Norton Motorcycles is delighted to announce its return to the Goodwood Revival this week, partnering with Works Racing to compete in the Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy aboard a 1953 Norton Manx 30M ‘Long Stroke’.
Running from 18-20 September, the Goodwood Revival hosts a number of historic races each year, including the Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy, which sees motorcycles produced between 1948 and 1966 contested over two 25-minute races, with each machine shared by two riders and the aggregate result determining the overall winner.
Richard Arnold, Executive Director of Norton Motorcycles, said:“Engineering excellence and racing have always been at the heart of Norton. While we continue to push forward with a new generation of motorcycles such as the all-new Manx R, it remains equally important that we honour the heritage that defines us.
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“Goodwood has a very special place in Norton’s racing history, and returning with a 1953 Works Racing Norton Manx 30M is a fitting way to celebrate that legacy. It brings together a motorcycle, a team and an event with genuine Norton racing pedigree, while connecting that history with the new chapter the company is building today.”
The partnership with Works Racing builds on Norton’s sponsorship of the Lansdowne Classic Series for the 2026 season and reflects the company’s continuing commitment to honouring its racing heritage while developing a new generation of motorcycles for the future.
Works Racing is an accomplished classic racing team with multiple Lansdowne Championships and Goodwood victories. The team has also put some of the world’s most accomplished motorcycle racers on its machines, including Freddie Spencer, Michael Rutter, Steve Parrish and Freddie Sheene.
A 1953 Manx Returns to Goodwood
For the 2026 Revival, Norton and Works Racing will field a Manx built to 1953 specification, using modern replica components, directly connecting the company’s appearance at Goodwood with one of the most significant periods in Norton racing history.
The motorcycle features Norton’s double overhead-cam engine in its original 100mm ‘long-stroke’ configuration. From 1954 onwards, the stroke was shortened to 86mm, making the 1953 machine representative of the final year of the earlier engine design.
Its engine is housed in a 1953 ‘bolt-up’ wideline Featherbed frame, featuring the longer rear subframe bolted to the main frame, rather than the shorter welded design adopted on later motorcycles. The frame was produced using Norton’s original jig.
The Manx also brings together two components with previous Goodwood-winning pedigree. The engine and frame have each won at the circuit independently and will compete together for the first time at the 2026 Revival.
Built to period specification, the motorcycle uses a four-speed ‘laydown’ gearbox, chain primary drive, three-spring dry clutch, SU GP carburettor and Norton Roadholder front forks. It produces approximately 46bhp at the rear wheel and weighs around 135kg.
As with virtually all motorcycles competing in modern classic racing, replica components are used throughout the machine, allowing it to withstand the demands of contemporary racing while retaining the specification and character of the original motorcycle.
Norton and Goodwood: A Historic Racing Connection
Goodwood holds an important place in Norton’s racing history. In 1951, the circuit hosted its only period motorcycle race meeting. Geoff Duke won both the 350cc and 500cc races, while a Norton Manx finished third in the feature race. This year’s pre-1954 race pays direct tribute to that original 1951 event.
Since historic racing returned to Goodwood in 1998, Norton machinery has built an impressive record at the Revival, with the marque winning more motorcycle races at the event than any other manufacturer.
Connecting Norton’s Past and Present
Norton’s appearance at Goodwood follows the company’s announcement earlier this year that it would sponsor the Lansdowne Classic Series for the remainder of the 2026 season. The championship celebrates pre-1964 Grand Prix machinery and provides a direct connection between Norton’s racing heritage and the community that continues to compete with these motorcycles today.
That connection between Norton’s past and present was brought to life during the official Goodwood Revival test day, when Works Racing’s 1953 Manx ‘Long Stroke’ and 1962 Manx ‘Short Stroke’ appeared on track alongside the all-new Norton Manx R. It marked the first time that three generations of the Manx had come together at Goodwood.
The Manx R is part of a new generation of Norton motorcycles being developed under the company’s Resurgence strategy, combining the marque’s British heritage with contemporary engineering, design and performance.
The Norton Manx 30M ‘Long Stroke’ will compete in the Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy at the Goodwood Revival from 18-20 September 2026.
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(original post on modernclassicbikes.co.uk)
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About Norton Motorcycles
Norton Motorcycles was founded in 1898 as a manufacturer of fittings and parts to the two-wheel trade. Norton Motorcycles went on to become one of the most iconic British motorcycle brands, manufacturing famous models such as the 650SS, Atlas, Commando, Dominator, Manx, Navigator and more – constantly innovating in motorcycle technology, with features advantageous for lightness and strength in motorcycle racing. Norton Motorcycles has an unrivalled history in motorsport and the brand name is synonymous with Isle of Man TT racing.
In April 2020, Norton Motorcycles was acquired by TVS Motor Company, India’s third-largest motorcycle manufacturer. Under the leadership of TVS, Norton is based out of a new manufacturing facility in Solihull, West Midlands, building British motorcycles in England using traditional hand-crafted techniques with modern day machinery for consistently high quality.
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