Yamaha stars roll back the years at Spa
 There
are few more historic and scenic motorsport circuits in the
world than Spa Francorchamps, situated in the depths of southern
Belgium. The venue was an appropriate setting for the 2008
Bikers’ Classics, an event attended and enjoyed by 40,000
people over three days that saw a glittering and nostalgic
array of machinery and former world champions, Grand Prix
victors and racers from a by-gone era turn back the clock.
The Bikers’ Classics is unique and nowhere is there
such a gathering of motorcycles and riders able to offer such
a splendid visual reminiscence of a very different racing
age. From the immaculate gleam of the restored and preserved
engines to the black leathers and the polished ‘pudding
bowl’ helmets, Spa seemed to revel in the echo of the
past and brought ‘black and white’ images to life
for new generations.
Like all those years ago Yamaha was at the core of the paddock
and was present through the Yamaha Classic Racing Team with
26 vintage machines, most of which were steered by their original
pilots. The team was born from the vast tradition and success
of the manufacturer throughout the classes since their entry
into world championship racing in the 1960s.
One of Yamaha’s star attractions was Giacomo Agostini,
winner of the most premier class world titles and Grand Prix,
on his Yamaha 500cc 0W23 with which he claimed the 1975 title;
the first two-stroke to do so, and the bike which signalled
the end of an Italian era of technical dominance.
Other Yamaha legends included Christian Sarron (500cc winner
in 1985), Steve Baker (world championship contender in 1976),
Chas Mortimer (up until recently the last British winner of
a 125cc GP), Carlos Lavado (former 250cc champion), Kel Carruthers
(250cc champion and the technical force behind names such
as Kenny Roberts and Eddie Lawson), Rodney Gould (250cc number
one in 1970) and Dieter Braun (250cc and 125cc champion) to
name but a few.
Fans were able to see the stars up close, take the opportunity
to chat with them and the mechanics, relive old race memories
and complete autograph collections. When the hallowed relics
and examples of former cutting edge motorcycle racing technology
were not the on track then a slew of privately owned machines
carefully prepared and lovingly presented by a vast crowd
of enthusiasts enjoyed the Spa asphalt.
On Sunday the meeting culminated in a parade, a procession
that started from the grid and although not competitive still
saw heroes of the past such as 65 year old Gould hurtle around
famous corners such as La Source and Eau Rouge with fearless
abandon.
Manager of the Yamaha Classic Race Team Ferry Brouwer, proud
owner of most of the machines, commented: “It was a
great event and I am very proud to bring Yamaha’s enormous
racing heritage to this wonderful circuit again. We have shown
what Yamaha stands for, and seeing the faces of all those
fans when the bikes were started and passed through corners
like Eau Rouge makes it all worthwhile.”
The team are due to turn out again in a matter of weeks with
the Salzburgring in Austria hosting the next date on July
19/20th.
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