Can you believe it’s been 30 years since Ducati’s legendary 916 arrived on our roads and racetracks? The bike that adorned the bedroom walls of so many bike mad youths is still a dream motorcycle today. Indeed, the Ducati 916 is not only one of the most beautiful motorbikes of all time, but has proven itself as arguably the greatest race bike of all time and one of the products which turned around the fortunes of this famous Italian manufacturer.
Every Stafford show event has a special theme to observe a milestone in motorcycling, so it’s no surprise that this month’s Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show sponsored by Carole Nash is celebrating the legend of the 916, with two of the bike’s most famous racers in attendance as the guests of honour.
Carl Fogarty, who won all four of his world superbike titles on 916 derivatives, and Pierfrancesco Chili, who took numerous race wins on the Bologna bullets, will be in attendance on both Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 October. They’ll be in and around the show all weekend and will be interviewed by compere Jack Burnicle on the Carole Nash Live Stage.
The chat between Chili and Foggy should be particularly entertaining as the duo had plenty of beef back in their racing days, most notably in 1998 when the pair had an intense battle at Assen – a day which ended with ‘Frankie’ famously charging into the post-race press conference in nothing but his dressing gown, as he attempted to have a square go at his rival as he spoke with the assembled media. Chili had been fighting for the title (which the Brit would go on to win) but crashed out of the second race at the final corner, effectively ending his best shot at becoming champion.
Bad blood may have flowed that day, but 26 years on it’s all water under the bridge. Great friends once again ‘Frankie’ and ‘Foggy’ will be reunited on the Carole Nash Live Stage at this year’s show, and we can’t wait. The duo will be talking to racing commentator Jack about their racing careers, and almost certainly that incident – where both men had taken a degree of umbrage at their opponent’s riding.
Such was the longevity of the 916 series, its career spanned a full decade as a race bike.
The show will pay homage to the legend and there will be a large selection of 916s from the whole era: some standard road bikes, some modified and some racers – including Fogarty’s 1994 championship winning bike and Chili’s end-of-the-line 2004 machine. Up against factory riders on the latest 999, it was the motorcycle upon which Frankie won his last world championship race – a sensational victory where he worked his way through from 11th place at home in Misano. Having been 10 seconds behind title contender Regis Laconi with 10 laps to go, the Italian threw caution to the damp conditions to take the win on the last lap – another story we’ll no doubt here from the man himself at the show.
Of course, it’s not just a show for Ducati fans. Clubs and companies come from all over the country to attend the Stafford shows, and while the October event tends to focus on more modern classics, there’s still plenty to appeal to fans of older bikes too.
Buying stuff is always a big part of the Stafford experience, with over 900 onsite traders offering everything from rare parts, accessories, clothing, memorabilia and complete motorcycles. Bonhams will be on site, running its Autumn auction, and will have some very special lots going under the hammer, including numerous Brough Superiors.
Not just Ducatis
It’s a diverse show with a big focus on two-strokes this time out. The Retro Hall will be filled with ‘strokers’ like the Kawasaki KR-1S and Suzuki RG400, while ‘Smokers Corner’ features some special custom bikes which will surely be fighting out for the prestigious ‘Best in Show’ award. Two standout bikes are inspired by 1980s Grand Prix racers, including Paul Williams’ Kenny Roberts inspired Yamaha RD500LC and Karl Dunn’s Honda NS400R, a replica of Freddie Spencer’s Rothmans liveried title winning bike.
As always, it won’t just be a static show. There’s plenty to tantalise the senses, with the Grand Prix paddock giving ample opportunity to hear and smell classic motorcycles up close. Custom bike fans will be well catered for with the BSH Custom Championship, run in conjunction with Back Street Heroes magazine. Five awards, Best Chopper, Best Paint, Best Custom, Best New Skool and Best Engineering are all up for grabs.
Outdoor activities will include the world famous Wall of Death and the daring Bolddog stunt display team, who will be performing throughout the weekend.
It’s a show not to be missed. Tickets are £16 when purchased from www.classicbikeshows.com a discount of £4 over the on-the-gate prices, and there’s free parking at the venue, regardless of whether you choose to drive or ride.
See you there!
