Chesca Miles – Britain’s Top Female Stunt Rider – Stars at Thundersprint 2012

Chesca Miles was one of the stars of last year’s Thundersprint – despite riding with serious injuries. Now, a completely fit Chesca is making a return to Britain’s biggest biking street party which will be held over the weekend of May 12/13 in Northwich town centre.

Chesca is looking forward to Thundersprint 2012
(Click Photo to Enlarge)

Chesca said: “I just had to come back for a second go at this fabulous event.

The injuries I picked up in America really hampered me last year but I’ll be 100% ready for action in May.

“Rather than doing one of my normal stunt shows, I will be riding in the Motorcycling Personalities class and having some fun on the track with all the other biking superstars.

“I won’t be the fastest rider in my class but you can be sure I’ll be providing some serious entertainment.

Chesca will be entertaining the Thundersprint crowds
(Click Photo to Enlarge)

“Last year, I was completely unprepared for the huge size of the crowd and what a packed weekend the Thundersprint is - but for 2012 I will be ready to rock ‘n’ roll for the whole weekend!

We’re delighted to have Chesca with us again.

She really does represent the modern face of female motorcycling. She is a brilliant rider and has a fantastic knowledge of motorcycling both as a sport and leisure activity.

Her skill as a presenter means that she is able to share her passion for bikes with the 39% of our customers who are female but, best of all, Chesca’s enthusiasm for motorcycling spills out to everyone around her.”

Chesca will be at the Thundersprint Bike Show on Saturday 12 May and will then appear at the Thundersprint’s “Night of Stars” which will be held on Saturday evening at Cranage Hall Hotel.

The following day, Sunday 13 May, Chesca will be racing in the Thundersprint, riding in the Cavalcade and will be on her stand outside the paddock to meet fans.

Thundersprint 2011 – the Biggest and Best Ever

In the early hours of Sunday morning, Northwich looked like the set from a horror movie. Lightning flashed, thunder rolled and the rain lashed down in biblical proportions. But it would be illegal to have a Thundersprint without beautiful weather and by dawn, the clouds had cleared and there was a mile long queue to get into Northwich’s very own “Grand Prix in a Car Park”.

A GP star in a car park? It has to be the Thundersprint!

This year the Thundersprint paddock looked, more than ever, as if MotoGP had come to town. Cal Crutchlow was the star turn, entertaining the crowds on Wigan Yamaha’s MotoGP replica R1. Cal said: “I would never, ever have believed it. No matter how much people tell you about the Thundersprint you have to be here to understand it.

“The crowds were huge – especially on the Cavalcade – and there are such great people. I must have signed a million autographs this weekend and I’ve loved every minute of it.”

Bennetts’ Brand Ambassador Scott Redding breaks in a new set of Dunlop tyres on his sponsor’s lovely Yamaha R1

It was the first time at the Thundersprint for Bennetts, the event’s new title sponsor. Bennetts’ Associate Director Hannah Squirrel said: “Bennetts were proud to support the 2011 Thundersprint which brings the whole community - bikers and non-bikers - together in a truly unique way.

We all had a great time with our sponsored rider Scott Redding who spent the whole weekend mingling with fans and thrashing the Bennetts’ R1 round the incredible ‘Grand Prix in Car Park’ track.”

Scott, and Bennetts’ Communications Manager Michael Mann, work out whether Scott’s insurance covers the cost of a new back tyre - or whether it comes out of his wages!

Scott came with Bennetts as their brand ambassador and had a great time showing off his tyre destroying skills on Bennetts’ Yamaha R1.

BBC TV personalities came by the bus load.

Matt Roberts made his track debut on board a Suzuki GSXR and was impressed by his entry into the race world.

Matt said: “Everyone told me what a huge event the Thundersprint was but I was still taken aback on the Sunday morning when I saw the crowds beginning to build around the circuit for practice.

Then the sheer volume of people on the streets for the cavalcade really blew me away.

There is a real family atmosphere there and everywhere you look people are smiling, from the competitors to the organisers to the spectators.

Matt Roberts was impressive for a first time racer

For me personally it was a huge honour to be 'racing' against names like Cal Crutchlow, Danny Webb, Scott Redding and Jim Redman.

However, the overriding memory was seeing so many thousands of people who may not previously have been into motorcycles getting unprecedented access to our sport and our culture and loving every minute of it!"

All the stars were impressed by the tens of thousands of fans lining the Cavalcade route.

