FORMER champions and classic bikes are heading to West Fife this weekend as one of the country's most famous venues celebrates a milestone anniversary.
Throughout 2024, Knockhill Racing Circuit has been celebrating five decades of motorsport, and this Sunday will mark 50 years to the day since it opened.
Created through the vision of landowner, Tom Kinnaird, and his friend and fellow businessman, Dave Brown, it was Scotland's first purpose built, full-time motorsport venue.
Described in the Press at the time of its opening as set to "become the Brands Hatch of Dunfermline", more than 145 riders, and 6,000 spectators, attending the first bike meeting on September 22 1974.
To celebrate the landmark first meeting, a '50th anniversary bike festival' will take place on both Saturday and Sunday, with a series of special events planned.
Stuart Gray, director of events at Knockhill, said: "Almost 50 champions are coming back as our guests, as well as some big names from current racing, and heavyweight guys from previous years.
"It's going to be a really good event."
The weekend begins with an action-packed Saturday, featuring classic and sidecar racing, alongside two 50-lap endurance races, ahead of Sunday's anniversary.
More than 50 Scottish champions will be in attendance as guests of Knockhill, together with members of the Kinnaird family, and riders, officials and marshals who helped run the first meeting.
Star Scottish riders, such as Brian Morrison, Donnie McLeod, Rory Skinner and Sandy Christie, will take to the track and the main interview stage, alongside international competitors like TT legend, John McGuinness.
Across both days, GP, TT and British race bikes will be on display - as will Bob McIntyre's TT record bike - whilst there will also be classic motorcycle club races, rewind show bikes from the 1970s, 80s and 90s, and 'Mini Moto' demonstrations.
On Sunday, there will be rewind track sessions and 30 sidecars, featuring the Jock Taylor Trophy race, as well as a recreation of the opening ceremony from 1974, for which the bike used will return to the circuit, parades of champions, and a unique, free track walk for fans to take part in.
Stuart continued: "With over 50 Scottish champions attending on Sunday, there has never been a gathering like this before with racers who won at the first event in 1974 to others who clinched their 2024 titles last month!
"The paddocks will be full of nostalgia, reminiscing and many a tale told about racing exploits from the last 50 years. Add in quality classic solo and sidecar racing, the Jock Taylor Memorial Trophy Race, Rewind bikes from the 70s, 80s and 90s, it's an event not to be missed for bike fans of all ages.
"Add in Grand Prix bikes, including Barry Sheene's Suzuki GP bike, Isle of Man TT winning bikes and others that have won across the world, the quality of show bikes is exceptional."
For full event information, visit www.knockhill.com/events, with tickets available in advance, or on the gates on both days.
Admission is £16 for adults and £12 for concessions, whilst a bespoke, souvenir programme is £5. Under-12s go free.
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