Big news on the DirtQuake front, North One Television has acquired the DirtQuake name and events. The same small team that has worked to produce this fun and influential race event will continue to be involved for the foreseeable future, with Gary Inman working as a consultant, and we're excited to see where North One can take DirtQuake.
Here's what North One say in today's press release:
DirtQuake - The alternative motorcycling festival that encourages a diverse blend of bike fans, dirt racers, millennials, grease monkeys, celebrities, custom shop designers, speed freaks and weekend warriors to celebrate their shared love of motorbikes – has been bought by North One, the brand behind Guy Martin’s many TV series, as well as Fifth Gear, Travel Man and more.
North One plans to hold races in the UK, Europe and US in 2017/18 on mud, snow and sand, allowing more bike fans than ever before to take part live and watch the show on television.
With an ITV television deal already in place and multiple sponsors coming on-board, the company plans to grow DirtQuake globally.
The next DirtQuake, at King's Lynn in Norfolk, on Saturday 8 and Sunday, July 9 2017, will be the first event that receives television coverage, with a one-hour special planned for ITV4 at 8pm, on Wednesday 12 July.
Superstar motorcycling talent appearing at this year’s event will include World Superbike champions Carl Fogarty and Neil Hodgson, alongside 23-time Isle of Man TT winner John McGuinness and DirtQuake veteran Guy Martin.
Commenting on the acquisition, Neil Duncanson, CEO North One Television, said “Guy Martin introduced us to DirtQuake a few years ago and we’ve been watching the event grow with interest. We don’t want to change the DNA of the event but we certainly want to build on it. The UK DirtQuake only happens once a year in Norfolk, and we think more people around the world will welcome an event like this. We’re in the business of building an audience, both live and on television, and we’re making a major investment in DirtQuake to make that happen. I’m extremely confident the event will be rewarding for anyone who loves bikes – and will still be hugely entertaining for anyone that doesn’t.”
The UK event will take place at King's Lynn on 8-9 July.
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW. Go to DirtQuake tickets.
2017 UK RACE ENTRIES ARE SOLD OUT
TO BOOK CAMPING, EMAIL dqtrailertrash@gmail.com
Camping is run by the same third party company as in recent years, not Sideburn or North One TV.
DirtQuake USA takes place on 22-23 July at Castle Rock, Wa. More details to follow.
ABOUT NORTH ONE TV
North One Television is a global television production house and promoter with a strong pedigree in motorsport. It is a current broadcast partner for MotoGP and host broadcaster of the Isle of Man TT. It was formerly broadcast partner for Formula One and global promoter of the FIA World Rally Championship. Away from the track, North One owns, produces and distributes lifestyle shows such as Fifth Gear, The Gadget Show, Travel Man and Guy Martin's television output.
Photo: Ian Roxburgh