For our part, without any doubt, this was our biggest and best ever Thundersprint. The crowds were even bigger than the huge numbers we had in 2010 and all riders – from modern superstars to classic racers – put on a great show.

The support we received from Cheshire West and Chester Council and Bennetts, our title sponsor, was completely outstanding and shows not only their commitment to the Thundersprint but their enthusiasm for the event.

We could not possibly have better support. With their help, we are able to offer a world class event with free admission, free parking and free grandstands and this means that the whole community can enjoy one of the great spectacles in motorsport.”

French star Alain Marie battled for Masterclass supremacy in front of Cheshire West and Chester Council’s free grandstands.

If the modern stars were here to entertain the crowds there was some serious racing being done by the classic stars who came from all over Europe to race in what is the world’s most prestigious classic sprint.

French ace Alain Marie, riding a fabulous ex-works BMW twin, battled it out with Brit Tony Hudson, and his Honda 4, for honours in the Masterclass whilst six times World Champion Jim Redman screamed another Honda 4 around showing that just celebrating your 80th.birthday is no barrier to being fast.

But for nail biting excitement, there was no beating the Classic 350 class where Jason Caunce, on board his home built Honda K4, was locked in an epic battle with Jerry Ashton and the fastest MV Agusta twin in the world. The final decision went to Caunce with a time of 20.86 - and an amazing effort which was also faster than all the modern bikes.

80 years young, Jim Redman shows why he was six times World Champion and six times a TT winner with his elegant riding aboard Clive Brooker’s immaculate Moto Martin

By 6pm, the crowds were still on site in their tens of thousands enjoying what had been a wonderful day for all that is good about motorcycling.

The immortal “Forge Formby” and his faithful mechanic Jeremy celebrate the team’s win in the Pre-War class

Click here for the full race results.

Cal Crutchlow Looks Forward to the Thundersprint

Cal Crutchlow’s MotoGP season this year has been hectic - and extremely successful.

Cal is looking forward to a break from the pressures of GP racing

Cal took a stunning 11th at the opening round in Qatar and then went even better with 8th. place in Jerez and another 8th. at Estoril.

Cal said: “I am really pleased with the way things are going so far. I have had three excellent results at tracks I have never raced on and at Jerez I showed that I had the speed in the dry – and the wet.

“But MotoGP is a very serious business so I am really looking forward to a relaxing weekend at the Thundersprint just enjoying being with race bikes, motorcycle racing fans and having a lot of fun.

“See you in Northwich on May 7 and 8.”

For us, it will be a real privilege to see the fastest British rider of his generation in action on our very own miniature GP track and it will be great for fans to be able to meet Cal personally without any barriers or keep out signs.

Cal is the best British rider of his generation

Cal will begin his weekend at the Thundersprint by paying a visit to the Bike Show which is held outside Northwich Memorial Hall on Saturday 7 May.

That same evening he will be on stage with Scott Redding, Danny Webb, Steve Parrish and Matt Roberts for an evening of “Grand Prix Entertainment.”

The following day Cal will be riding a Tech 3 replica Yamaha R1 in the Thundersprint supplied by Wigan Yamaha.

There will be lots of opportunities to meet Cal, and the other stars, and except for the GP Evening everything else has free admission, free parking and free grandstand seating.”

Arai Sponsor Thundersprint Race Trophies

We’re delighted that 2724UK, the UK importer of Arai helmets, who are based very close to the Thundersprint in Newcastle under Lyme, will be sponsoring the race trophies in many classes once again.

Arai is providing the trophies for winners for the following Thundersprint Races: Sidecar, Golden Age, Pre War, Classic 250, 350 and 500, Lightweight and Modern Classics. That’s a lot of support from a company as important in the race paddock as Arai.

Thundersprint organiser Frank Melling relies on Arai for head protection

2724 has been a long term supporter of the Thundersprint and the Arai Race Service Vehicle and Technicians will be in attendance, assisting any member of the public with an Arai that needs advice, service or attention.

We are delighted to have Arai involved in our event. It so pleasing to have one of motorcycling’s most iconic brands being so closely involved with the Thundersprint.

John Wakefield, Managing Director of 2724UK, is equally as happy to be involved.

John said: “It’s great being part of this event with our Arai sponsorship and Race Service.

“It’s a day out the whole family can enjoy and showcases all the positive things about motorcycling – it’s certainly a unique occasion that just seems to get bigger and better every year.”

