Around 3600 fans attended the event at Silverstone ahead of the British MotoGP. The proceeds go to MotoGP Riders for Health.
The gates to the exclusive MotoGP paddock and pit-lane were opened to ticket holders, who had the chance to glimpse into the garages as teams prepared for the weekend’s racing.
One of the highlights of the day was the famous Day of Champions auction, which this year was launched by British MotoGP star Bradley Smith, with a tribute to one of the founders of Day of Champions, Jeanette Wragg. Jeanette, who knew Bradley from his very first days in racing, sadly passed away in March this year.
In memory of her, Bradley donated a motorcycle for use by Riders for Health, which supplies bikes to African countries, allowing health workers to reach rural villages. Bradley's donation was matched by Dorna Sports and the International Road Racing Teams Association (IRTA), meaning two brand-new motorcycles will be heading to the continent.
During the auction the stars of the MotoGP paddock were out in force and raised a record-breaking £98,000 as fans bid on 117 lots over five hours.
Some of the most popular auction items of the day included a custom-made Marc Marquez guitar, which sold for £3000, a selfie on stage with Valentino Rossi and Dani Pedrosa’s leathers. Auction opener Bradley Smith raised nearly £5000, auctioning boots, a helmet and race leathers. Legendary MotoGP World Champion Kenny Roberts donated a picture of himself and Barry Sheene that he painted especially for the Day of Champions auction.
Colin Edwards and Riders for Health co-founder Barry Coleman helped to sell the painting on stage for £4500.
During the auction, Valentino Rossi, who raised a huge total of £13,650, launched a brand new Riders for Health competition to meet him on a VIP MotoGP weekend in Valencia. The prize includes MotoGP paddock and grid passes, hospitality all weekend and tickets to the end of season party. Fans can enter at www.prizeo.com/rossi.
Away from the Day of Champions stage, there was plenty to entertain the crowds throughout the day. World famous trials rider, Dougie Lampkin, performed some incredible tricks and stunts, as did the Tigers Children’s Motorcycle Display Team.
At midday, 150 motorcyclists arrived at Silverstone as part of the Day of Champions ride-in, led by racing legend Niall Mackenzie and comedian and long-time supporter of Riders for Health, Ross Noble. After stopping for breakfast en route to Silverstone, the convoy completed two laps of the world famous circuit.
Famous faces from the world of motorcycle racing were on-hand throughout the day to entertain the crowds of fans. Motorcycling journalist and TV commentator, Julian Ryder, interviewed riders from Moto2 and Moto3 about the weekend of racing ahead, whilst Keith Huewen spoke to the ‘unsung heroes’ of MotoGP.
Riders for Health co-founder and CEO Andrea Coleman said: ‘Each year, MotoGP fans, teams and riders continue to amaze us with their support at Day of Champions, and the money we raise together really does change lives. It’s helping us to reach 21.5 million people across rural Africa with health care using the one thing that brings us all together – the motorcycle.
‘This year, we were celebrating the 25th anniversary of Day of Champions and remember the amazing woman who helped make it a reality – Jeanette. Day of Champions is her legacy – her gift to the MotoGP fans and the millions of people across Africa who are supported by the money raised each year.
‘I’d like to thank everyone at Dorna, Circuit of Wales and Silverstone for supporting us, and to the fantastic help from presenters, riders, teams and volunteers who give up their time to make Day of Champions such a success.’
All of the money raised from Day of Champions will help Riders for Health ensure health workers in Africa have access to reliable, well maintained motorcycles and ambulances so that they can continue to deliver life-saving health care to 21.5 million people.
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