The Blast is on this weekend

Rockingham hosts a motorcycling festival this weekend, with everything from 200mph speed runs to off-road displays.

The event, called The Blast, has been set up by the Motorcycle Industry Association to promote riding and its own training scheme, The Edge.

The gates open on Saturday morning and, shortly after that, the first few riders will hit the infield circuit. These will be the first of the expected 2000 people getting a taste of the track over the weekend. Riders will pay just £15 per 20-minute session. Those who have passed The Edge assessment will also get to sample the outer oval for free.

Just make sure you’re not on the circuit when the superbike demo laps start. The organisers, maybe optimistically, are hoping some of the assembled monsters will top the 200mph mark around the banked oval.

All the major manufacturers will have a presence, not only showing off their latest line-up of models, but also leading rideouts. Both on-road and off. And check out the trade stands that will be dotted around the venue – you’re bound to be able to pick up a bargain or two.

The off-road theme continues outside the oval complex. Here, the ACU has set up a huge arena with bikes available to hire for both adults, youngsters (seven-17) and juniors (six to eight).

Switching back to Tarmac, you can expect more demos from several British Superbike teams, some of which will be trying the track for the first time before the series arrives there on September 30.

Carl Fogarty will be there to meet everyone, while Chris Walker has also said he will pop in during the weekend. It’s the sort of event where anyone could arrive at any time, so keep an eye out.

As the event is on all weekend, camping is available and there’ll be plenty of entertainment laid on.

Headlining the night are the Jamie Whitham’s Po’ Boys. Various DJs will be knocking out their sets and the London Casting Company has even set up a comedy tent if you need to chill out for a while.

Rockingham is just north of Corby, Northants. It is well signposted from the A14. The official campsite will be patrolled by stewards and is around 10 minutes walk from the circuit.

Tickets cost £30 for the weekend. That includes camping and entertainment. A day ticket costs just £12. For more details phone: 0870-4422112