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    mercredi 22 octobre 2014

    BSMC GEAR GUIDE #30

    BSMC Gear Guide #30

    In this week’s Gear Guide North Sea Clothing collaborate with Blitz, Rev’It jump in with another  pair of tough as nails  boots, Pike Brothers wrap us warm in a Navy deck jacket, Chester Belter keep our tools safe and within easy reach, whilst LED Lenser brighten up our lives.
    Rev It Boots 1
    PRODUCT REVIEW BY THE BIKE SHED’ S VERY OWN DUTCH – REV’IT RODEO BOOT
    Rodeo might not be the best brand name for a pair of boots, but never judge a book by it’s title, as I discovered when I tried a pair of Rev’It’s chunky lace-up motorcycle boots. Taking care of our tootsies is a big deal on a motorcycle, and I’ve come a cropper in a few spills that have left me with broken toes and scraped ankles, but we don’t all want to trudge around the office or our favourite bar in a giant pair of armoured wellies or hi-tech raceboots. Some of us prefer to be a bit more incognito, especially with jeans on.
    Rev It Boots 4
    As a brand Rev’It have been best known for Adventure wear, making recognisably-styled bike gear with a strong focus on the technical and performance aspect, and good value for money, but recently they’ve made their mark in the retro scene, producing gear that looks like fashion wear, but without any compromise on safety. Everything they make is tested to breaking point and features like; abrasion resistance, breathability, waterproofing and armour are part of their immoveable DNA.
    These Rodeo boots are pretty much my perfect winter boot. They are styled like a bit like pair of beefy Wolverine 1000-Milers but with the weight of a military boot. They’re lined, very warm and so far they seem pretty waterproof, although Rev’It manage our expectations, only claiming the boots to be “water repellent”. When I first saw pics, I wasn’t keen on the externally visible ankle support, but it’s less noticeable in the flesh, and invisible under jeans.
    Rev It Boots 3
    What I like most is that these boots – as pictured – are only three weeks old, and they came looking exactly like they do in these photos. Tastefully worn-in, but not ragged or fake looking. The Apache Batido leather (apparently) is thick and finished with varying shades of brown in all the right places. The laces are also proper, thick, strong, waxed-style items, and feel like they’ll last the lifetime of the boots – and unlike some lace-up footwear, they’re exactly the right length to take the boot off without coming out of the holes at the top. Small details like this are not lost on me.
    Rev It Boots 2
    The soles are chunky commando style, supportive, and so far have survived the slippery petrol forecourt test, plus I’ve walked across the West End in them on warm and cold days. Apart from them weighing a fair bit (good for my leg muscles) I forgot I had motorcycle boots on. I even put them on to go out in the evenings, as I feel so secure and comfy in them – which says it all really. You also get a lot of Boot for your Buck everywhere we’ve looked, so bag yourself a stylish and functional bargain this winter. If I lost these, I’d buy another pair straight away. And just to be clear – yes, these boots are proper motorcycle safety gear.
    NORTH-SEA-CLOTHING-X-BLITZ-COLLABORATION-SERVICE-JUMPER-5
    PRODUCT REVIEW NORTH SEA CLOTHING X BLITZ COLLABORATION ‘SERVICE’ JUMPER
    Neil at North Sea Clothing has teamed up with Parisian bike builders Blitz to create the ‘Service’ jumper. Based on the classic roll neck submariner design, it features additional military inspired detailing. The guys at Blitz have a stellar reputation for good utilitarian collaborations, and they’ve excelled themselves this time with the ‘Service’.
    NORTH-SEA-CLOTHING-X-BLITZ-COLLABORATION-SERVICE-JUMPER-3
    North Sea Clothing was set up by Neil Starr, a life long biker, to faithfully recreate the increasingly rare War Office Submariner Sweater, issued to Royal Navy’s North Atlantic fleets in both the First and Second World Wars. These jumpers were adopted by the rockers and cafe racers in the 60s as excellent insulators to be worn on the bike.These sweaters are manufactured to the exact specifications of the original design, in the same 100% British Wool.
    “Quality wool is about robust construction and robust good looks: this means it’ll last, and you’ll want it to last.” Wool, due to its high water and nitrogen content, is naturally flame retardant. It has a higher ignition threshold than many other fibres. It also has natural water repent qualities.
    NORTH-SEA-CLOTHING-X-BLITZ-COLLABORATION-SERVICE-JUMPER-1
    Constructed from Navy blue ribbed high grade wool, the Service is reinforced with cotton canvas patches on the elbow and shoulder, and a buttoned breast pocket embroidered with the Blitz logo. On the rear of the jumper are two button down pockets. It features long cuffs and a high roll neck.
    The ribbed cut of the jumper is ideal to be worn under a leather jacket without bunching. It’s seriously warm, and the high roll neck and tight cuffs insulate against those nasty drafts that can turn a winter blast into a nightmare. You won’t need a scarf when wearing this.
