Ron Haslam Race School faces closure after over two decades

Ron is hanging up his leathers after more than two decades training

The Honda Ron Haslam Race School is to close after 24 years, while the Haslam family look for new ways to work in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

Ron and Ann Haslam have run the school at Donington Park for 24 years (apart from three years at Silverstone) and in that time, more than 86,000 riders have made their way through the training, becoming better and safer riders in the process. Ron set up the school after retiring from racing, with the intention of passing on his skills and insights to the next generation. Along the way the school has taught everyone from youngsters on 125s to A-list celebs on Fireblades and has even had a hand in launching the careers of top racing talent. “I’ve got a lot of fond memories to look back on but the biggest thing for me is the people,” says Ron. “Getting the stars in like James Haydon, Jonathan Rea, Cal Crutchlow plus celebs like Michael Fassbender and Keith Flint makes you feel good but it’s the regulars who come back time and again that make me really proud. “We were also a bit different because we could take youngsters from 12, give them all the gear and get them enjoying bikes early on, before they normally get the opportunity. I’d like to carry on teaching in some way but for now I’ve got to keep my options open.”

Neil Fletcher, Head of Motorcycles at Honda UK said: “On behalf of everyone at Honda, I would like to thank Ron and Ann Haslam for their fantastic work with the Race School over the last 24 years. We are sure 86,000 customers equates to 86,000 smiling faces! The dedication and commitment shown by Ron, Ann and everyone who has worked at the Race School has been first class.”

The school has 10 dates this year, from August to late October, with places still available on both the £315 Premier Experience and £465 Elite Experience, although they’re booking up fast. Get yourself on to haslamschool.com for more info and the latest availability.

‘It’s the regulars that make me proud’