The Racer Bar - Brands Hatch
Legendary racer and Eurosport commentator James Whitham officially opened the new Racing Bar at the Brands Hatch Thistle Hotel. BSB star Simon Andrews was at the new biking venue the next day.
The hotel has created the new bar, which pays tribute to the biggest names in racing who have thrilled the crowds at the Kent racetrack over the years, as a venue for bike fans. And the hotel has launched its own biker nights on the first Friday of every month.
The organisers hope bike fans will use the bar as ride-out venue or a stop off on rides around Kent or to the coast. The Racing Bar is open to the public from 6pm every evening and screens sports on huge screens.
James Whitham, who beat cancer to ride in World and British Superbikes, opened the bar on Friday, May 15. over 150 people enjoyed a barbecue and chatted to Whitham, who the next day was commentating on the World Superbikes from Kayalami in South Africa.
While the next day at the Racing Bar, British Superbikes rider Simon Andrews made a personal appearance with his MSS Colchester Kawasaki bike, plus there were stalls galore.
The Racing Bar has a Ducati and Suzuki on display on plinths inside the bar as well as memorabilia from Mike Halewood and Barry Sheene to Foggy and Valentino Rossi. There is a wall of fame with pictures of bike racers and drivers who have thrilled crowds at Brands Hatch since its opening as a grass track in 1926.
As well as the full-size bikes there are models and tributes to legends over the years, like Stirling Moss, Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart, Nigel Mansell and, of course, James Hunt.
The South East Biker team will be attending the meets so watch out for some special events.