    NORTH-SEA-CLOTHING-X-BLITZ-COLLABORATION-SERVICE-JUMPER-2
    The stash pockets on the back of the jumper are ideal for cash, coins, cards, pocket maps and other such paraphernalia. So often I spend my rides wriggling around on the bike trying to get comfortable with my jean pockets bulging with this stuff.
    One of the great things about this jumper is it’s warm enough to wear outside on its own even when the weather starts to bite. Because of the high grade of the wool, it wicks well, so even when you’re toasty warm it won’t cause you to sweat.
    NORTH-SEA-CLOTHING-X-BLITZ-COLLABORATION-SERVICE-JUMPER-4
    The Service simply looks terrific; it’s comfortable, practical and pretty!
    PIKE-BROTHERS-1944-N1-DECK-KHAKI-JACKET-4
    PRODUCT REVIEW PIKE BROTHERS 1944 N1-DECK KHAKI JACKET
    One of my favourite jackets to wear both on short blasts and and in and around the garage in these colder months, is my Pike Brothers deck jacket. You can ride in it comfortably, and keep it on when you get to the workshop and start spinning spanners. That’s assuming of course you’re not one of those lucky devils to have a heated workshop or garage!
    PIKE-BROTHERS-1944-N1-DECK-KHAKI-JACKET-1
    1944 N-1 Deck Jacket was issued to all U.S. Navy Personnel during WW2. It saw action from the beaches of Normandy to the Pacific Islands and became one of the most used and most favoured jackets of the U.S. Armed Forces in the 1940s.
    The general construction of the jacket combined a thick outer layer of “Jungle Cloth” with a wool lining making it wind and water resistant so the wearer stayed warm and comfortable even under the harshest conditions. It has proper 1940s round knit wind cuffs and a stand up collar. Pike Brothers build their reconstructions to their usual impeccably high standards.
    PIKE-BROTHERS-1944-N1-DECK-KHAKI-JACKET-3
    Pike Brothers specializes in the production of authentic outdoor and workwear of the early and mid 20th century. “Authentic to us means producing garments in exactly the same way as in the original period.” Pike Brothers was founded by George and Joseph Pike in 1930 in their small but exclusive Portobello Road tailor shop in Notting Hill, in the heart of London.
    PIKE-BROTHERS-1944-N1-DECK-KHAKI-JACKET-2
    Their specialty was custom-made menswear. During the Second World War with a steadily growing number of American soldiers coming to Britain, the Pike Brothers also specialized in the production of uniforms for the U.S. Armed Forces.
    PIKE-BROTHERS-1944-N1-DECK-KHAKI-JACKET-5
    The Deck Jacket is ideal for riding on the bike. I wear it on longer trips with my Draggin’ K-Shirt kelvar undershirt, it’s seriously warm and in that combination provides a good level of protection. There’s room to layer it up, but is also slim fitting enough not to balloon. It’s a comfortable and good looking jacket that can also be worn to the pub and to work.
    Chester_Belter_Tool_Roll_front
    CHESTER BELTER TOOL ROLL
    As with everything Rich turns his hand to, the Tool Roll is individually built to the highest quality. Constructed from what he claims to be the UK’s finest waxed cotton, it’s fastened close with two leather straps.
    There are six internal compartments with a flap that features a leather slot pocket on the underside.
    Chester_Belter_Leather_Tool_Roll_compartments
    The waxed cotton is made and sourced in the UK from a world leading manufacturer. The cotton itself starts as an 18oz weight. It’s then treated to its waxing process the waxed cotton then comes in at a 25oz weight.
    Rich has double skinned the tool roll which gives extra strength. It also means the outer waxed cotton layer is smooth and stitch free and looks much better for it. All the leather is vegetable tanned, even the edge trim.
    Chester_Belter_Tool_Roll_side
    You won’t get a better quality hand made tool roll for the price.
    This is a versatile piece: “A perfect tool roll for stashing just a few tools on carb check runs or loading it up with everything if you’ve got an old basket case!”
    The dimensions are 11inches x 15.5inches. Lovely.
    LED-LENSER-V9-MICRO-LENSER-LED-TORCH
    LED LENSER V9 MICRO LENSER LED TORCH
    Whether it’s searching your engine for that nut you’ve just dropped, unlocking your chain in the dark, or night time repairs on the side of the road, a good punchy torch is an essential piece of kit.
    This tiny little torch is very bright, but small enough to hold between your teeth leaving your hands free to make your broken ride even more broken. It can be used as keyring or easily stashed in a tool roll or under your seat hump, or in your jacket pocket.
    It’s LED with 15 lumens, and has a beam distance of 16 meters. It has a burn time of thirty minutes, and is powered by four AG3 batteries. It’s constructed with aircraft grade aluminium and has a barrel switch. It’s a weeny 5.3cm long with a diameter of 9.5mm, and weighs eleven grams.
    Like all good featherweights, this punches well above its weight.
    via The Bike Shed

