Over the 34 years it ran, a loyal following came to know Day of Champions as their big chance to see the stars of the sport up-close, not only in the paddock but also on the stage of the famous Day of Champions auction.
A feature in the racing calendar since 1989 Day of Champions was a one off – an event that gave fans special access to the sport they love, while raising funds to support transport for healthcare projects in sub-Saharan Africa for the charity Riders for Health (now known as Two Wheels for Life).
The idea for Day of Champions was first conceived by US racing legends Kenny Roberts & Randy Mamola, who thought there must be a better way of raising money for charity than getting riders to sign autographs. It was the first event that gave fans access to the racing paddock.
Over the last three decades the event has brought its magic to the MotoGP™ British Grand Prix at Brands Hatch and Donington Park and Silverstone Circuit, raising millions for Riders for Health projects across Africa which offer increased access to healthcare to over 47 million people.
As we welcome a new format for the MotoGP™ British Grand Prix Today we announce the end of Day of Champions, a much loved feature in the British racing calendar for the past 34 years. The new schedule, introduced by Silverstone, will see an end to the full day of activities on the Thursday before race weekend.
However, we will continue to raise funds to support life-saving transport for healthcare programmes across Africa, and are collaborating with Silverstone & MotoGP™ in the hope that we can offer the best of Day of Champions in a different format, with activities taking place throughout the entire race weekend. The new format will be announced in the coming weeks.
Andrea Coleman Two Wheels co-founder and CEO says:
“The first Day of Champions took place in 1989 at Brands Hatch. Over the years we’ve built something special in the world of motorcycling thanks to our incredible staff and volunteers, the riders and teams, and loyal fans, some who have been coming for the whole 34 years! We’re proud to have raised huge sums to support the delivery of healthcare across Africa. While we’re sad that we have to see the end of Day of Champions, we recognise that change is inevitable and are excited to work on new projects that offer MotoGP™ fans what we do best; the chance to get the very best out of the sport they love and raise vital funds to support projects that use motorcycles to save lives!”
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