More than thirty thousand historic motorcycle racing fans attended the iconic Circuit Paul Ricard near Marseille in the South of France last weekend (17-18 May) for the sixteenth edition of the annual Sunday Ride Classic (SRC) event.
A firm fixture on the calendar since 2009, the SRC gives visitors a guided tour through the evolution of motorcycle racing with over five-hundred historically-significant machines on display,some purely for demonstration purposes while others are there to compete with Europe’s biggest classic endurance race – catering for all categories from 1970 onwards – proving to be a huge draw on the Saturday night.
The four-hour race, starting in the daylight and finishing at night to add to the unique and very special atmosphere, attracted more than sixty machines with competitors coming from seven separate countries to turn back the clock on the world-famous Circuit Paul Ricard F1 track.
As part of the 2025 FIM Historic Events calendar, Sunday’s main parade was open to machines that have already achieved the FIM Certification for Competition Motorcycles as well as those currently undergoing the certification process with bikes from Italy, England, Ireland, France and Switzerland taking part. Former racers Didier de Radiguès and Randy de Puniet were invited to ride 500cc Grand Prix motorcycles and more than forty machines lined up behind the two Honda RC174 Replicas built by two members of the Amicale Spirit of Speed with the crowd flooding the pitlane for a moment of shared passion.
Ambiance Sunday Ride Classic 2025 - Randy de Puniet © Spirit of Speed
Available to all motorcycle collectors and owners worldwide, the FIM Certification for Competition Motorcycles – that was officially launched at the SRC – is part of the FIM Heritage Programme that aims to authenticate and catalogue classic machines by compiling a comprehensive database of motorbikes. With more than seventy machines already involved in the certification process, this is a very promising start for this initiative requested by collectors and made possible by the strong involvement of the FIM under the leadership of its President, Jorge Viegas.
All members of the Amicale Spirit of Speed were on hand to ensure the success of this FIM Historic Event.
The SRC always features a themed exhibition as well as marking the birthday of an iconic motorcycle and this year it was the turn of the ELF brand with its long association with Grand Prix motorcycle racing to take centre stage while Suzuki’s legendary GSX-R – that turns forty in 2025 – was celebrated.
As well as the chance to watch classic motorcycles in action – whether racing or as part of a series of parades – fans also got the opportunity to rub shoulders with their heroes and among the famous names signing autographs over the weekend were legendary former FIM World Champions Giacomo Agostini, ‘Fast’ Freddie Spencer, Raymond Roche, Alain Michel, current FIM Trial Commission Director Thierry Michaud and Jean-Claude Chemarin.
With open paddocks, the SRC offers visitors unparalleled access and gives them the rare opportunity to be close to the beating heart of the weekend’s action, creating an unforgettable and immersible experience.
The accompanying expo featured more than seventy exhibitors selling modern and vintage clothing and accessories and offered test rides on new 2025 machines from manufacturers including, but not limited to, Harley-Davidson, Honda, BMW, Ducati, Suzuki and CF Moto.
With a rooftop party during the endurance race and a live music concert setting the seal on the weekend,the sixteenth Sunday Ride Classic was an unqualified success and organisers, riders and fans are already looking forward to next year.
Ambiance Sunday Ride Classic 2025 © Spirit of Speed
The 2025 FIM Historic Events calendar continues with the Moto Revival Zolder at the famous Belgian track on 21-22 June followed by the Le Mans Classic on 3-6 July at the iconic French circuit.
Discover the FIM Heritage and Certification Programme HERE