Watsonian Squire Ltd - 100 Years in the British Motorcycle Industry

One-hundred years is a long time or any company, but it is an especially important anniversary for a company whose work is in the British motorcycle industry. Many great companies have come and gone - and come again, for some of them - and they have left many great bikes behind them. But, one which has been there through just about all of it is Watsonian Squire Ltd. They have also made a name for themselves within a certain set of accolytes.

Watsonian Squire Ltd is the company known for producing the historic and classic looking sidecar rigs used in the world-renowned Harry Potter movies, so you have probably seen their work. They also have made specials for the likes of Ewan McGreggor and the Two Fat Ladies, world-famous TV chefs. This was all accomplished by a small, 12-person operation based in a small British town. For a little more and a look at some of their work, take the link:

http://tinyurl.com/7qtvlec

More Morning Moto News - NZ Sidecar, Season Begins & Josh Elliott

Over in the New Zealand Grand Prix series - one which I know little about, mind you - sidecar racer Mike Zachan and his partner Paul Humphrey are eying their third title in this racing season. They have already locked up the NZ North Island title and are on the way to taking the title in the GP series. They are short of funds and hoping that their performance will secure them some more sponsorship. Have a read and help out if you are able!

http://tinyurl.com/ya96ygq

In the U.K. it is getting close to riding season again. It will all start of at the beginning of the BSB season - or the first break of warm and relatively sunny days. This article gives you some ideas of how you Limeys can take advantage of the wonderful motorcycle racing around your area...and the fantastic tracks, too. Take the link and get your ideas planned.

http://tinyurl.com/yay4894

Josh Elliott, a very young and already accomplished racer has been given the chance to run in the World Superstock 600 class this season. That is an amazing chance for a guy who - at 14 years old - raced in the German IDM series and became the youngest rider to ever land on the podium there...this guy has a great future! He will ride with Racedays Honda.

http://tinyurl.com/y9gonm6

Friday Morning Moto News - Racing News - Part 4

Yep, part 4 again! There are some good stories out there today...


Now there is some sidecar racing news; it's not something we hear about much in North America, but the Europeans are mad about it, and for good reason. Current world champions Ben and Tom Birchall are preparing to defend their crown in 2010. They have changed to a LCR chassis and a Yamaha engine for the 7 round series which kicks off in France at Le Mans on 18 April 2010.


http://tinyurl.com/ygg74j7

And, for now, that is it!

Mark Edwards - Sidecar Racer and Cancer Survivor

Edwards will be racing in the new National F1 Sidecar Championship which will run alongside the British Superbike Championship. Given the diagnosis he received when he discovered that he had cancer - death - it would seem that he could overcome anything. Well, he has raced in the European sidecar series (self-funded)and now he is world champion! Now, he will move home to England to compete in the new sidecar championship - that is, if he can get enough money to race all season...I think that he will succeed, after all, he has beaten death!

http://tinyurl.com/yctwcg6

Thundersport GB Will Add Sidecar Championship Series

This should be interesting! I wish that we had something similar in the US so I could go watch it. Anyway, the newly formed Thudersport GB series has created an additional class to run in conjunction with its events. The National F1 Sidecar Championship will have side-hack professional racers from all over the world as well as many British teams. Three different champions will be crowned at the end of the year. Check it out and make sure you go and watch the racing if you are able!

http://tinyurl.com/yklyo36

News of the Weird - Motorcycle Sports Car Hybrid Design

What and awesome concept...in some ways. This thing took a very long time to produce and you may judge it to not be worth it, but beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. I admit to never seeing anything quite as interesting...just click the link to see more photos.

http://tinyurl.com/ydn97nk

100-Year-Old Alice Mayhew Rides in BMW Sidecar - Dream Realized

She looks the part and was quite happy as well! Mayhew's friends and relatives helped her to accomplish her dream of riding in a motorcycle sidecar.

http://tinyurl.com/m3cghl