Thousands raised as MotoGP royalty attend annual Day of Champions event for Two Wheels for Life

The British round of the MotoGP world championship kicked off in style with an auction like no other, raising just shy of £80,000 for the Two Wheels for Life charity through the sale of signed memorabilia, grand prix experiences, race-worn riding kit, photos, and much more. Add in money from admissions to the day and that figure hits £246,000.

The August 1 event welcomed the entire MotoGP premier class grid on stage, as well as riders from Moto2, Moto3, and even a couple of British Superbike stars. They were all greeted by cheers from an enthusiastic crowd that remained in high spirits despite the arrival of some mid-afternoon rain.

All were in attendance to help raise money for Two Wheels for Life, who are the official charity of MotoGP and the FIM governing body. Money raised is then used in partnership with Riders for Health to improve the quality of healthcare in some of the remotest parts of Africa by supplying motorcycles for the delivery of medical supplies, vaccines, healthcare workers, and more.

“You’re close to your fans, make a nice event for the charity, but also fans have the opportunity to get some of your boots, helmets, pieces, and they know this money will go to a charity. This is very nice,” eight-time Grand Prix world champion Marc Marquez told MCN.

“You enjoy it because it’s different,” he continued. “Every weekend is like a routine and these kinds of events are very different because you see all the fans here.”

Items in the auction included a signed Marc Marquez-worn helmet from Motegi, which sold for £4200. A pair of his boots went shortly after for £2800 too. A further £4000 was raised for grid passes and Sunday race day hospitality, alongside much more.

Marc’s comments were echoed by multiple race winner, Marco Bezzecchi who said: “It’s very beautiful, it’s very typical from here. Every time we come here; we have this nice event on the Thursday. It’s always very nice and I always enjoy being here.”

He added: “It’s always nice to have the possibility to spend some time with the fans because during the weekend we are very busy, so fortunately we have this occasion to meet them before starting to work for the races.”

Day of Champions began at Brands Hatch 34 years ago, before a brief visit to Santa Pod before becoming a part of the British Grand Prix weekend.  

MCN spoke with Co-Founder Andrea Coleman during the day, who said: “I’m never any less nervous than I was at the first one.

“One of the reasons we wanted to do it of course was to save lives in Africa, but we also wanted to bring the riders and the fans closer together and for the paddock not to always be so exclusive – for the public to be able to go where the riders live and breathe,” Coleman continued.

“I think the riders love it because they get to see their fans and they get to see what they do is important to the people on the other side of the fence.”

Alongside the auction, there were also a number of interactive on-stage activities and games, plus the latest new metal from major manufacturers to climb all over. Classic bike enthusiasts also volunteered their motorcycles for a stunning display, with a best in show then judged by three-time British champion Niall Mackenzie.

Mackenzie had also led a ride in to the circuit that morning from the Super Sausage café, aboard a striking Yamaha XSR900 GP.

“It’s a chance for people to get involved, which is nice, and not everybody can afford to buy stuff at the auction, but there’s so many bikers that have got things at the back of the garage that at the merest hint of an opportunity that they’ll wheel out and bring here,” display organiser and charity trustee, Andrew Pincott explained.

For more on the event, and to get involved next year, visit twowheelsforlife.org now.