This weekend see’s the return of the ‘Lord of Lydden’ and ‘Sidecar Burn Up’ and this season there will be an additional award named in honour of Ray Dixon who sadly passed away earlier this year.

Ray was synonymous with motorcycle racing and indeed Lydden Hill, which was his local track, and his family continue to carry on that passion to this day with grandson Jake Dixon racing in Moto2 before moving to the World Superbikes. As well as grandson Ryan Dixon who takes to the track for the final time, hoping to take back the title he won in 2022 before he hangs up his leathers for good.

The award in Ray’s memory will be presented to the rider who best embodies the true spirit of the Lord of Lydden: passion, determination and heart on track. With an additional prize of £250 put up by the family for the winner.

First held in 1966, the “Lord of Lydden” race was joined in 1970 by the “Sidecar Burn Up” and has a long history of attracting elite riders. Among past champions is Shane “Shaky” Byrne, six-time British Superbike title holder and winner of the Lord of Lydden crown in 1997.

The sidecar event has also seen big names, including Dave Molyneux – the Isle of Man TT’s most decorated sidecar racer with thirteen victories – who competed in 2012. This year, spectators can look forward to the return of Tim Reeves, an eight-time World Champion, TT winner, and twelve-time Burn Up champion.

Racing runs all day Saturday, building to Sunday’s finals, where the fastest riders of the weekend will battle for the Lord of Lydden and Sidecar Burn Up titles. The Junior Lord of Lydden sees riders as young as eight pushing GP50 and GP70SP machines to speeds of 80mph.

Since its revival, the goal for the Lord of Lydden & Sidecar Burn Up has been to grow it year on year. For 2025, there is an updated the class structure that promises to make the event more open and appealing to a wider range of riders.

The new line-up includes:

·       Modern Open (600cc – 1300cc 4 Stroke)

·       Classic Open (250cc – 1200cc, 4 Stroke, 2 Stroke 1975–2008)

·       BMW F900R Cup

·       CB500 Cup

·       Sportbike Cup (400–750 twins & triples, 400–600 4 Stroke, no 2 Stroke)

·       Classic 2 Stroke Cup (350cc, air or liquid cooled, 1975–2008)

·       F1/F2 Sidecars

·       Classic Sidecars including BEARS

·       FAB Racing

·       British Scooter Sport Organisation

Images courtesy of Photostada