Dirt Quake V by Motor Rausch

See more of the German photographer's Dirt Quake V album. Thanks for the great photos, Motor Rausch.

(above) Sideburn 26 cover bike, El Solitario's Pluto, and Sideburn blog contributor, Hubert 'Marge' Bastie.

Lovely Dimitri on his way to win the W&W Harley class on the gorgeous Shaw's Mert Lawwill Sportster. 

 Michael Herman's Kawasaki stroker

 Don't forget to get our questions in for the next instalment of Ask Guy

 Dirt Quake virgin, Carl Fogarty

 Sideburn ed remembering to put keep his elbow up

Blog contributor, John Harrison

Richard Rowden and Drogo Michie, plus one of the Greenfield Girls, on DTRA Friday.

 The Stags' Conway Castle, letting his hair down

 Happy punters

 The Brinkmobile

Hubert v David El Solitario

Dust & Throttle: A film about Dirt Quake

DUST &THROTTLE from sam barker on Vimeo.

Very emotive film shot at the two days of Dirt Quake V by top photographer, Sam Barker. The action and characters are a mixture of Friday night DTRA and Saturday Dirt Quake.

Sam filmed and wrote the poem for the narrative. Lovely stuff. G

Dirt Quake Ladies Final

There's quite a bit before and after that you can skip through, but this is a good onboard taste of the 2016's Dirt Quake Davida Helmets Ladies final shot by first time racer Katrina James. If you don't skip through it, it's an example of exactly what it's like to compete in a six-lap amateur flat track race from leaving the pits to getting back in one piece.

'Hurricane' Katrina takes a brave, wide line on her Kawasaki ZXR400 (not the ideal dirt tracker, but totally proves Dirt Quake's ethos).

Up ahead is Vikki from the Bike Shed with Kiki coming up strong on El Solitario's Zaeta. Watching this makes me think, Who wouldn't want to compete in Dirt Quake? It reminds me why entries sold out in a week.

The top three in the Ladies class are being awarded special Davida DQV Classic Jet helmets. Like all Davida helmets, they're made in England and hand painted in the Birkenhead factory by the company's staff. These special editions use elements of Lennard Schuurman's Dirt Quake poster. Davida do things properly. G

Dirt Quake V by H-D UK

Really nice film made by Dirt Quake V and DTRA partner Harley-Davidson UK. G

King's Lynn DTRA

I raced on Friday night at the DTRA round of Dirt Quake's Friday night. I had an absolute blast. Out of my six heats races I scored two firsts, two seconds, a third and a fifth. The finals are always harder because the quickest 12 from the 36 restricted and 24 Thunderbikes get through. I finished fifth in the restricted, then didn't even leave the track before going into another 8-lap final for the Thunderbikes. I beat some class acts, riders I don't normally beat, like Tom Clemens, and still came fourth! Bugger. I had great fun though.
Thanks to the DTRA and all their staff and helpers. Thanks to Icon for the Airframe Pro helmet. I really rate it.
Go to Dirt Track Riders Association to find out more about this great series.

The race was livestreamed, so you can watch a video of the whole race meeting here. G

Photo: Ian Roxburgh/DTRA

Foggy at Dirt Quake

When I was a draughtsman, drawing engineering components for a living, I used to watch Carl Fogarty's every WSB race on Sky TV. Now the magazine we make puts on events that he competes in on a cool Triumph Bonneville.

Dirt Quake V was special for a lot of reasons. Thanks to everyone who made it so good, especially the spectators who lap up our daft ideas.

This photo of a flying Foggy was taken by Gergo Toth. Click his name to see his gallery of DQV images. G

The Mighty Hannibal

I know, I know, it can be so tricky deciding what to wear for the Dirt Quake Ball. Should you rely on the trusty dark denim and American work boots to fit in with the tough lads? Or try to be a little more outré with an alpaca poncho and hand-me-down cheesecloth chemise from your uncle's expedition to Afghanistan and the Hindu Kush, just before the Russians invaded in 1979? Perhaps this is the time to debut the knock-off Ornamental Conifer-style leather jacket with something inspirational painted in One Shot script on the on the back, like, oh I don't know, 'Two Wheels Move The Soul'?

