Day of Champions raises an incredible £177,000

Over four-and-a-half thousand fans flocked to Donington to get the British Grand Prix off to the best possible start with the annual fundraising event, which raises money for Riders for Health’s work mobilising health care in rural African communities.

Day of Champions 2009 saw the highest number of advance ticket sales ever, with the exclusive access-all-areas tickets selling out in only three days. With more people paying on the day, the bumper crowd ensured there was a fabulous atmosphere for the last Day of Champions at Donington Park before the British MotoGP moves to Silverstone in 2010.

As always, fans had the chance to see behind the scenes of MotoGP as the paddock and pit-lane were opened during the afternoon. Team garages were open and stars were out in force signing autographs and posing for photographs, as for one day the public had unique access to the world of their favourite sport.

There was plenty to do in the Entertainment Zone with side-car rides, stunt shows, mini-motos and much more. On the main stage, John Price kept the crowd entertained with help from Steve Parrish and Keith Huewen who presented ‘A Question of Bikes’. Also on stage during the day was Julian Ryder, who hosted an auction with the stars of the 125cc and 250cc championships. British star, James Toseland, and his band Crash played three sets during the day, keeping the fans rocking and setting the tone for the show-stopping Day of Champions auction.

The auction saw the ever-popular Eurosport commentary team of Julian Ryder, Toby Moody and Riders for Health co-founder, Randy Mamola, reunited on stage. Joined by the stars of MotoGP they helped to raise an incredible £177,000 in just a few hours. All the riders donated something special and bidding was fierce, with neither the rain showers nor the talk of financial gloom stopping MotoGP fans making this auction one of the most successful ever.

Speaking to the crowd at the end of one of the best Day of Champions ever, Randy Mamola said: “We are all in this sport together. All of the riders support us, but we couldn’t do this without the fans of MotoGP. I want to say thank you to the British crowd, it is you who make the work of Riders for Health possible.”