje6j

The new top-model Ducati Hypermotard has the designation EVO SP, while the standard model is now Hypermotard EVO. That is supposed to represent how much the new model has changed - evolved - with customer feedback and new techniques. They are very different from their forbear in many ways. It is a detailed review and one which you should read if you are planning on investing in one of these machines.

http://tinyurl.com/yfbuqn7

More Afternoon Moto News - Erik Buell Racing and Day of the Champions

Erik Buell Racing may survive the demise of the Buell marque after all! That is good news for motorcycle design and racing. He has sold two machines - the first sale for the new company - to a German racer who will use it to defend his 2009 championship in the Europe's Sound of Thunder Series. Nice news to receive for all of us...

http://tinyurl.com/ydcdy7f

In South Africa, on 31 January 2010, the 2010 Castrol/Honda Day of the Champions will take place at the Zwartkop Raceway. Around 18 foreign professional racers - from all over - from the 'golden age motorcycle racing' will attend and compete in the event. Luminaries such as Phil Read, Mick Grant, Alan Walker, Sir Alan Cathcart, John Chapman and Tony Salt will be racing against some of South Africa's best all time riders. It is an event worth attending, but it is very far from most everywhere. So, if you can, go, have fun and meet some of your motorcycling heroes.

http://tinyurl.com/ybwlh84

Another report on the Day of Champions: http://tinyurl.com/yzcq9xs

Sunday Evening Moto News from Oliver's Mount

That's correct, Oliver's Mount is located in North Yorkshire in the town of Scarborough in England. The track has a long and storied history with motorcycle racing and 2010 marks the 60th anniversary of the circuit. It's 'natural road circuit' is renowned with professional riders from every generation. This being a special year, funds have been poured in to creating a spectacular Bike Week program. There will be several events, including the Barry Sheene Race Festival, the Cock o’ the North Road Races, and the Steve Henshaw International Gold Cup. Phil Read and Giacomo Agostini will also attend some of the events. Incredible schedule! Check it out...

http://tinyurl.com/y8dcj89

Monday Afternoon Moto News from Around the World

This afternoon is a bit less crazy than this morning, which means that it is very quiet now. Hopefully, this is because many people in the motorcycle industry are at home with their families!

First up here is the Road Racer X round-up of birthdays and other important events in motorcycle history. We have birthdays for Jurgen van den Goodbergh, William S. Harley, Sergio Gadea, Alex Gramigni, Jordan Szoke, Kenny Roberts, Phil Read, SpeedTV (yes, the TV network), Luis d’Antin, Kel Carruthers, Shoichiro Irimajiri. And, the death of Cal Rayborn in 1973. There are some huge birthdays on that list, so go and take a look.

http://tinyurl.com/yagmakr

And, we are being teased by an Indian company on the release of their new electric motorcycle. Tork India, who finished in third place Open Class in the 2009 TTXGP, have placed a photo on their Facebook page with a covered motorcycle - and not much more.

http://tinyurl.com/ydnyhqp

If there is more news, I will put it up later this evening. Otherwise, I will write here again tomorrow morning.

Video: Phil Read Riding the MV Agusta 500 4-Cylinder

Well, the video is actually a bit maddening as they switch back and forth between scenes (it is a film, after all; it's called "le Cheval de Fer" or "the Iron Horse"), but the sound is amazing. It is not often that we get video of the 1974 MV Agusta 500c.c. 4-cylinder race bike - and, it is not often that we get video of Phil Read either. So, take the link, click on the video, and close your eyes...just listen to the pure-bred racing engine roar...MV Agusta - Motorcycle Art.

http://tinyurl.com/yjbj2h7

Pat McDougall is Ready for 2010 Season to Start Today!

Well, it will be a few months, and there is plenty of testing and work to finish up before the season starts, but Pat McDougall is ready to take it all to the track. He managed to secure a ride with the Phil Read East Coast Racing Yamaha for British Superbike in 2010 by placing well at an endurance race. Read's team, though doesn't just take on the BSB series, they also several 'real roads' races throughout the year - their next appearance will be the Macau Grand Prix later this year. See the earlier post about McDougal to learn even more about the team. Sounds like an amazing opportunity!

http://tinyurl.com/y8n8n67

Agostini and Read Make Yet Another Appearance

If you missed their British tour or their journeys to the USA, you can always catch Agostini and Read at the Bonhams' Weekend of Automobile Excellence at the Reims-Gueux in Champagne circuit, France. There, the two motorcycle champions will take to the track on a MV Agusta. Also, some other rather famous riders from that golden period of motorcycle racing will attend.

http://tinyurl.com/mkcrkm

Goodwood Festival 2009 - 1960's Era Motorcycles

On the Goodwood Motor Circuit - during 18 thru 20 September 2009 - will feature some of the brightest stars of motorcycle racing history. Expect to see Phil Read, Mick Grant, Wayne Gardner, Charlie Williams, Paul Smart, Steve Parrish and many modern stars as well. They will also hold the Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy races during the weekend. For more information, please click the link.

http://tinyurl.com/mdmcrj

Bradley Smith Sponsored by Oxford Products

The title may sound bland, but Oxford Products has sponsored some incredible motorcycle racers over the last 30 years or so. They have helped the likes of Phil Read, Jeremy McWilliams, Steve Hislop and Trevor Nation...now, Bradley Smith will be in good company!

http://tinyurl.com/nfwhvt

Ago to be at Brands Hatch BSB Race 7-9 August 2009

Giacomo Agostini will attend the Britsh Superbike Championship round at Brands Hatch this weekend. He will be reunited with his MV Agusta 500-3 and OW31 TZ750 Yamaha in order to take some laps of the track for the crowd. Phil Read will join him on the track.

This race is also notable since the BSB will run three races over the weekend instead of the usual double-header.

Check it out: http://tinyurl.com/nvztmz