Norton Motorcycles returned to the Goodwood Revival over the weekend of 18-20 September, partnering with Works Racing Motor Cycles to compete in the Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy aboard a 1953 Norton Manx 30M ‘Long Stroke’.
The Goodwood Revival hosts a number of historic races each year. The Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy featured two 25-minute races for motorcycles produced between 1948 and 1966. Each machine was shared by two riders, with the aggregate result across both races determining the overall winner.
Ridden by Carl Stevens, Deputy Editor of Motor Cycle News (MCN), and leading classic racer Graham Higlett, the Norton entry placed 14th overall after finishing two high-attrition races.
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The partnership with Works Racing built 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 fielded 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 featured 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 was 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 brought together two components with previous Goodwood-winning pedigree. The engine and frame had each won at the circuit independently and competed together for the first time at the 2026 Revival.
Built to period specification, the motorcycle used a four-speed ‘laydown’ gearbox, chain primary drive, three-spring dry clutch, SU GP carburettor and Norton Roadholder front forks. It produced approximately 46bhp at the rear wheel and weighed around 135kg.
As with virtually all motorcycles competing in modern classic racing, replica components were used throughout the machine, which allowed it to withstand the demands of contemporary racing while retaining the specification and character of the original motorcycle.
Proven Goodwood Experience
Riding duties were shared by Carl Stevens and leading classic racer Graham Higlett.
Stevens has competed in motorcycle racing since 2012 at both club and national level, with his achievements including a British GP2 podium at his first outing in the class.
Higlett brought significant Goodwood experience to the Norton entry. He won the Hailwood Trophy at the Goodwood Members’ Meeting in 2019, before finishing second in 2023 and 2024 and third in 2025.
Works Racing team co-owner, Michael Russell, also brought a strong Goodwood record to the partnership. He won at the Revival in 2023 and 2024 and at the Members’ Meeting in 2024 and 2025. He has stood on the Revival podium four times in total.
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 paid 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.
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.
“Racing a Norton Manx at Goodwood is one of those opportunities you don’t have to think twice about. The Manx has such an important place in British motorcycle racing history, and to ride a 1953-specification machine at a circuit with such a strong connection to Norton made it even more special.
“I’ve been racing for a number of years, but this was a very different experience. Sharing the bike with Graham, who has so much experience and success at Goodwood, and racing with Works Racing made it a fantastic opportunity.”
Connecting Norton’s Past and Present
Norton’s appearance at Goodwood followed 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 1961 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.
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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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