One of Lydden Hill’s most historic events previously won by superbike favourite Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne will return this year.

The Lord of Lydden motorbike event, first held in 1966, will be back at the circuit this summer and will be sponsored by Ovenden, the Canterbury-based haulage and plant hire company.

The event, to be held on June 6-7, has been off the one-mile track’s calendar since 2009 but once attracted some of Britain’s best motorbike racers.

Four-time British Superbike champion Byrne, from Sittingbourne, won the title in 1997 in his first full year of racing, adding his name to a decorated list of winners. Circuit manager Willie Woods said: “It was one of the biggest bike shows ever at Lydden for years.

“It’s fabulous to bring it back again to the venue – it’s something with so much history.
“Lord of Lydden was always one of the biggest events ever held here – the field used to be covered in bikes. It’s a big event in Lydden’s history.”

Steve Mercer claimed the last Lord of Lydden title, which was first won by Charlie Sanby in 1966 at the Canterbury track.

Mario Campion, from Broadstairs, first competed in the event in 1977 and still rides at the circuit on trackdays.

The 58-year-old said: “The top riders in the country used to come down here for it. It was a good trophy to have.

“It would be good to see it back. There used to be lots of riders enter it.
“All us older boys would love to see it back, it used to be a major thing.”