A new BEARS class will join the schedule during this year's British Historic Championship with a whole raft of classic bikes eligible to compete.

BEARS, which is an acronym for British, European, American Racing and Supporters was instigated by the late great John Britten and a couple of his friends in Christchurch, New Zealand in the early 1980s. Within BHR an average BEARS field could consist of 1960s/1970s Historic machines in addition to machines available to the public prior to December 31, 1985.

There will be two classes comprising BEARS Formula Two (250cc two-strokes and 500cc four-strokes) and BEARS Formula One (251- 500cc two-strokes and 501-unlimited four-strokes). Myriad bikes qualify for the class including various BMW Boxers, early Moto Morinis, Laverda twins and triples, a host of Ducati V-teins, Harleys, Guzzis and MZs.

BHR Race dates for 2012:

Mallory Park 22nd March (Practice Day)

Mallory Park 15 April

Cadwell Park 19/20 May

Snetterton 16/17 June (200 Circuit)

Lydden Hill 28/29 July

Darley Moor 11/12 August

Cadwell Park 29/30 September

More more information, email club secretary Gerry Daine here