Just three words… John Player Special.
In just a few weeks’ time, a trip to the West Country will be the perfect place for those enthusiasts, and many more too, as the Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show fires into life, with three superb guests talking everything JPS Norton.
While some may only think of a packet of fags at those three words, for bike enthusiasts of a certain era they will always mean just one thing – Norton rotary racing bikes. And the show on February 25/26 at the Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, sees star guest racers Ron Haslam and Trevor Nation, plus engineering mastermind Brian Crighton, accompanied by their original, John Player Special Norton RCW588 racing machines, kindly on loan from Birmingham’s National Motorcycle Museum.
Crighton, who initially had no backing from Norton to develop the famed engine, wasn’t officially sanctioned to do so by the factory until 1987. Thanks to his drive and determination the Norton RCW588 went on to receive multiple wins, including at the TT, Cadwell Park and Thruxton.
Crighton, now the owner of Crighton Motorcycles, will be bringing with him his latest state-of-the-art rotary racing beast, the CR700, which is sure to let out a tremendous howl in the Live Start-up Paddock.
And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, also on display and being fired-up in the paddock will be the late, great Robert Dunlop’s RCW588.
So that’s four rotary machines, two legendary racers, one incredible engineer and the custodians of these incredible bikes, all on hand to talk ‘shop’, live on stage and with you all weekend.
This is unmissable!
Tickets can be purchased in advance for £14.50. Under 16s go FREE plus FREE parking. Visit www.bristolclassicbikeshow.com for more information