    HD

    mardi 21 octobre 2014

    The Low Season: A solo trip to Ladakh by Royal Enfield


    The protagonist is young, ambitious and in search of a challenging adventure. But winter in the Indian region of Ladakh is harsh, with the mud beneath the wheels of his Royal Enfield soon turning into snow, and then ice. Is the solo explorer out of his depth?

    Ladakh is famous for its isolated mountain passes (some of the highest in the world), and these proved to be the main attraction for filmmaker Andrew David Watson. During the ‘low season’, signs of life are scarcer still – yet he managed to find a shop from which to rent a Royal Enfield, and a guest house that would lend him the required cold-weather clothing. Watson documented his trip along the famous Khardung La pass in his signature visual style – the only thing more impressive than the resulting short film is the fact that he filmed and produced it on his own. Challenge well and truly completed.
    You can find numerous roadtrip-worthy classic motorcycles for sale in the Classic Driver Market.

    OIL STAINED BRAIN 2013


    Oil Stained Brain custom motorcycle exhibition, Melbourne, Australia, 2013.
    Oil Stained Brain was the first exhibition of its kind in Australia to celebrate the artform of custom motorcycle building and the lifestyle that surrounds it. More art exhibit that bike show Oil Stained Brain had a strong focus on forming connections between builders and showing the public just how creative and unique these rolling works of art can be.

