The 14th edition of this great motorcycle festival kept all its promises and even more. The 1000 competition motorcycles expected this weekend put on a show on the track and attracted 28 people, a historic attendance record for this event dedicated to two wheels, organized at the Circuit Paul Ricard since 000.
The concentration of the “SRC”, created and organized by Jean-Pierre Bonato, represents the largest speed motorcycle museum which brings together road and competition machines through the ages on the Paul Ricard Circuit. A pleasure for the eyes and ears of motorcycle enthusiasts of all generations.
The program for this new edition was once again rich in highlights.
13 races represented each era of motorcycle racing: the Superbike Pro Twin and Pro Classic pre-2000, the Ducati Trophy pre-89, the Klass GP with the last 2-strokes of the golden age, the Side-cars Classic , and for the first time the Ipone Continental Cup with the Royal Enfields. Without forgetting the flagship event of the weekend, the four-hour European endurance race on Saturday evening which saw 38 crews compete.
As the tradition of the SRC is also an opportunity to celebrate the anniversaries of legendary models, this edition honored the 900 Kawasaki Z1 and the Yamaha TZ Grand Prix for their fiftieth anniversary.
As every year, spectators were able to admire a large themed exhibition: 43 engines which have marked the history of competition from the 60s to today's MotoGP, or a selection of exceptional French motorcycles such as the Brough Superior and the exceptional Midual, have delighted connoisseurs.
The most current motorcycles were also exhibited in the motorcycle show which brought together the largest motorcycle manufacturers and equipment suppliers. And the latest new products were available for testing such as the ranges of KTM, Yamaha, Honda, Royal Enfield, BMW… Many exhibitors completed the entertainment village.
Spectators were able to experience this weekend dedicated to motorcycles thanks to privileged access to the paddocks and boxes, and to party during the tribute concert to the famous rock group ZZ Top.
Finally, like every year, the stars of motorcycling were there like the winners of the 24 Hours of Le Mans motorcycle Mike Di Meglio and Alan Techer, or Steve Baker, Christian Sarron, Thierry Espié, Hubert Rigal, Jean-François Baldé, who delighted the fans who came to sign their caps or posters.
Jean-Pierre Bonato concludes: “ The SRC is the sporting heritage of motorcycling brought together over 2 days. The event also attracts enthusiasts who came for motorcycle races at the Circuit Paul Ricard in the 70s and who want to see the machines and champions who left their mark on them. But also today's bikers who want to taste this atmosphere of the past and take the opportunity to discover the latest road models. The particularity of the SRC is this inter-generational side and the spectacle offered on the track, in the paddocks, the exhibitions... visibly delight more and more people. »
The Sunday Ride Classic will return to the Circuit Paul Ricard in 2024 for a 15th edition with undoubtedly other moments of emotion.
Upcoming events at Circuit Paul Ricard:
May 9th and 30th Sunset Bike
May 12-14 F1 in Schools France national finals
May 19-20 Porsche Cup Switzerland
May 27-28 Grand Prix Trucks
