Two Wheels for Life confirm end to Day of Champions charity event at Silverstone MotoGP round

MotoGP’s official charity, Two Wheels for Life have confirmed that the annual Day of Champions fund-raising event at the Silverstone British MotoGP round has come to an end – despite generating £246,000 in 2024 alone.

The event has appeared on the British racing calendar, across multiple racing circuits, for the past 34 years and will now be replaced with a new set of charity activities across the racing weekend itself.

• Related: Silverstone cancel motorbike trackdays in 2024

In recent years, it has marked the beginning of the British GP, with fans arriving on the Thursday before racing for a range of circuit-based activity, as well as an interactive memorabilia auction attended by all of the MotoGP racing stars.

“Over the years we’ve built something special in the world of motorcycling thanks to our incredible staff and volunteers, the riders and teams, and the loyal fans, some who have been coming for the whole 34 years,” Two Wheels co-founder and CEO, Andrea Coleman said.

The idea for the event was first thought of by former GP riders Kenny Roberts and Randy Mamola. Over the past 30 years, it’s been seen at Brands Hatch, Donington Park, and Silverstone and helped the charity raise millions of pounds for life-saving transport for healthcare programmes across Africa.

“We’re proud to have raised huge sums to support the delivery of healthcare across Africa,” Coleman continued. “While we’re sad that we have to see the end of Day of Champions, we recognise that change is inevitable and are excited to work on new projects that offer MotoGP fans what we do best; the chance to get the very best out of the sport they love and raise vital funds to support projects that use motorcycles to save lives.”

The new schedule is said to have been implemented by Silverstone and will see the Thursday activity end. A new format is set to be introduced over the coming weeks, with the charity also now in talks with MotoGP bosses, Dorna to try and expand activity at other tracks moving forward.

Day of Champions has not just been popular with fans, but the riders themselves. MCN spoke with eight-time Grand Prix world champion, Marc Marquez during the 2024 event, who said: “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.

“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.”