Or what about embracing the moto carnival spirit with something more extravagant? Like the Mighty Hannibal here. The arresting visual cocktail of turban, extreme batwing blouse, capri pants avec kick flare and metallic patent, Cuban heel Chelsea boots are so King's Lynn.

Really, no one gives a monkey's what you wear, just be there. Dirt Quake V is going to be great.

Please note, the jerkin' of dogs is strictly prohibited and if we suspect you of doing it, we'll call the RSPCA.

Thanks to DJ Katy B for sending this link. Hear and see her play a whole trunk of funk on Friday night. G

DTRA Livestream: This Friday

The DTRA have invested heavily in organising free livestream coverage of this week's Friday night races, at Dirt Quake. Don't know what that means? It means you can watch the races anywhere in the world on your computer or tablet screen.

The DTRA are a not for profit club, who want to showcase their riders, sponsors and sport. I'm confident they'll put on a slick show. The racing comes thick and fast in the DTRA. There isn't going to be a lot of dead time. There are nearly 30 heats and 5 mains.

There are a bunch of different classes, they are explained below, for the casual observer.

Racing from Friday 5.30pm BST (British Summer Time) that is:

6.30pm Central European Time
12.30pm Eastern Time
10:30pm Indian Standard Time
09.30am Pacific Time
01.30am Saturday Tokyo Time
02.30am Saturday Sydney Time

Go to dirttrackriders.co.uk to watch

These are the classes racing at the Maxxis DTRA Round 4 on Friday.

Pro - The expert class. None of these guys are paid racers, but some have competed against the best at Superprestigios and in the AMA. Virtually all riders are on 450 DTX bikes.

Restricted - One step down from the pros. Riders use a mix of 450 DTX and Thunderbikes.

Thunderbikes - Air-cooled bikes up to 650cc in steel, specialist dirt track frames and modified road bikes.

Vintage - Classic Trackmaster Triumphs, Bultaco Astros, Harley 45s and wide variety modified road bikes, all in one class.

Hooligan presented by Harley-Davidson - Road bikes with engines over 750cc and stock frame.

Go to dirttrackriders.co.uk to watch

Dirt Quake V: Schedule

We've had word from the Adrian Flux Arena, King's Lynn that Dirt Quake V has pre-sold more tickets than any event in the stadium's history. It's hardly surprising when you see the line up and realise there's a chance to win a custom Mutt Motorcycle!

You still have chance to buy a £15 advance ticket.

FRIDAY 15 JULY
12:00 Campsite opens
17.00 Turnstiles open
18.00 DTRA racing starts. Classes for the evening are: Pro, Thunderbike, Vintage, Hooligan, Restricted
22.15 DTRA racing ends
22.30 Live band TV CRIME, Wall of Death and DJs
00:00 Bar closes

SATURDAY 16 JULY
10.00-11.45 Dirt Quake riders sign-on (racers will receive final instructions this weekend)
12.45 Rider’s meeting
13.00 Turnstiles open Dirt Quake practice
15.00 Dirt Quake main event opening ceremony
+ Dream Themes
+ Kids bicycle race
+ Wall of Death shows
+ More
18:15 Mutt Motorcycle Winner announced
18.30 Dirt Quake finals
19.15 Awards presentation
20.00 Wall of Death shows, DJ’s
22.00 Live Band The Fuzillis
00.00 Bar closes

SUNDAY 17 JULY
Hang around for stock car racing at the arena.
Tickets available separately
15:00 Campsite closes

Dirt Quake V Camping

Bookings are now being taken for Dirt Quake V camping. The camping is not run by Sideburn or Dirt Quake organisers, but by a third party for us. 

Any questions or bookings should be directed to dqtrailertrash@gmail.com

Price -  £10 per person per night

Opens - noon Friday 15th July

Closes - 3pm Sunday 17th July

24 hour security

Toilets and water on site

Cmaping booking by email: dqtrailertrash@gmail.com

Dirt Quake tickets are now on sale too. Go to Dirt Quake V tickets, and you have the chance of winning a Mutt Motorcycle street tracker with every £15 adult Saturday ticket.

