News

17 November 2000
World Endurance champion joins celebrity line-up at Autosport International

Twice World Endurance Superbike Champion Terry Rymer, from New Barn in Kent joins the line-up of motorcycling stars at Autosport International next January (13-14). The world's foremost motorsport show held at the NEC, Birmingham is launching BIKESPORT, the new area dedicated to bike racing, and motorsport enthusiasts will rub shoulders with top-line riders, F1 drivers, Rally and Cart racers.

Rymer, 33, who retired from bike racing at the end of last season to pursue his dream of car racing, will be making an appearance throughout Autosport International. Rymer has made a superb transition from two wheels to four. Pairing with Geoff Lister for the 2000 British GT Championship Racing with PK Porsche, the duo won the last races of the season and look set for bigger things next year.

Rymer is not the first bike racer to make his mark in cars. Damon Hill cut his teeth in motorcycling before going on to win the F1 World Championship title. "Driving a car is a 'thinking man's game," said the likeable Rymer. "If you come from bikes you can easily overdrive. You're going to be quick but you need the experience to get that last split second from the machine. Motorcycling gives you good balance and good feel but in a car you have to use your feet for control far more, they're much bigger and heavier and I think it's quite a different discipline." Interesting comments from the master of 24 hour bike racing at Le Mans, Spa and the Bol d'Or.

Four-time World Superbike Champion, Carl Fogarty from Blackburn, will join Terry Rymer at the show for 3 days and former British Superbike Champion, James Whitham will be making a guest appearance on Saturday (January 13). "I've never been to Autosport International before, but obviously I've heard about it. There's a rumour that some of the top motorcyclists will be doing a pit-stop wheel challenge against the F1 drivers, which could be amusing. I guess we'll find out who's more used to getting their hands dirty!"

www.autosport-international.com