The 420CC MV was on loan to the Black Eagle Racing Team as a spare bike incase of disaster with the 500 MV during practice at Goodwood. Apparently the first time it had seen a race track it had been built of over a number of years from discarded parts, some factory, the true source not being disclosed, so perhaps best not to ask.
This was how the first 420CC MV was concieved by the legendary MV Agusta team leader Arturo Magni, over a weekend in a grand prix paddock, so it can be said the bike is in a true MV spirit.
All the bikes were to be given gentle initial laps to bed-down new parts gentley increasing engine revolutions to their maximum over the course of the weekend.
We are slowly developing our website, which is all down to Linda Wright's efforts, believe me she is a wizard with a camera.
All the Donington photos were taken with a ultra long telephoto lens, as we were a refused a track side pass.
However, some of these photos accompany this blog and shortly Linda will complete a section of Donington photos for the website these will be made available directly from Linda at www.lookingup.me.uk .
Friday
1st session Mark on the Gilera, Brian the 420MV and Mitch the 500 MV. All did 6 laps without mishap.
2nd session further 6 laps each.
A couple of pics from Friday:
1st session Alan 500MV - 7 laps
Brian 420 MV - 7 laps
Grand Parade Alan 500MV - 8 laps
Brian 420MV - 8 laps
2nd session Brian 500 Gilera - 6 laps
Alan 500 MV - 6 laps
Gordon 420MV - 6 laps
Oils changed at the end of the day and bikes checked - all three seemed ok.
Here are some pictures from the Saturday:
Sunday
1st session Gordon 420MV
Brian 500 MV
Both six laps, now taking engine revs up to 10,000 RPM
Grand Parade Alan 420 MV
Brian 500 MV
Both did 4 laps.
2nd session. Brian and Gordon really got their heads down and started to put the bikes into race mode. Brian on the 500 MV, Gordon on the 420MV both did 6 laps, over and under taking giving a fine display.
However on leaving the track at the end of the session, they were instructed to report to the Clerk of the courses office.
Our bikes were not entered into the Classic races, as surprisingly they are not deemed eligible by the classic racing club, so all our track time was parades,which suited us fine as the meeting was being used to prepare the bikes for the BIG,BIG event at Goodwood.
Brian and Gordon with heads bowed, looking slightly sheepish,duly stood infront of the clerk of the course who accused them of racing. Brian said he was following Gordon for a couple of laps, Gordon said he was following Brian for a couple of laps,but didnt think it could be construde as racing. C of C was having none of it and pointed to the air ambulance collection box after, cocking a deaf-un again the finger pointed to the box. It cost Brian £20 which is a tidy sum for a Scotch man, but both left the office with a smile on their face.
Gordon rounded off the event with 6 laps on the Gilera, all in all a fabulous weekend, a very well orgainsed event hosted by the classic racing club. We had achieved our objectives without mishap and Linda had taken some superb action shots.
The 420 and 500 GP bikes both did a total of 49 laps around 100 miles each. The 500 Gilera did 24 laps with a total mileage of around 50 miles each. No mishaps one minor oil leak, Looking forward to another spectacular weekend at Goodwood. If you are at the meeting make your selves known to the team and we will make you more than welcome.
Safe Riding,
Black Eagle Racing Team.