    ER VOLTRON: A BMW R69S FOR THE FUTURE


    This is 'Voltron,' a 1964 BMW R69S customized by ER Motorcycles.
    It’s not easy to pick out Slovenia on a map. It’s a tiny, picture-postcard country just to the east of Italy, full of mountains and forests and rivers, and home to some of Europe’s best driving roads.
    Slovenia is also home to ER Motorcycles, one of the fastest-rising stars on the custom scene. This is the latest build from Blaž Šuštaršič and his crew, and it confirms their place in the premier league.
    This is 'Voltron,' a 1964 BMW R69S customized by ER Motorcycles.
    The story of Voltron can be traced back to last year’s ‘Mobster,’ a BMW R80-engined custom with a strong vintage vibe. “After the success of the Mobster project we couldn’t resist the chance to do it all again—but this time in a different style,” says Blaž.
    Mobster was all about the vintage BMW vibe, but Voltron propels it a few decades into the 21st century: It’s a clever, retro-futuristic mash-up of styles and eras. “We’ve used many of the ideas that were going through our heads when designing Mobster,” says Blaž, “but didn’t suit the vintage style.”
    This is 'Voltron,' a 1964 BMW R69S customized by ER Motorcycles.
    Voltron is a scrambler-meets-street-tracker hybrid, with an emphasis on clean lines and visual simplicity. It’s a much more ‘technical’ and ambitious build than Mobster, with more of a focus on the rider experience. “We also wanted to improve the maneuverability and the ergonomics, to make the rider feel even better.”
    The core of the bike is a modified and cleaned-up 1964 R69S frame, upgraded with a liberal sprinkling of parts from the later R80 RT. That includes the engine, the complete front end, and the 18” wheels.
    This is 'Voltron,' a 1964 BMW R69S customized by ER Motorcycles.
    The transmission is a rebuilt five-speed BMW R100 unit, and the fuel tank is the famous R60/5 ‘Toaster’ design. A few modern components have been discreetly integrated, such as the Brembo calipers, Renthal bars and a whole raft of top-shelf Motogadget electrics—including the instrument, switchgear and an m-Unit master controller.
    The distinctive upright shocks have been rebuilt with Hagon internals and the tires areHeidenau K60 Scouts—classic 50/50 dual sport rubber with an excellent reputation. Ancillaries include Tarozzi pegs and Ariette grips. Everything else is custom-made to an extraordinarily high standard.
    This is 'Voltron,' a 1964 BMW R69S customized by ER Motorcycles.
    There’s no question about the quality or the design vision here, but what about the name? “We wanted a name that sounds strong and has a futuristic flavor, to emphasize the bike’s modern features,” says Blaž. “Voltron was a giant robot from an old animated TV series, who fought evil forces as the Defender of the universe.
    “For us, Voltron represents our most advanced build—fighting its way from past to future!”
    If this is the future of custom motorcycle building, we reckon it looks pretty good.
    Images by Jernej Konjajev. Follow ER Motorcycles’ news via their Facebook page.
    This is 'Voltron,' a 1964 BMW R69S customized by ER Motorcycles.
    Build Sheet
    Build time: 4 months (April to July 2014)
    Engine: BMW R80 RT engine, replaced: main chain, sprockets, tensioners, gaskets, exhaust, intake tubes, diode plate
    Carburation: stock, rebuilt
    Exhaust system: custom made exhaust pipes, Spark silencer
    Air cleaner: K&N air filter
    Transmission: BMW R100 / rebuilt, 5 gear
    Frame: stock / modified
    Subframe: custom made (solo seat)
    Forks: BMW R80 RT monolever / modified
    Shocks: Hagon cartridge
    Upper Triple Tree: BMW R80 RT / modified
    Front rim: BMW R80 RT 18 inch
    Rear rim size: BMW R80 RT / modified 18 inch
    Tires: Heidenau K60 Scout 120/90/18
    Front brake: Brembo calipers / modified
    Rear brake: stock drum brake / modified
    Brake calipers: Brembo calipers
    Fuel tank: BMW R60/5 “Toaster” stock
    Handlebar: Renthal Ultralow black
    Speedo: Motogadget Motoscope pro
    Headlight: 165 mm
    Taillight: custom housing, LED lights / integrated into subframe
    Hand controls: Motogadget M-switch
    Handgrips: Ariette grips black
    Footpegs: Tarozzi footpegs
    Electrics: completely new electrical wiring, Motogadget m-Unit
    Fabricated parts designed by ER team
    Subframe, seat pan, leather seat, headlight brackets, brake caliper holders, honeycomb mesh side panels, front shield, license plate, custom front and rear fenders, exhaust pipes, battery box.
    This is 'Voltron,' a 1964 BMW R69S customized by ER Motorcycles.
    via BIKEexif

