2025 FIM Historic Events Calendar
Motor Revival Zolder
The inaugural Motor Revival Zolder proved a great addition to the 2025 FIM Historic Events Calendar, combining a rich lineup of historic motorcycles with a vibrant atmosphere and the rare chance to connect with legendary figures from the world of racing.
Held at the iconic Belgian circuit, the event delivered something for every motorsport enthusiast — from high-octane demonstration runs and rider autograph sessions to competitions, parades, and even a rooftop party. A special highlight was the moped day, which gave visitors the unique opportunity to take to the track themselves.
With an on-site auction adding to the excitement, Motor Revival Zolder delivered a well-rounded celebration of motorcycle heritage that left a lasting impression on fans and participants alike.
The organisers created the ideal mix of classic and modern races: Yamaha Racing Blu Cru R3/R7; Belgian Twin Trophy; Camathias Cup Sidecar; Benelux Superbike/Supersport Trophy; 500 Classics and 500 parades plus the FIM Historic Event. The programme addressing the generational transition of the classic scene, as collectors from the ’90s are being replaced.
More than 30 collectors and 50 machines travelled to Zolder from England, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and France.
Of all the memorable moments that took place at the recent Motor Revival Zolder, perhaps the most magical was when legendary American racer Randy Mamola was reunited with the 500cc Factory Suzuki, owned by a member of the Amicale Spirit of Speed, that carried him to victory in the 1980 Belgian Grand Prix at the celebrated circuit.
It was the only FIM Motorcycle Grand Prix ever staged at Zolder, ensuring Mamola – a four-time FIM World Vice-Champion in the discipline – piloted his #9 machine into a unique place in the history books. It was also the first of 13 career 500GP wins for the Californian as he contested his debut full season in the class.
As well as turning a number of laps on his return to Zolder, 65-year-old Mamola – working closely with photographer Patrick Smets – also recreated an iconic wheelie shot with the same photographer from forty-five years ago, an exercise that was perhaps easier to conceive than to carry out.
Randy Mamola
“Obviously, I wanted to go there and try to recreate the same picture, not knowing if this would be possible because it’s not just the machine that’s old, I am too,” said Mamola. “The first session we had a small problem with the clutch, but we were ready for the second session. I knew I had to get the chicane right to carry enough speed to wheelie and, because it’s all about rhythm, it probably took four laps until I finally had enough courage and feeling coming from the bike. It was super-fun after that moment and seeing the photographs and knowing the world will see those photographs made it something very, very special for me.”
Following the successful Sunday Ride Classic at the Circuit Paul Ricard in France in mid-May, Motor Revival Zolder was the second of three events on this year’s FIM Historic Events Calendar, which was created four years ago to present machines whose authenticity has been certified.
This procedure is carried out through the FIM Certification for Competition Motorcycles initiative, which is available to all motorcycle collectors and owners worldwide as part of the FIM Heritage Programme that aims to authenticate and catalogue classic machines by compiling a comprehensive database of bikes, races and riders.
The 2025 FIM Historic Events Calendar concludes with the Le Mans Classic that runs from 3-6 July at the world-famous French circuit.