For more information on Arai helmets or the Thundersprint please visit www.whyarai.co.uk

Arai’s top GP rider Cal Crutchlow will be starring at the Thundersprint

Thundersprint Programme Available for Free Download

This year’s Thundersprint programme, containing everything you need to know about the Thundersprint, the races, riders and Cavalcade entrants is now available as a free download from:

http://www.fastbikesmag.com/2011/04/21/thundersprint-2011-programme/

Many thanks to our good friends at “Fast Bikes” magazine for hosting our programme.
There will be print programmes available throughout the Thundersprint on both Saturday and Sunday. These will be completely free of charge as is admission, parking and grandstand seating.

MotoGP Star Danny Webb Rides at the Thundersprint

On the All New Mahindra Mojo

Danny Webb is one of Britain’s brightest hopes for World Championship glory this year riding the all new Mahindra 125 GP bike.

Danny is competing in the ultra competitive 125cc World Championship for the Indian team and is tipped for a top placing in the 2011 season.

Danny in action on the Mahindra GP racer

Danny was one of the stars of the 2010 Thundersprint and is looking forward to returning to Europe’s biggest biking street party - but this time with a bike never before seen outside of India.

Danny said: “I just love the atmosphere at the Thundersprint.

The crowds are great and always very welcoming. It’s just like one of the bigger Grands Prix with thousands of spectators everywhere you look. The atmosphere is very friendly and yet really exciting too.

“But what’s going to make this year really special is that I will be riding a 300cc Mahindra Mojo – a really funky, fun bike which is being launched just a few weeks before the Thundersprint.

Mahindra Mojo is funky and fun

“Mahindra are a fantastically enthusiastic company and when they heard about the size of the Thundersprint crowd they insisted on flying a bike in for me to ride. Now that’s what I call a keen team!”

Mahindra are the first Indian company to enter the fiercely competitive world of Grand Prix motorcycle racing but, as one of India’s biggest companies valued at in excess of $7.1 billion, Mahindra won’t be there just to make up the numbers on the grid. With a bike developed by Italian based Engines Engineering, a wholly owned Mahindra company, it won’t be long before Danny will be challenging the established stars.

Mufaddal Choonia, Mahindra Racing Team Principal, said: “The Thundersprint is widely acknowledged as one of the world’s biggest motorcycling events and that’s why we have decided to show our first mainstream motorcycle at the event.

“The Mahindra Mojo is all about fun – just like the Thundersprint – and we’re sure that Danny will have a great time on the bike entertaining the huge crowds.”

We’re delighted that Danny will be returning to Northwich’s very own “Grand Prix in a Car Park”. We love having Danny at the Thundersprint. He combines brilliant riding ability with a great sense of humour and I’m certain that he will be an outstanding addition to the galaxy of stars we have riding with us this year.”

Bennetts Become Title Sponsor of Thundersprint 2011

Bennetts, the UK's No.1 bike insurance specialist, have become title sponsor of Thundersprint 2011 which will be held in Northwich town centre over the weekend of May 7/8.

The lovely Bennetts Babes will be in attendance during both days of the Thundersprint

Michael Mann, Communications Manager of Bennetts, said: “We are delighted to become the title sponsor of an event that is such a major highlight in the biking calendar, with its impressive history and popularity.

“Bennetts is instantly recognisable throughout the biking world and we look forward to welcoming Thundersprint visitors to our fabulous new stand and encouraging them to have a fantastic time with goody bags, the Bennetts Babes and the infamous Bennetts Bucking Bike."

For our part, we could not ask for a better title sponsor than Bennetts whose reputation for quality and service in the bike world is outstanding.

“The Thundersprint is the #1 event of its kind in the world and we are proud to be associated with the premium brand in motorcycle insurance."

“Bennetts also share our love of motorcycling and working together we are going to produce the best ever Thundersprint.”

Chesca Miles - Britain’s Top Female Stunt Rider - Races at Thundersprint 2011

Chesca said: “I have wanted to come to the Thundersprint for years but my modelling engagements have always clashed.

“This year, I have made the Thundersprint my top priority and I can’t wait to have some serious fun on the quirky town centre track.

Here's Chesca thinking about the Thundersprint - probably 

 “My 600 Honda stunt bike will be perfect for the tight circuit and for sure, I’m not going to be riding round as if I am on the way to a fashion show.  

“I’ll be there to have some fun and really entertain the crowds.”

We can't wait to have Chesca join us at Thundersprint 2011.

She is a superb rider with a fantastic sense of humour.

We just can’t wait to see what she pulls out of her bag to please Thundersprinters but you can be sure it will be something rather special.