Dirt Quake Entries

Entries opened today, April 1, and we had people entering at 00:00 hours. We're overwhelmed with entries and it looks like Inappropriate Road Bike and Street Tracker have sold out on day 1, with Chopper and Lady nearly full up.
There are some places left in the W&W-sponsored Harley class.
Every entry will get a reply, but some will be disappointed. We're working through the emails, logging them in order so first come, really is first served.

Spectators can buy tickets at Dirt Quake Tickets. Buy an adult ticket for Saturday and be entered into a free draw to win a £4000 custom Mutt motorycle. G

Dirt Quake V - DATE CHANGE

Due to reasons beyond our control we have to change the date of Dirt Quake. The original date was 8-9 July. It is now

15-16 July

It's still at the Adrian Flux Arena, King's Lynn. Very sorry if this causes any grief for people, but there was nothing we could do to make the original date work because of change in circumstances at the track. Fortunately they found us another date in their packed summer schedule.

The superb poster for this year's event was created by the Dutch master, long-time friend of Sideburn and a Dirt Quake racer himself, Mr Lennard Schuurmans.

Tickets will go on sale in February. Race entries open in late-April. Keep an eye on the blog for details.

We're delighted to say Bikesure, motorcycle insurance specialists, have come back on board as the title sponsor and we have a new sponsor, Motone - a supplier of machine bolt-on parts for custom, street tracker or cafe racer.
Harley-Davidson Europe have come on board as a sponsor
W&W Cycles are returning again
Bike Shed MC are our media sponsor

If you'd like to sponsor Dirt Quake, please email me at dirt@sideburnmagazine.com for details.  G

Dirt Quake 2016

WHEN: The date for Dirt Quake V is Friday and Saturday 15-16 July, 2016.

WHERE: Adrian Flux Arena, King's Lynn, UK

SPONSORS
Huge thanks to Bikesure Insurance for coming on board as the main sponsor.
If you would like to become a sponsor of the event, please email me, Gary Inman via dirt @ sideburnmagazine.com

COMPETITORS
We are not accepting entries until April at the earliest. No exceptions. We can answer questions about bikes, but not accept early entries. Join our mailing list, follow our instagram or check this daily blog to make sure you know when the entries open.

TICKETS
Will go on sale early next year.

WHAT
If you still don't know what Dirt Quake is, watch this (in fact, watch it anyway). G

Johnny Lewis DTRA Day

The UK dirt track scene continues to go from strength to strength. First with Short Track UK, now with the DTRA, the UK amateur race series has hosted some of the best and most exciting racers. Chris Carr (twice), Sammy Halbert, Brandon Robinson, David Aldana, Kevin Schwantz (plus UK stars Neil Hodgson, Guy Martin, Steve Plater)...

Joining that list this year is Ducati Scrambler team rider, national number 10, Johnny Lewis. DTRA members will be coached by Johnny, on an informal basis, then he'll be the host of the annual prize-giving and do a Q and A, answering questions from the audience. These are just some of the benefits of being involved in a small club, with big ideas, like the DTRA. Thanks to all this year's sponsors for supporting the DTRA.

This is what DTRA big cheese Anthony says...

DTRA and Sideburn Magazine have arranged for National #10 Johnny Lewis to attend an end of season Practice and prize presentation on Saturday 10th October. 

The practice day will be open to club members who pre register by filling in the form below. (No Form = No Ride) 
Johnny Lewis practice day

The cost is £40 per rider payable in cash on the day. (includes access to the presentation) Riding is 10.30 until 3.30pm. 

The DTRA presentation will take place at 7pm with Awards for all classes down to fifth place. (full championship results will be published later this week) 
There will also be a Q and A with Johnny. Entry to the presentation will be £5 (Riders Free)

El Solitario DTRA Rookie

David B from El Solitario borrowed my Wood Rotax to compete in the Rookies class at the King's Lynn round of the DTRA championship.

I think he liked it - 'One of the sweetest experiences I’ve ever had on a motorcycle!'
Read his blog post on the day over at El Solitario.com.

Next DTRA rounds are this Saturday and Sunday at Amman Valley, Wales. Free to spectate. G

Photo: David Marvier

Dirt Quake IV: Thanks

We’re just recovering from Dirt Quake IV, but wanted to put this out.

This is one of the stars of a show that was packed with them. Guy Martin is admiring the special trophy that one of our fellow DTRA racers, Neil Martin (no relation) kindly made.

