8am on a glorious sunny morning in Northwich and the sound of a racing Honda echoes through the streets. Northwich's very own 'Grand Prix
8am on a glorious sunny morning in Northwich and the sound of a racing Honda echoes through the streets. Northwich’s very own ‘Grand Prix The Thundersprint Bike Show, held on the piazza outside the Memorial Hall, saw a huge attendance but the following day was on a galactic scale with riders and fans queuing to get into the town centre even before the first light of dawn.
To launch the racing, a Second World War Spitfire roared over the skies of Northwich accompanied by the cheers of thousands of fans. As the Spitfire departed, racers began four solid hours of entertainment with bikes ranging from classic Grand Prix machines – and equally classic riders like 81-year-old, six times World Champion, Jim Redman – to current GP stars such as Danny Webb riding the latest AJP machine.
Hannah Squirrel, of sponsor Bennetts, said:‘This year’s Thundersprint proved to be the most spectacular yet with some first class entertainment both on and off the track for what was surely a record-breaking crowd.’
Event director, Frank Melling, said: ‘We succeeded in all that we had hoped for in terms of attendance and the obvious pleasure the Thundersprint provides to the whole community. More than anything else, we want an event which is inclusive and where everyone, from hardcore motorcycle racing fans to mums and dads with a little one in a pushchair and the family dog trotting alongside, is welcome.
‘We are very grateful for the superb help we receive from Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cheshire Police and our title sponsor Bennetts. But, more than anything else, we feel moved by the warmth and affection shown to Thundersprint by the people of Northwich.’
The print version of this article appeared in the July 2012 issue of Cheshire Life
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