By Carly Rathmell
October 12 2004

An impressive line-up of Supermoto champions are heading to Moto1 at Donington Park, on 30-31 October, all chasing victory at the largest motorcycle sport festival ever staged.

Supermoto is a relatively new sport, requiring a unique skill to race on a circuit of both dirt and tarmac, and is one of the four sports each of the twenty-four Moto1 hopefuls will contest,­ along with road racing, trials and motocross.

Reigning British Supermoto Champion David Tougher believes: “Moto1 is a real tester for riders, a proving ground to discover Britain’s best all-rounder on a sports motorcycle.” Ulsterman Tougher adds: “I’m confident in the Supermoto and Motocross elements, but haven’t much experience in the Road Racing segment that may well determine the eventual overall winner.”

Last year’s British Supermoto Champion Leighton Haigh reckons: “Moto1 is the best thing to happen to motorcycle sport in years. It will determine who is the best, but it’s going to be an incredible, fun event for riders and spectators.”

Tougher and Haigh are joined by 2001 British champion Ady Smith; and Lurgan, Northern Ireland female racer Anita Doran, who arrives at Moto1 with ten years of motocross experience and a National Supermoto title.

Moto1 Managing Director Robbie Allan says: “The Supermoto entry we’ve been able to assemble is impressive. I’m convinced it is these riders - who are not necessarily always in the media spotlight - who will give the more fancied Moto1 entries a real surprise or two.”

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Moto1 · News in brief - 19 days to go

· The Moto1 action at Donington Park will run from 9am to 4.30pm each day.

· The Moto1 website has full details of all advance ticket offers at: www.moto1.org

· A key attraction at Moto1 is the World Long Jump Record attempt by Flyin’ Ryan Griffiths. The Honda man is looking to set a new record with a 260-feet leap.

· Moto1 organisers have a handful of places available for marshals at the event, working alongside a team of experienced team leaders. Anyone interested can contact the marshals co-ordinator Sue Wale on 0116-277 0458.

· The inaugural Moto1 festival has attracted the support of Black Horse Motorcycle Finance as an event sponsor.

· Mad cap stunt aces, the ‘World Famous’ Purple Helmets arrive at Moto1 fresh from attending the International Six Days Enduro in Poland last month, and will offer their extensive, daredevil repertoire of displays.

· Road race action at Moto1 includes an exciting and exotic package of yesteryear machines, as the Classic Motorcycle Racing Club complement the Moto1 proceedings with a series of races.

· The Yamaha-backed California Superbike School will be offering a Supermoto display throughout the two-day spectacular.

· SKY Sports will feature the Moto1 event in a one-hour feature programme, to be broadcast on 17 and 18 November.

· Leading motorcycle lubricants firm Rock Oil has pledged its support to the Moto1 festival at Donington Park as a commercial partner to the motorcycling festival.

· An overwhelming response has left the final round of the World Stunt Riding Championship over-subscribed, as more than thirty hopefuls from fifteen countries chase the coveted 2004 title.