Almost twenty years ago the Spa-Francorchamps GP was taken off the calendar. A great shame, but those who love speed, racing sounds and nostalgia got something magnificent in return. This years’ Bikers’ Classics will once again lure classics racing enthusiasts to the Belgian Ardennes from June 29 until July 1st. In only its tenth year the Bikers’ Classics has already become a classic.
“The past
is our future”, that is the motto of the Bikers’ Classics organisation. The organisers cherish the past and thus keep the memory of times gone by very much alive. The mysterious Spa-Francorchamps circuit is the ideal location for old heroes to return into the limelight and for famous four strokes and screaming two strokes to make themselves heard again. The Bikers’ Classics does not only attract thousands of spectators, but also former riders who without exception experienced the charms and dangers of the picturesque circuit. Fifteen times world champion Giacomo Agostini has almost become a regular at the track where he dominated the 500 cc class from 1966 until 1973. The Italian maestro will have a busy time, for he will mount both the 350 and 500 two stroke Yamahas as well as the roaring MV Agusta 500/3. The circuit of Spa-Francorchamps is, of course, a part of the success. From all the circuits, it's without any doubt the most mythical : It was and still is a real dream for all the generations of bikers and spectators. A victory on the track of Spa was an essential ranking of any good driver. Of course, the circuit has changed basically for new safety standards, but the atmosphere remained exactly the same. For ten years, the parades reunify a lot of champions and, more than six hundred drivers (re)take part in the event and (re)ride on the track with their finest and well restored mechanicals. The Bikers' Classics at Spa-Francorchamps will adapt its success formula in 2012. For its tenth anniversary a fantastic selection of naked Superbikes and early World Superbike machines will get a prominent place in the busy day schedule that will of course also see wonderful Seventies and Eighties Grand Prix bikes back on track again at the inspiring venue in the Belgian Ardennes. With its 'Bikers' Classics goes Superbike' approach the biggest annual European classic race event celebrates a new beginning. The organization feels it is time for a change and therefore the Bikers' Classics will step into another interesting bike racing era. Listening to the spectators prompted the Bikers' Classics organization into brainstorming about a step forward without forgetting about the past nine years. By adding the classic naked Superbikes that were raced in the US by legends like Freddie Spencer, Wes Cooley, Wayne Rainey and Eddie Lawson and the early World Superbike machines the 2012 Bikers' Classics edition will appeal to an even wider audience. Already the support from faithful participating teams has been overwhelming and throughout Europe teams are preparing and restoring legendary Superbikes. And without mentioning names the organization can already guarantee a refreshed and top class field of keen riders from all over the world. The invasion of the Superbikes, the impressive selection of the Seventies and Eighties Grand Prix bikes, the parade of iconic Fifties and Sixties racers as well as the popular 4 Hours of Spa Classic will provide for another unforgettable spectacle at Francorchamps. The 2012 Bikers' Classics will take place from Friday June 29th till Sunday July 1st.
