MCN is resurrecting the Transatlantic Trophy series – flat-track style – and Grand Prix legend Kevin Schwantz will captain the American team. The riders will compete at MCN’s inaugural Festival of Motorcycling, to be held at the Peterborough showground on 16/17 May as part of the newspaper’s 60th birthday celebrations.
Throughout the 1970s and 80s the Transatlantic Trophy was, says MCN, a spectacular race series – a sort of Rider Cup! – that pitted the very best racers in the USA against our own home-grown, world-class talent. The biggest names in the sport were involved, from Sheene and Roberts to Haslam and Rainey.
If you’re unfamiliar with flat-track racing it’s similar to speedway but the bikes have gears and a rear brake.
“Flat-track racing – similar to speedway but the bikes have gears and a rear brake – is hugely popular in the States, but don’t think that will give the Americans the edge,” says MCN. “The UK riders will be more than up for the challenge!
“The rest of the team members are still being assembled, but with Schwantz captaining the American team you can be sure of some dramatic action, and he says he’s taking the challenge seriously.”
Schwantz said: “When it comes to the Transatlantic Trophy anything less than victory, and a dominant victory, will be a disappointment”.
The trophy races will be held twice a day in the speedway arena on both Saturday and Sunday.