If you’re a motorcycle fanatic, there’s nothing like getting out there and seeing top drivers push themselves to the limit in a prestigious racing event.
Here, we look at the most prestigious events in the motorbike racing calendar.
Isle of Man TT
Held every northern summer for over a hundred years on the speed-limitless island of the Isle of Man, the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy is arguably the most famous motorbike race in the world. It’s also the most dangerous, having claimed over two hundred lives since its inception.
The 37-mile (59.5km) course over windy, bumpy mountain roads sees drivers reaching speeds of up to 200mph (320km/h), as they strive to get around the endless series of sharp bends and claim the coveted Isle of Man TT trophy. For fans of the more extreme brand of racing. Come for the TT, stay for the island’s beautiful scenery.
Motorcycle Grand Prix
Marc MarquezMotoGP, the highest class of professional motorbike racing, includes many events throughout each year, at tracks all over the world. This year, the last two events are the Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix in Selangor Malaysia and the Gran Premi de la Comunitat Valenciana de motociclisme in Valencia Spain.
MotoGP is the place to be if you want to see the greatest motorcycle riders in the world competing on famous professional circuits to win the world’s most prestigious motorbike racing trophies. The world’s fastest superbikes, tuned and pushed to the limit, will be exhibited at the MotoGP events.
British Motorcycle Racing Club
The British Motorcycle Racing Club, known as “Bemsee” is based at Romford in Essex and is coming to the iconic Silverstone racing circuit in April 2018. It is the world’s oldest motorbike racing club and has produced many of the world’s greatest motorbike drivers.
Dakar Rally
The annual Dakar Rally, open to trucks, cars, quads and motorbikes, is one of the most gruelling rally events in the world. Forget trophies and podiums; simply making it to the end of the track in one piece is enough for most Dakar drivers. Originally held in Dakar, Senegal, the rally has now been moved to South America due to terrorist threats.
Most of the drivers are amateurs, who find themselves having to traverse endless mud, sand and rocks in punishing heat. Dakar is for those who eschew the shiny flat tarmac and high tech precision of the MotoGP for something a lot more tough and gritty. See riders pit themselves against nature in the world’s most physically punishing off road motorcycle event.
24 Heures Moto
While the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race in Le Mans, France is normally associated with high-octane racing cars, motorbike fans also have something to enjoy with the annual 24 Heures Moto, the world’s hardest motorcycle endurance race.
Held on the Bugatti Circuit, part of the Circuit de la Sarthe, the event lasts the whole weekend, beginning with two days of qualifying sessions followed by the 24 hour endurance race. Suzuki, Kawasaki, Honda and other great manufacturers put forward their most rigorously designed racing bikes in order to gain the edge over the competition.
In addition to several days of high speed, high-pressure professional endurance racing, the 24 Heures Moto also offers a huge array of entertainment and food. Plus, when the racing is over, you can go and soak up the atmosphere the beautiful town of Le Mans.
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