Two-stroke classic motorcycle racing
The Yamaha TZ350 is a two-stroke Grand Prix racing motorcycle, it is widely deemed to be a ground breaking machine of it’s time. The TZ350 forged a path that enabled two stroke race bikes to dominate the post-classic era, starting with the TZ350A in 1973. Yamaha’s final incarnation was the TZ350G in 1980. The H remained the same spec as the G for 1981 marking the end of the 350cc Grand Prix racing era.
Yamaha TZ350 and TZ250 racing in the UK?
Between 2017 and 2024 GP Originals was the biggest and most competitive classic motorcycle racing series dedicated to the post-classic era of two-stroke road racing. The series featured two-stroke Grand Prix 350 and 250 machines from the period. However, through the 1970s and early 1980s the Yamaha TZ dominated grids worldwide which is why grids in these classes are almost exclusively Yamahas. GP Originals was the only Series to stipulate a dedicated grid for 250cc and 350cc two stroke, post-classic Grand Prix machines.
The GP Originals post classic motorcycle race series ran five to six Championship rounds at the best UK race tracks. We featured at British Superbikes (see video below) the Goodwood Members Meeting and Algarve Classic Festival in Portimão. All riders were out on the same kind of treaded tyres, typically the Avon AM series or the Continental 3CR. Tyre warmers, slicks or wets were not allowed – like every serious Championship, equality on tyres kept the competition keen.
Classic motorcycle racing beyond 2024
For TZ350 and TZ250 riders looking to continue racing their post classic motorcycles we have forged a path with like-minded, two-stroke enthusiasts NG Road Racing. We cannot emphasise enough how important it is for these niche classes to pool together on one grid – this is the only way a class for your machines will continue in to the future.
We are championing NG Road Racing because they are currently the biggest club in terms of entries. They have a long and proven history of supporting the very best British two-stroke racing series with the ACU National 250 and National 125 titles under their banner. The ACU National 250cc class has run on a dedicated grid there for over 18 years despite sometimes extreme undulations in entry numbers.
NG Road Racing have offered a dedicated grid for 20 bikes or more – this should be easily achievable if all the post-classic two-strokes come together. The machine and tyre rules will follow the GP Originals period format.
How original is original?
Our name was chosen to reflect ‘Original’ 350 and 250 racing motorcycles of the period. The bikes represent the meaning of the word ‘original‘ – the first instances from which copies or reproductions could be made. Of course, we included replica machines which embraced the concept of our Series. We kept the rules as period as possible but specific allowances are made for parts that are impossible to source today. NG Road Racing are keen to continue this approach for their ACU National Post-Classic Grand Prix series for 250cc and 350cc machines. For those looking for later development they have the ACU 250 race available.
You will now need to be a member of NG Road Racing. Register with their website, join and access ACU licence affiliation.
Please visit NG Road Racing
Please read the full article to learn the reasons why we chose to close the door on a still successful motorcycle series.
Original means the first instances from which copies could made. Levi, Adidas and Apple are just a few big brands proudly using the word to evoke the essence of times past. Just like us.
Of course not! Love or loathe rules they‘re essential for any serious race series. Our races were easily the most competitive and all of our riders enjoyed active competition throughout the field. For any motorcycle racing series, genuine competition is only possible by implementing consistent and understandable rules.
