The ‘voice of motorsport’, Murray Walker OBE, will make a special appearance at the first-ever Cadwell Park International Classic.
The special event takes place the weekend of July 25/26, with the commentating legend making his appearance on the Sunday in an interview session with motorcycle racer John Cooper.
The interview will be hosted by local former rider Steve Plater and will be followed by an autograph session with Walker.
Walker was a regular visitor to the Lincolnshire circuit following his discharge from the armed forces at the end of World War Two, both in the commentary booth and on the track itself on two-wheels.
Speaking about Cadwell Park, Walker said: “I first went to Cadwell in 1936 when my father, Graham Walker, was commentating for the BBC. The great Les Graham was the top man, riding an OK Supreme, and it’s a little known fact (thank heavens) that I’ve raced there myself, post World War II, on a KTT Velocette. That was the event which convinced me that I’d be better talking about the sport I love than trying to make a name as a competitor!
“Since then I’ve been to Cadwell a good few times to commentate for the BBC, to listen to my friend Eddie Fitch doing the public address, and to marvel at how efficiently the late Charlie Wilkinson ran everything. So I very much look forward to being there again to meet old friends and to watch what I am sure will be great racing.”
Cadwell Park owner, Jonathan Palmer, commentated alongside Murray throughout the mid-1990’s for the BBC and is delighted that his former colleague will be at the International Classic.
He said: “I’m thrilled that Murray has accepted our invitation to the Cadwell Park International Classic. Despite becoming synonymous with car racing following the success of Formula 1 racing on the BBC and ITV, Murray has always said that motorcycle racing is his first love, and I’m sure that this even will bring back some wonderful memories for him.”
Alongside Murray, the event will also include an appearance from 15-time World Champion Giacomo Agostini, along with grand prix veterans Paul Smart and Reg Butcher.
A number of former British champions will also be at the event, including Chris Walker, John Reynolds and Roger Burnett.
Many of the riders in attendance will be taking part in special parade laps around the circuit, and there will be a host of historic bike racing going on as well.
Races due to take place include the International Classic Grand Prix and Superbike events, the Landsdowne Classic Series for pre 1963 machines and the Camathias Cup for classic sidecars.