We really welcome female riders, and spectators, at the Thundersprint and Chesca is very much the face of modern, motorcycling woman - right in the thick of the action and a central part of it rather than a by-stander.

She is a brilliant addition to our already star studded line-up.

There's a lot more about Chesca on her website: chescamiles.com

World Champion Cal Crutchlow to Ride at Thundersprint 2011

As Britain’s only competitor in MotoGP, 2011 will see Cal Crutchlow racing at the world’s most prestigious race tracks. But on May 8, the 2009 World Supersport Champion will be in action at Thundersprint 2011 - Northwich’s very own “Grand Prix in a Car park”.

Cal will be bringing his winning ways to Thundersprint riding the latest Yamaha

Cal has been a Thundersprint fan for many years but his racing commitments in world championships have prevented him from taking part in the Thundersprint – until now.

Cal said: “I have heard so many good things about the Thundersprint that for 2011 I was determined to be there.

“I enjoy racing in world championship events but they are serious work in every way. I’m coming to the Thundersprint to do what I love best in life: be with bikes, meet fans - and have a play about on the track too.

“I’m also looking forward to being with some of the famous riders of the past and seeing some fabulous historic Grand Prix bikes.”

We have been huge Cal Crutchlow fans for years and we’re truly delighted that Cal will be with us for Thundersprint 2011.

As well as being the outstanding rider of his generation Cal is a 100% bike enthusiast and it will be great to have him at Europe’s biggest motorcycling street party.

Although Cal now has super star status, he will be freely available to meet fans throughout the whole weekend.

As usual at the Thundersprint, there are no restricted or VIP areas and spectator admission, parking and grandstand seating is completely free of charge.

Thundersprint 2010 - The Races

The last notes of the national anthem died away to be replaced by the cheers of the thousands of spectators lining the Thundersprint circuit. The Cavalcade had been great; the Spitfire awesome - but now it was time for the action.

Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire opened the proceedings.

The Thundersprint track is laid out in Northwich’s main car park and although tiny, at just 447 yards, it is a superb little race circuit thanks to the care and attention given to it by Cheshire West and Chester Council – and it’s much more difficult than it looks from the grandstands.

Six times World Champion Jim Redman has seen a race meeting or two in his time and he said: “The Thundersprint track is a lot better, and harder, to ride than it ought to be. You would never think that a track laid out in a town centre car park would be a challenging ride but, believe me, it is!

“It demands respect too. The safety precautions are first class at the Thundersprint but no-one is going to give you a prize for parking a very valuable Honda half way up a tree!”

Not that caution seemed high on Jim’s mind as he launched Clive Brooker’s ex-works Moto Martin Honda off the line, with all the enthusiasm of an 18 year old racer in his first Grand Prix season.

Six times World Champion Jim Redman was in immaculate form on Clive Brooker’s Moto Martin Honda

Sammy Miller was firmly in the hunt too with his wailing Honda RC181 replica.

The battle between Jim, Sammy and Tony Hudson, on another Honda, went on for all three runs with the result going just against Jim.

In the pre-event Press Conference, a relaxed Chris Walker was at pains to point out that he was only at the Thundersprint for a bit of fun - a wheelie or two, maybe a burn-out and then wave to the crowd.

Then “The Stalker” rolled up to the line on his race prepped Norton 961 and the bellow of the mighty twin bounced off the spectator banking, bringing tears to the eyes of those who remembered the glory days of Norton racing.

With his head down, shoulders forward and the Norton balanced on the toes of his boots anyone who thought that Chris was here to do demo runs was going to be sorely disappointed.

The Norton’s rear tyre smoked, the front wheel hovered just off the ground - and “The Stalker” left the line like a ground to air missile. 21.87 seconds later, Chris had recorded the first ever race win for the new Norton - an incredible achievement for a brand new motorcycle which has never before seen a race track.

Proving that at least some journalists can ride as well as they write, Paul Blezard hustled his monster BMW GS 1200 into second place beating all action French star Philippe Hanus by just two tenths of a second

Phil Hanus made the long trip from Arras, in France, to launch his mighty 1300cc Honda round the tight Thundersprint track.

BBC TV’s MotoGP commentator, Steve Parrish, entertained the crowds with some stylish riding whilst current GP star, Danny Webb had the spectators - especially the ladies - shrieking as he parked the Millenium Motorcycles’ Aprilia outside the main grandstand and threw his boots and gloves into the crowd.

The only complaints were from the teenage girls who wanted to see more. More of what, we’re not sure!

