If you missed out, here’s what happened.
It was that most wonderful time of the year once more, as the crowds flocked to the Stafford County Showground for the CMM show!
Former World Superbikes star Aaron Slight headlined the 24th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics show this year – and what a belter it was! Slighty showed that he really is the people’s champion as thousands of visitors packed into the huge annual event to meet their hero and take advantage of the autumn sun. Compere Steve Plater spoke to Slight about his career and life as a WSB rider, teasing out some entertaining stories on-stage. Meanwhile out in the Classic Racer GP Paddock a handful of Aaron Slight Castrol Honda replica RC45S were fired up to the delight of the fans! It was a Bridgestone which stole the headlines in the event awards, with Bill Millar’s rare 1967 Bridgestone 350 GTR – displayed in the private entries area – scooping the honour of Best in Show! The Bonhams’ auction autumn sale, another Stafford favourite, once again demonstrated the strength of the classic bike market as a 1914 Henderson 1068cc Model C Four sold for £113,500, contributing to a sale total of £2,752,416: see page 8 for more details. Hundreds of trade stands did a roaring trade while enthusiasts enjoyed live action during the weekend from the GP Paddock, Classic Dirt Bike Experience and the Cavalcade (MC’D by CMM’S editor Bertie Simmonds). The Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club also offered expert advice and entertained in the Restoration Theatre. Enjoying his first visit to the show, Aaron Slight said: “I’m a little bit out of it being back in New Zealand but it’s been great to see how the classic scene is booming over here in the UK. It’s been a pleasure to see the fans at the show and recount some of the old stories of my time in World Superbikes.” Two-wheel action returns to Staffordshire County Showground on April 21-22, 2018, for the Carole Nash International Classic Motorcycle Show. Details for that, and other events, can be found at classicbikeshows.com.