    DAVE’S METAL #1


    David Jack 1
    The great thing about project bikes is that they stack so nicely. You can get four of them in the same space one car would take up in the garage. Cheaper and easier to play with, in turn this means you can experience a more diverse selection of the two wheeled world in a far more economical manner than you could with 4 wheels. Of course, I’m talking to the converted here.
    David Jack 2
    However, having tinkered with cars for many a year, this realisation hit Dave squarely in the face and in short order he’d not only sourced a Street Triple and gained the requisite license but soon had a project bike lined up. Like so many of us having got sucked in this world, the appeal of classic aesthetics, cheap parts and a whole bucket of fun was just too much to resist. A venerable yet under appreciated Yamaha XS400 bought for just £400 was immediately dismantled upon arriving home.
    David Jack 3
    Out came the grinder and off came lugs, brackets and the rear spars before a hoop and battery box were fabbed up. Rather than the Henry Ford-esque choice of Black (Satin or Gloss, sir?) powder for the frame, Dave risked a shimmering shade of Nickel which has turned out just great. A great alternative and a darn site cheaper than genuine Nickel coating to boot. This was complemented by refurbing and repainting the tank in a deep shade of Bronze, keeping the metallic accents throughout gives a hewn-from look to the bike.
    David Jack 4
    A voyage of discovery into the engine was a considerably different experience for Dave. As well as a thorough clean and paint, the Carbs came on and off more times that he wished to remember in search of clean running and most of the charging system was swapped out to cure persistent issues. In fact, Dave rebuilt the entire loom, taking advantage of it to move the ignition under the seat and wire in all new lighting and controls, with neat Koso units replacing the original bulky gauges.
    David Jack 5
    Having tackled, fabrication, carburetion, and paint, upholstery was the next challenge. A simple Brat seat in brown vinyl keeps the looks clean. The seven spoke Mag wheels were blasted back and painted in a flat grey before being shod in some suitably chunky dual sport rubber.  The front mudguard was also bobbed for looks, while the standard forks and shocks remain, being perfectly serviceable for zipping around the local Gloucestershire country roads.
    David Jack 6
    With everything except blasting and powder-coating done at home by Dave, it’s a shed build in the truest sense. Of course projects are rarely finished and Dave admits he wants to have another go at the seat at some point, but heck, he might as well make the most of those rare, dry Autumn days we sometimes get. But with the next project already in mind, let’s see how quickly that shed fills! Having had its first long outing at the successful Oxford DGR a couple of weeks ago, niggles have been sorted and Dave has got a tidy little tracker to blat around on. Doesn’t that last picture just make you want to hop on and razz up the gravel track? Blue skies, solitude, and the road ahead, that’s what it’s all about, eh?
    via The Bike Shed

    European Le Mans Series : Sébastien Loeb Racing impérial à Estoril, Signatech-Alpine titré !