Guy won both the W and W Harley class and the Chopper class on the Sportster chop built by Krazy Horse, Bury St Edmunds.

Some details of our Dirt Quake events (racing, medical cover, marshalling) are meticulously planned. Other parts (prize-giving) aren’t and we neglected to tell Guy where and when it was happening. Because he was loading his van, he missed it, but came out later to talk to the spectators. It was our mix-up, not Guy trying to avoid a crowd. 

Guy Martin’s Proper brand also arranged for their friends from the Ken Fox Wall of Death to appear and put on free shows to packed houses on Friday night and throughout Saturday.

Thanks to everyone who came out to race or spectate.  Huge thanks to all the volunteers, workers, bands*, DJs and our sponsors:

Bikesure

Guy Martin Proper

Krazy Horse

Yamaha Yard-Built

W and W Cycles

Mr Porky’s 

Davida

Dirt Track Riders Association

Sideburn magazine

Please support those who support our special event.

Another big thanks to Sharon and the crew who ran the Trackside Trailer Trash camping. Without them, there would have been no camping.

* People are asking about the music. Friday night were The Vitamins (from Bury St Edmunds), Saturday night was Davros and the Deep Space Deviants (from Planet Skaro). If you want to book either bands for your event, we can put you in touch. 

DJs were Johnny Alpha, The Real Katy B and Dave Taylor. G

Photo: @Willoughby1992

Dirt Quake IV: Schedule & FAQ

Dirt Quake IV is nearly here. Below is a bunch of info for spectators and racers.
If you have any other questions, leave a comment or email us at dirt @ sideburnmagazine.com

Dirt Quake FAQ..

Where does Dirt Quake IV take place?

Adrian Flux Arena (formerly Norfolk Arena), King’s Lynn, PE34 3AG

When is Dirt Quake?

Fun things are happening from 6pm on Friday 17 July, till midnight on Saturday 18 July, but the Dirt Quake Main Event is Saturday 3-7pm with more entertainment after. See the full schedule below.

How much is entry?

£15 in advance for two days. Friday night only £10. Saturday only £15. Under-12s free.

Buy a ticket here http://sideburn.bigcartel.com and avoid any queues (plus get a free Guy Martin sticker).

I bought a ticket in advance, where is it?

Advance tickets were sent out on 29 June. Any subsequent orders will be sent the next working day. Get tickets here. http://sideburn.bigcartel.com

Put your own wristband on to avoid queuing at the turnstiles.

Is there camping?

Yes, but it is run by a different organization. The campsite is a 100m walk from the track.

No fires.

No motorcycle riding on site.

All details are here: http://www.sideburnmag.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/dirt-quake-iv-camping.html

Email all camping questions to tracksidetrailertrash2015@gmail.com

Are children and animals welcome into the track?

Yes, kids are more than welcome with a responsible adult. Animals must be kept on a lead.

Will there be food?

All onsite catering is taken care of by the track owners. We cannot arrange for any outside caterers. If you don’t like ‘track food’ consider bringing your own.

Can we bring beer into the track?

Beer is allowed on the campsite, no outside beer inside track area. There is a full bar at the track.

How much does it cost to go into the Ken Fox Wall of Death?

It’s free, thanks to Guy Martin’s Proper brand who have arranged for it to attend. There will be sessions on Friday night, Saturday day and Saturday night for people to watch this world famous show.

Can I go in the pits?

Only racers and one mechanic, with a wristband, per racer are allowed in the pits. We have so many racers in a small area that this rule has been made to keep the event running smoothly and as safely as possible.

Is there going to be kid’s bicycle race?

Yes, and it’s free to enter. Bring your own bike and helmet, gloves too if you’ve got them. 12s and under. One lap, for fun only. About 4.15 on Saturday.

What other entertainment is there?

After the DTRA racing on Friday night there is chance to go see the Ken Fox Wall of Death and listen to a great band, The Vitamins. We’ll have some daft games and DJs too.

On Saturday we have lots of non-racing fun on track, more Wall of Death, Vintage speedway, plus live music from The Dream Themes during the day and Davros and the Deep Space Deviants at night.

There will also be a mini-custom show and dealer booths from some Sideburn and related companies.

