2009 Yamaha Raider 1900 on 2040-motos

Moto blog

Just for a moment; leading the British GP

Cal Crutchlow’s early exit at his home Moto GP last year meant we didn’t get to see his awesome potential at Silverstone. His two WSB race wins there in 2010 were pretty special as he dominated on the factory Yamaha R1, not least as he used some alternative lines and every inch of the track along the way. With his form matching the world's best in every event this year, on paper, this weekend should be his best chance so far to secure a podium or maybe even (making the dream come true!) take the first major class win in three decades.

Win tickets to Silverstone BSB

MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship competition The MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship title race is hotting up as Silverstone gears up to host the penultimate round of the Showdown this weekend (28/29/30 September) as the leading protagonists prepare to fight it out for the two crucial victories. After a dramatic event at Assen last weekend Josh Brookes stole the lead in the overall standings with just two points separating him and double champion Shane 'Shakey' Byrne. Swan Yamaha’s Tommy Hill had a nightmare start to the Showdown but is determined to fight back this weekend.

And in my front room this evening...

NO IT'S NOT an illusion: you're looking at the 1981 Yamaha OW53, ridden by double World Champion Barry Sheene in the first three rounds of the '81 500GP championship. The bike's owner, aircraft engineering entrepreneur Chris Wilson, has lent the £100,000 GP machine to Visordown for our stand at this year's NEC Motorcycle Show - 27th November to 6th December 2009. Sheene raced the bike in the 1981 championship, where he finished fourth at Salzburgring, sixth at Hockenheim and third at Monza.