Organisers of Northampton's historic Wild and Woolly Boxing Day motorcycle race appeal for farmers to save event
Organisers of Northampton's historic Wild and Woolly motorcycle scramble are appealing for farmers to offer land for this year's Boxing Day race amid continuing difficulties finding a suitable venue.
Northampton Motorcyclists Club (NMCC) has issued a fresh plea to landowners across Northamptonshire to help secure the future of the event, which dates back to the 1920s.
Described by organisers as the world's oldest running motorcycle scramble, the Wild and Woolly has traditionally attracted large crowds on Boxing Day while raising money for local charities.
However, finding somewhere to stage the race has become increasingly difficult, with the club forced to look beyond Northamptonshire in recent years.
In its latest appeal, the club asked: “Farmers in Northamptonshire. Do you want to earn some extra cash and become a local hero?”
Organisers explained that they need a field where a temporary course can be constructed in late December, using posts and ropes to mark out the track.
Racing would take place for just one day, on December 26, before the course is dismantled and the site cleaned up the following day.
A river or stream crossing would be particularly welcome, although the club said holes capable of holding water could also provide suitable obstacles.
The club said the event was famous around the world but warned that uncertainty over venues was making it increasingly difficult to stage every year.
It also highlighted the financial pressures facing the traditional charity fundraiser, saying rising costs had reduced the amount available for good causes.
“The race has always been a charity race,” organisers said, adding that in recent years “the costs have been so high” that charities had lost out.
Last year, the club announced that the event would go ahead at Polesworth MX Track, near Tamworth, after a Midlands landowner offered a venue.
The traditional scramble sees riders tackle mud, freezing conditions and water crossings, with competitors racing over 20 laps or one hour.
Thousands of spectators have attended previous events, with donations collected for local charities.
The latest appeal is aimed at bringing the race back to Northamptonshire and finding a location that could help make its future more secure.
Farmers or landowners interested in helping can contact Northampton Motorcyclists Club through its Facebook group, Northampton MCC.