    par Laurent Mercier (Endurance-Info.com)
    Décidément, cette finale European Le Mans Series 2014 disputée à Estoril a été l’édition de tous les succès avec un public qui s’est déplacé en masse (accès paddock sold out) et une course à rebondissements jusqu’au damier.
    Park Ferme LMP2 Vincent Capillaire (FRA) / Jimmy Eriksson (SWE) / - drivers of car #24 SEBASTIEN LOEB RACING (FRA)  Oreca 03R - Nissan, Christian Klien (AUT) / Gary Hirsch (CHE) / Pierre Ragues (FRA) drivers of car #43 NEWBLOOD BY MORAND RACING  (CHE) Mor
    Cinq manches et cinq vainqueurs différents. Après Thiriet by TDS Racing, Jota Sport, Signatech-Alpine et NewBlood by Morand Racing, le Sébastien Loeb Racing a clôturé la saison en beauté avec une victoire pour Vincent Capillaire et Jimmy Eriksson. Pour la deuxième année consécutive, le titre revient à Signatech-Alpine. La couronne Pilotes revient à Nelson Panciatici, Paul-Loup Chatin et Oliver Webb. Victoire et titre GTE pour SMP Racing et Bertolini/Shaitar/Zlobin. Le Marc VDS Racing Team signe son retour en ELMS avec une victoire grâce à Palttala/Leinders/Hassid. Les Russes du SMP Racing font la passe de deux au championnat, Beretta/A.Ladygin/Markosov.
    - Grid Walk - 4 Hours of Estoril at Circuito Estoril - Cascais - PortugalContrairement à l’année passée, Signatech-Alpine est arrivé au Portugal en chassé. A l’issue de la qualification, Jota Sport réduisait l’écart à 9 points, si bien que les troupes de Philippe Sinault ne pouvaient pas se contenter de jouer les attentistes. Dans le camp adverse, Filipe Albuquerque a dominé le début de course en tenant les Bleus à distance. Pourtant, à aucun moment le Jota Sport n’a été virtuellement titré. Les deux pénalités infligées à Signatech-Alpine n’ont rien changé (stop & go pour une personne en trop dans la zone de travail lors d’un ravitaillement et 3 minutes pour avoir fait tourner les roues alors que la A450b était encore sur les vérins). La 5ème place finale a permis au trio Signatech-Alpine de rafler la mise, surtout que Jota Sport n’a pas été en mesure de s’imposer. Un tout droit de Simon Dolan avec une Zytek Z11SN délicate à piloter n’a pas permis de faire mieux qu’une 3ème place. Malgré tout, l’équipe britannique peut être satisfaite de sa saison avec une victoire au Mans et quatre pole et une victoire en ELMS, le tout avec une Zytek Z11SN qui a dû faire face au poids des ans.
    MOTORSPORT : EUROPEAN LE MANS SERIES - 4 HOURS OF ESTORIL  (PRT) ROUND 5 10/18-19/2014Avec Signatech-Alpine pénalisé et Jota Sport malmené, le NewBlood by Morand Racing pouvait reprendre les choses à son compte. Victorieux dans le Var, Pierre Ragues, Gary Hirsch et Christian Klien ont eu la victoire entre leurs mains. L’arrêt imprévu pour refixer le harnais de Gary Hirsch a fait perdre tout espoir de deuxième succès de rang, surtout quand on sait que la Morgan a franchi la ligne d’arrivée avec 35s de retard sur la ORECA 03R du Sébastien Loeb Racing. L’équipe dirigée ce week-end par Franck Tiné et Léo Thomas a fait le job. Cette victoire a de quoi faire taire les critiques entendues suite à l’absence du team au Red Bull Ring. Les gommes Michelin ont fait des merveilles avec des pneus constants et des doubles relais à la clé. Quelques jours après avoir décroché le titre VdeV Endurance Series, Vincent Capillaire rafle la mise en compagnie du rookie Jimmy Eriksson.
    MOTORSPORT : EUROPEAN LE MANS SERIES - 4 HOURS OF ESTORIL  (PRT) ROUND 5 10/18-19/2014Très en verve au Paul Ricard, le Murphy Prototypes repart du Portugal avec le meilleur tour en course pour Pipo Derani. Race Performance avait aussi de sérieux atouts dans son jeu mais un arrêt prématuré en début de course pour changer de volant a fait perdre le contact avec les hommes de tête. A noter la belle prestation des jeunes de la GT Academy Mark Shulzhitskiy et Miguel Faisca chez Greaves Motorsport. On entendra parler de ces deux-là à l’avenir. Course sans pour le Thiriet by TDS Racing malgré une belle prestation en piste. Une fuite d’huile en a décidé autrement, alors que Tristan Gommendy avait placé la Ligier JS P2 en tête.
    phototheque_2014_Estoril_p194kjelcq1ud51m0lfvhjcg1b6414Depuis la création de l’European Le Mans Series, Signatech-Alpine est la deuxième équipe LM P2 à rafler deux titres (RML en 2007 et 2010). Nelson Panciatici s’offre une deuxième couronne de rang, Paul-Loup un deuxième titre en deux ans (LM PC en 2013), qui plus est le jour de son anniversaire, et Oliver Webb un premier sacre pour ses débuts en LM P2. L’entame de saison des Alpine Boys a été compliqué mais la barre a été redressée. On espère que ce nouveau titre va propulser l’équipe et les pilotes en FIA WEC.
    Au championnat, Chatin/Panciatici/Webb totalisent 78 points, soit 4 de plus que Tincknell/Dolan/Albuquerque. Hirsch/Klien terminent à 10 longueurs des champions. Avec une course en moins, Capillaire termine à 21 points. Au classement Equipes, Signatech-Alpine devance Jota Sport, NewBlood by Morand Racing et Sébastien Loeb Racing.
    Le classement de la course est ici

    Dirty money: Is now the time to invest in rallying's golden era?


    We’ve seen some heady prices for genuine rally monsters and their road-going offspring in recent months, but is this a sustainable trend? Classic Driver investigates…
    Back in February, Artcurial sold a genuine ex-Works Calberson Renault 5 Turbo at Rétromobile for almost €400,000, shattering both its pre-sale estimate of €280,000-320,000 and a World Record in the process. Pierre Novikoff, motor car specialist for the French auction house, believes this was far more than merely a case of a romantic purchase in the car’s homeland: “Before the sale, I had many calls from people telling me I was crazy to put such an estimate on a Renault 5 Turbo. But I was always confident it would make the price – in France alone, there are several serious collectors of great rally cars, and the same applies to the UK, Spain, Germany and even further afield.” The three other rally cars in the auction surpassed their estimates by some margin.

    Jumping prices

    As with other genres of collector cars, the key focus with these machines is on originality, authenticity and competition history. “It’s important to separate the factory cars and those with period competition history from those that are modified or built up from road cars,” says Max Girardo of RM Auctions. “As always, if you buy the best, it’ll pay off.” Pierre Novikoff echoes that sentiment: “Authenticity is vital. It’s a well-known fact that many conversions are in circulation.”

