The action might have been fast and furious out on track but it wasn't only MotoGP drawing crowds to Silverstone over the weekend.

The four day event was given a record-breaking start with the opening Day of Champions and top riders auctioning their kit or other precious possessions.

Over the weekend with many activities an incredible £275,000 was raised, a sizeable amount of which will go to a sister organisation in Africa where in certain areas two wheels provide valuable transport for medical needs.

Organised by the much admired charity Two Wheels for Life and supported by Dorna the British round of MotorGP is by far the biggest and the auction on it’s own raised over £90k.

Thousands of pounds was spent on autographed boots, helmets etc. with the world/‘s top riders giving up  their pre-race time to present them, sign autographs and cheerfully take part in selfies.

But the most startling purchase was for a MotoGP legends painting by artist Remi Bertoche and signed by many of those legends. It went for - wait for it - £10,000!

A Jake Dixon helmet, worn when he won Moto 2 at Assen, brought £3k; a Jack Miller oil drum chair also went for £3k; and a pair of  signed Marc Marquez boots sold for £4.7k.

One rather interesting  item was a large, hand built display case filled with knee sliders signed by many of the famous. It made £6k.

Money raising efforts like Day of Champions and others take place at motorcycle events in a number of countries. But Andrea Coleman, co-founder and Chief Executive who has been connected with motorcycle racing and occasionally taking part, tours the world, spreading the word and raising money. This is her message of gratitude for those who help, including all her staff:

“We are so grateful to Dorna, the teams and riders who bring incredible items as well as their energy and enthusiasm to the auctions, plus Michael Hill, Natalie Quirk, Suzi Perry and Gavin Emmett who take time our of their busy weekend. And, of course, to everybody who came to Day of Champions and who got involved over the weekend.

Finally, to the volunteers who are the heroes behind what we do. We are so proud of our sport and the impact that together we are able to have on the world.”