Will you be selling Dirt Quake merchandise?

Yes, T-shirts and other Sideburn merch.

Is there a cashpoint at the arena?

No.

Can I get a photography pass?

Only with a commissioning letter from the editor of a magazine or newspaper. Photographers must show proof of public liability insurance if they want to enter non-public areas. There are plenty of opportunities to take memorable photos from the public areas, though.

What happens if it rains?

The racers get muddy, but the event still goes ahead. There are covered grandstands at both sides of the track.

Rider/ Racer FAQ

Can I enter to race?

You could, but all the entries are now full EXCEPT for the W&W Harley class. The only rule is, it has to be a Harley. Email us if you want to enter the Harley race - Dirt @ sideburnmagazine.com

Can I enter on the day of the race?

No.

Do I need a race licence?

Yes, but you can buy an MCF day licence for £10 on the morning of the race.

I've paid to enter the race, do I need a ticket too?
No, your name will be on the gate. 

Can I enter the DTRA races?

Yes, if you have a suitable bike. There are classes for Rookies on Saturday morning and Vintage bikes on Friday evening. Email info@dirttrackriders.co.uk

When do I check in?

Saturday morning at the sign-up station from 10.15-11.30am. Sign-on closes at 11.30.

What do I need to race?

Helmet (see regs below), eye protection (visor or goggles), gloves, trousers, long-sleeve top, over the ankle boots.

We highly recommend the best safety gear you can get your hands on: leathers, armour, back protector, full-face helmet… Motorcycle racing can be dangerous.

Helmet regs

We run Dirt Quake with the help of the MCF, a race organization to ensure everything is as safe as possible. They tell us helmets must comply with one of the following:


British Standards Institution BS 6658-A


British Standards Institution BS 6658-B


UN ECE Regulation 22 ECE 22-05


Snell Memorial Foundation Snell M2005 or M2010 (individual approval only) M2005

Can I fit a crown of pike nuts to my helmet for the race?

No. 
The MCF are adamant that any modification to a helmet structure immediately invalidates approval. Any helmet
 modified by the cutting, drilling or puncturing of the shell in any way subsequent to its leaving the
 manufacturer, will be rejected at inspection.




I have a waist length ponytail, is that a problem?

Competitors with long hair must have it contained within the helmet or clothing.

I’ve never raced before, is that a problem?

Absolutely not. Dirt Quake was invented for novices.

Is there a bike safety inspection?

Yes. We need to make sure you are not going to injure someone else with your bike. We are checking that:

·      Mag wheels with big gaps in them are covered up. This is to stop limbs going through them. Cut plastic or fibre board and zip tie in place.

·      Levers must have a ball end or be taped

·      Footrests must fold or be taped

·      Chain must be covered at the point it joins the front sprocket

·      Glass lights must be taped.

·      Bikes should be in a general safe condition (pay attention to wheel bearings, loose parts, sharp things)

When is practice?

See schedule below.

How do I practice?

Every rider gets one session of practice, four laps in length. The car park and campsite are not for practicing. Save it for the track.

What is the race format?

One practice session, two heat races and a final. Everyone gets a final (if their bike is still in one piece). All sessions are four laps in length.

Environmental issues

·      No smoking in the pits

·      Please be respectful of the staduim and pick up your litter.

·      Practice takes place on the track and not in the car park.

PLEASE NOTE: The schedule and listed attractions are liable to change without any prior warning.

FRIDAY

Midday: Campsite opens

18:00 Turnstiles open

18.30 DTRA racing starts. Classes for the evening are: Pro, Restricted and vintage.

21.45 DTRA racing ends

22.00-00.00 The Vitamins, Wall of Death and DJs

SATURDAY

10.15-11.30 Dirt Quake riders sign-on

12:15 Riders meeting

12.30 Dirt Quake practice

14:00 Turnstiles open

15:00 Dirt Quake Main Event Opening Ceremony
+ Vintage speedway
+ Wall of Death Shows
+ Motorcycle tug of love
+ The Dream Themes
+ more!

18:00 Dirt Quake Finals

19:00 Awards presentation

19.30 Wall of Death, Band, DJs

00.00 Bar closes

SUNDAY

15:00 Campsite closes