The sidecar class was split into traditional “Big Wheel” outfits and the more modern “Kneelers”. Moz Baines and Peter Jordan slid, scrambled and screamed their Norton outfit to the “Big Wheel” win whilst Graham Hilditch and Tony Dalton, on their much more modern “Kneeler” Weslake, took the smooth and elegant path to victory.

Geoff Lewis and Ian Cargill were sponsored for the day by sidecar racer, Paul Bateman, the man behind local, Cheshire, company Cestrian Signs.

The Pre-War bikes are firm favourites with the crowd and Grandfather Robert Rushton was fastest on his magnificent Rudge. Remember the Rushton name: it’s not the last time you will read it in this report.

Pete Livesey was the fastest 350 on his Velo whilst Thundersprint regular Cyril Watson took the 250cc class honours. But the loudest cheers were for Graeme Hardy, better known as the immortal “Forge Formby”, for his hugely entertaining runs on the Shuttleworth Snap.

Graham Hardy and his faithful mechanic Jeremy prepare for their win in the Pre-War class

"If Forge” was the entertainment then the performance of Oliver Presswood was a masterly demonstration of riding a classic bike very quickly. Oliver was the best 500 in the Golden Age class and the fastest overall whilst Steve Clark wrestled the mighty 760 Tribsa round the tight track for the best Unlimited title.

A quick change from passengering Moz Baines saw Peter Jordan in action on his immaculate, home tuned, 250 Royal Enfield. Peter was breathtaking and pulled over a second clear of Honda exponents Dan Leatherland and Peter Cuckson.

There was a real buzz of anticipation when the Classic 350 class rolled down to the starting area with two of the very best Thundersprint specialists going head to head. Honours went to Jaeson Caunce with an astonishing time of 21.71 seconds but MV Agusta exponent Jerry Ashton chased the Preston rider all the way on his booming MV twin.

It was another Europe versus Japan battle in the Classic 500 class. This time, it was Howard Ostle and his B.50 BSA who beat the hard charging Malcolm Jeavons and his gorgeous RC181 replica Honda.

Jaeson Caunce was spectacular on his home built Honda

Remember the Rushton name? The Classic Unlimited class saw Robert’s son, Paul simply annihilate the opposition with a two second advantage over Robert Wittey who was riding sponsor Alex Aitchison’s Honda Endurance racer. But hang on to the Rushton patronym - there’s still more to come.

If the booming heavyweights shook the grandstands lining Cheshire West and Chester Council’s car park, the roofs were rattled by the scream of the lightweights. Dave Edwards dominated the 125 class on his truly beautiful TA125 Yamaha whilst German Joerg Trautvetter made the 800 mile journey to win the 150 class.

Phil Bootherstone proved that Meriden made lightweights just as fast as the more famous big twins with a well earned win on his ex-works Triumph Cub.

The screaming 50s are always popular at the Thundersprint and it was good to see Ultra Lightweight expert Chris Alty back on his exotic factory Van Veen Kreidler.

But Chris didn’t have it all his own way being chased hard by Honda men Raymond Dennerley and Kevin Theobold.

Rushton: heard the name before in the Thundersprint results? Well, this time it was Harley, the youngest of the Rushton dynasty, who absolutely destroyed the opposition in the, new for 2010, “Modern Classics” class. The teenager screamed his baby Aprilia through the turns and twists of the tight track to take the best 125 - and fastest time in the class.

The Thundersprint’s most winning family! Jim Redman smiles as Grandad Robert hangs on to his trophy next to Grandson Harley, encouraged by Chris Walker, whilst Dad Paul looks on delighted.

Pete Wilson took the 250 honours on his Yamaha TZ Grand Prix machine whilst Ian Webb was the fastest 500 on his Honda.

And completing what had been a packed four and a half hours of non-stop racing Scott Leven took the best unlimited prize on a 600 Suzuki so beautiful it should be on show in an art gallery.

Spirit of the Thundersprint – Oliver Presswood and his iconic Velocette

Race Director, Eddie Nelson, who is responsible for the racing element of the Thundersprint with his Darley Moor Club said: “It’s been a great day and all the team have had a fantastic time. The racing has been superb and we’ve enjoyed seeing some incredible bikes in action.

“We’ll be back next year for sure!”

Beautiful weather, an appreciative audience who stayed right until the last run, and close fought racing showcased an eclectic range of racing bikes from all over the world.

There wasn’t anything more that riders, or spectators, could have asked of Thundersprint 2010.

Steve Parrish, Danny Webb and Chris Walker bring a great day to a spectacular end 

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