Stars ready to race after a full day of practice while fans enjoy 

The biggest collection of former World Champions and grand prix winners is ready to race once more following a full day of practice today, 19 June, at World GP Bike Legends.

The event blasted into life at a scorching Jerez Circuit in Spain, as heroes from the golden age of motorcycle racing returned to the track on their original and spectacular machines.

Among the many riders who have shown fantastic support for this inaugural event are legends like Angel Nieto, Loris Capirossi, Freddie Spencer, Wayne Gardner, Christian Sarron and Kevin Schwantz, all of whom took to the track together today for the first time to prepare for a weekend of flat-out racing.

“It’s really a great opportunity at the first event to share that great era of racing,” said Spencer in the morning press conference. “It’s a brilliant combination not just for us to get back out there and ride together again but for us to be able to share it with so many people. You never know when the moment of inspiration is going to happen, and at this event the opportunity for the fans to meet us and share those stories and hopefully give some inspiration. This is what started the modern grand prix era, so for us to come together and support this event is really important.”

World GP Bike Legends has been designed to bring the fans back into the heart of the racing paddock, and over the weekend there will be plenty of opportunities for fans to meet the legends, get their photographs signed and swap stories.

Sarron, 1984 250cc World Champion said, “For us to come together and do this show, this is a kind of thank you to the fans for supporting us for many years. I’m sure all the riders will agree that we always felt privileged to be able to pursue our passion of motorcycle racing. It is not the case now that fans can approach the riders they follow, so World GP Bike Legends lets us mix with the fans again which is a great pleasure for us.”

With practice completed for the legends as well as the superb support series that include over 30 International Classic Grand Prix machines, attentions turned to the evening’s entertainment courtesy of two of the world’s top tribute acts. The ZZ Tops opened the show with their uncanny performances of the boogie rock band’s biggest hits before QueenMania grabbed the spotlight to finish the first day of World GP Bike Legends in style.

Tomorrow sees a full day of on-track action starting with qualifying in the morning before racing commences at 15:35, with a headlining 500cc Legends race at 16:20.

As the bikes and riders cool down, the party hots up at Jerez with more live music to close the show. Double World Superbike Champion James Toseland will belt out his hard rock hits before Bonnie Tyler takes to the stage to perform some of the most legendary songs from the 1980s.

With live stunt shows, trial shows and autograph sessions plus modern and classic bike displays, there are undoubtedly two days of top class entertainment in store at World GP Bike Legends. A 2-day ticket is available to purchase on the gate for €65.