    Homologation heroes

    While genuine competition cars appeal to a select community of collectors that value period history over competition eligibility (there are still relatively few events that allow Group B cars to be driven to their potential, although this is gradually changing), the market for the road-going homologation spin-offs is growing rapidly. Evidence of this was seen at RM’s sale in September, when a highly original Peugeot T16 road car sold for £156,800. “It’s a generation thing,” says Max Girardo. “During that period, more people were watching Group B than Formula 1. Some of those enthusiasts are now in a position to own a car with a direct association.”

    More to come?

    The next high-profile sale of a factory car with certified competition history will be the Group B Lancia Delta S4 at Artcurial’s 2 November auction. Winner of the 1986 Rally Argentina, it carries an estimate of €650,000-750,000 (Novikoff says it has already generated plenty of interest) – but given the renewed interest in these genuine examples and Artcurial’s appetite for surpassing estimates, that could yet prove to be conservative.
    Photos: RM Auctions / Artcurial

    Classic Endurance Racing / Algarve Historic Festival : un meeting très “Chevronné”

    par Claude Foubert (Endurance-Info.com)
    La saison 2014 du Classic Endurance Racing est arrivée à son terme dimanche au Portugal, sur le circuit de Portimão, dans le cadre de l’Algarve Historic Festival.
    CER_Algarve_start
    C’était donc la cinquième et dernière manche de la saison comptant pour les différents classements, après le Mugello Classic, Spa Classic, le Grand Prix de l’Age d’Or à Dijon et les Dix Mille Tours au Castellet sur le circuit Paul Ricard.
    En Protos, les Chevron se sont imposées en CER1 et en CER2, alors qu’en GT, les victoires ont été partagées entre Porsche (GT1) et BMW (GT2).
    Ce week-end portugais n’a pas été favorable aux couleurs françaises puisque tant Patrice Lafargue (Lola T298 BMW 2 litres) en Protos 2 que Raymond Narac et Michel Lecourt (Porsche 911 RSR 3 litres 1974) se sont fait déposséder de la première place de leurs catégories respectives, le grand gagnant de ce week-end lusitanien étant Martin O’Connell, vainqueur au scratch avec sa Chevron B36 BDG 2 litres, qui décroche les titres en CER1 et également en CER2.
    CER_Algarve_podium1
    Résultats
    Proto 1 (1966-1971)
    CER_Algarve_ChevronKirkaldy1
    1. Kirkaldy (Chevron B8 BMW 1968 n°32)
    2. P.Silva-Silva (Lola T70 Mk II Spyder 1965 n°7)
    3. Serge Kriknoff (Lola T212 FVC 1971 n°84)
    Proto 2 (1972-1979)
    CER_Algarve_Chevron45b
    1. Martin O’Connell (Chevron B 36 BDG 1976 n°45)
    2.Russell Büsst (Chevron B 31 Hart 420R 1975 n°19)
    3. Yvan Mahé-Guillaume Mahé (Chevron B 21 BDG ; 1972)
    GT1 (1966-1974)
    CER_Algarve_Porsche42b
    1. Peter Mulder-Patrick Simon (Porsche 911 RSR 3L 1974 n°42)

    2. Claudio Roddaro-Grand (Porsche 911 RSR 2,8L 1973 n°62)

    3. Hans-Joerg Hübner-Jürgen Barth (Posche 911 RSR 3L 1974 n°76)
    GT2 (1975-1979)
    CER_Algarve_BMW60
    1. Christian Traber (BMW M1 1979 n°60)

    2. Martin Jörgens-Klaus Horn (De Tomaso Pantera Gr IV 1975 n°98)

    3. Robert Boos-Pascal Goury (BMW M1 Procar 1979 n°79)
    Les résultats complets sont ici
    Les classements
    Protos 1
    classic_Chevron32
    Sous réserve, Martin O’Connell (Chevron B19 FVC n°32) et Eric De Doncker (Lola T70 MkIII B n°98) sont titrés ex aequo d’extrême justesse devant Serge Kriknoff et sa Lola T212 FVC. Grâce à la victoire de Andrew Kirkaldy à Portimão, la Chevron B8 BMW n°32 que Martin O’Connell avait imposée lors des Dix Mille Tours remporte le classement voitures.
    Protos 2
    CER_Algarve_Chevron45a
    Patrice Lafargue n’ayant pris que la septième place en Algarve avec sa Lola T298 BMW, Martin O’Connell est également titré avec sa Chevron B36 BDG, Patrice Lafargue prenant la deuxième place du classement.
    GT1
    classic_porsche 76
    Contraints à l’abandon dimanche, Raymond Narac et Michel Lecourt laissent échapper le titre au profit de Hans Joerg Hübner et du toujours vert Jürgen Barth, troisièmes en Algarve.
    GT2
    IMGP7894
    Le titre était joué avant cette dernière manche et attribué à la Porsche 935 n°35 de Stephen Meyers et Marc De Siebenthal.

