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50th Anniversary Celebration At 2015 Castle Combe Grand National
![[Image: castlecombelogo2.jpg]](http://www.ttwebsite.com/gifs/castlecombelogo2.jpg)
In keeping with the event’s policy of promising something a little bit different, following on the heels of the display of John McGuinness on the iconic ex Mike Hailwood Honda Six and Steve Parrish on the 500cc Honda Four at this year’s event, the theme for 2015 will be the 50th anniversary celebration of the running of the famous 500-Mile race back in July 1965.
In fact, it is the only time in the famous Wiltshire circuit’s 65-year history when it has hosted an event with the official Grand Prix title. Back then it was called the Grand Prix D’ Endurance which was organised by Southampton and District Motor Club and saw victory going the way of Dave Degens and Barry Lawton on a 650cc Triumph at an average speed of 79.16 mph. Both Dave and Barry have been invited as VIP guests to the meeting by Castle Combe Circuit and it is hoped that other riders of the era will attend too.
Teaming up once again with the NG Road Racing Club, the 2015 meeting will feature up to 20 races per day covering just about every class and will include rounds six and seven of the 2015 250GP ACU National Championship. The meeting will also welcome back the British F2 Sidecar Championship for the first time for several seasons which will add to the variety of solo classes.
With just about every solo class from 125s to Superbikes plus the Bonhams Lansdowne British Historic Championship, a Classic and Special Parade, plus the planned feature of the recreation of the 1965 500-Mile Race complete with its Le Mans start, there really is something for everyone from the classic enthusiast right through to modern superbike fans.
Graham Marshallsay, Circuit Managing Director commented: “Last year was the first time we had run a two day motorcycle meeting for some years, but all those who attended enjoyed a fabulous meeting of close, competitive racing plus amazing displays. It was difficult to think of a theme on how to improve on seeing John McGuinness on the Honda Six, but in celebrating the longest ever race at the circuit and 50 years since the event, we hope that the recreation of that great event back in 1965 will be as popular.”
Castle Combe Circuit is now appealing for any riders who competed at that meeting or for owners of bikes that were in action or are a true replica of those that did, to please make contact. A special display area will be reserved and on the Sunday, a short track demonstration will take place complete with a Le Mans start. Already attending will be a Cotton Telstar, the same model on which Derek Minter and Peter Inchley took the 250cc class and third overall in 1965.
Amongst the riders who competed were Dave Croxford, Sammy Miller, Joe Dunphy, Rex Butcher, Mick Chatterton, Ray Pickrell, Rod Gould, Percy Tait, Stuart Graham, Bill Smith and Ron Chandler and it is hoped that it will be some of these that will be tempted to return. Sir Robin Miller, who rode in the 250cc class, is also hoping to attend.
To be part of this special weekend please contact Rodney Gooch at the Circuit on 01249 782417 or email at rodney@castlecombecircuit.co.uk.
Full information on the meeting will be available on the Circuit’s website at www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk with a new dedicated motorcycle website to be launched in the New Year.
For race entries please log on to the NG Road Racing site at www.ngroadracing.org.
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| 20-12-2014, 05:13 PM |
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50th Anniversary Celebration At 2015 Castle Combe Grand National