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    lundi 20 octobre 2014

    MotoGP ; Rossi ravi de renouer avec la victoire à Phillip Island / Rossi delighted to win again at Phillip Island


    Malgré un départ en huitième position, Valentino Rossi est parvenu à s'imposer dans une course marquée par de très nombreuses chutes au Grand Prix Tissot d'Australie.

    Valentino Rossi a pris l'avantage sur son coéquipier Jorge Lorenzo (Movistar Yamah MotoGP) et Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda) dans la bataille pour le titre de vice-Champion du Monde MotoGP™ 2014 en décrochant sa seconde victoire de la saison au Grand Prix Tissot d'Australie. 
    Huitième au départ, l'Italien est progressivement revenu sur Lorenzo pour lui disputer la seconde position et, une fois passé devant le Majorquin, a profité de la chute de Marc Márquez (Repsol Honda), qui avait deux secondes d'avance, pour filer vers la victoire.
    Le nonuple Champion du Monde s'imposait pour la 82e fois en 250 courses dans la catégorie reine et pour la première fois à Phillip Island depuis 2005. Il dispose désormais de huit points d'avance sur Lorenzo et de vingt-cinq sur Pedrosa avant les deux dernières manches de la saison.
    « C'est une fantastique journée, » a affirmé Rossi. « Un résultat incroyable après une excellente course. Je partais malheureusement derrière mais je savais que mon rythme et mes réglages étaient bons pour la course. Dans le second virage, je voyais Marc et Jorge déjà devant. Je savais que ça allait être dur mais j'ai été suffisamment rapide pour vite doubler les autres. »
    « Je me suis concentré pour rattraper Jorge et je l'ai fait petit à petit. Nous avons eu une belle bagarre. Marc n'était pas trop loin mais il avait déjà deux secondes d'avance et j'ai donc choisi de me contenter de la seconde place, pour ma position au championnat. Márquez est ensuite tombé et tout a été génial après ça. Je retrouve la première place ici à Phillip Island près de dix ans après ma dernière victoire, sur l'un des plus beaux circuits du calendrier. »
    Despite having started from eighth on the grid, Movistar Yamaha MotoGP’s Valentino Rossi took victory in a hectic Tissot Australian Grand Prix.
    Rossi started his 250th premier class Grand Prix on Sunday looking for crucial points in the battle for the runner up spot in the 2014 MotoGP™ World Championship. A crash filled race allowed the Italian to mark this historic event with his second win of 2014.
    He made steady progress in the opening laps, catching teammate Jorge Lorenzo (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) and engaging in a heated battle for several laps. Eventually getting the better of the Spaniard, Rossi settled into second as Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda) had a two second advantage ahead of him.
    Lap 17 saw the 2014 MotoGP World Champion crash out of a comfortable lead, promoting Rossi to first. By the race finale a huge gap of 10.836s saw Rossi clinch his 82nd premier class win ahead of Lorenzo. Rossi last won at Phillip Island in 2005.
    Second in the championship, Rossi now has 255 points, eight more than Lorenzo, who is third. Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda) suffered a DNF and is 25 points behind the Italian in fourth.
    An elated Rossi explained, “It’s a fantastic day. An amazing result coming after a great race. Sadly I had to start behind but I knew my pace and setting were quite good for the race. On the second corner I saw Marc and Jorge already ahead and I was sixth, I thought this will be hard! I was fast enough to overtake the other riders quickly.”
    “I focused on just gaining on Jorge and I got there a little by little. We then had a great battle. Marc wasn’t too far, just two seconds but I settled for second to fight for the championship position. Then Marquez crashed and it was great after that. I came back to victory here almost ten years after my last win, a great achievement at one of the most beautiful tracks of the year,” he concluded.