The Norton Manx 30M ‘Long Stroke’ will compete in the Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy at the Goodwood Revival from 18-20 September 18-20, 2026.
This is a press release from Norton Motorcycles…
Solihull, UK (September 16, 2026) — 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 September 18-20, 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.
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 honoring 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 carburetor 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.
Proven Goodwood Experience
Riding duties will be shared by Carl Stevens, Deputy Editor of Motor Cycle News (MCN), 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 brings 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 has a strong record at Goodwood, winning 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 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.
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 honor the heritage that defines us.
“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.”
Carl Stevens, Deputy Editor of MCN, said: “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 makes it even more special.
“I’ve been racing for a number of years, but this will be a very different experience and one I’m really looking forward to. Sharing the bike with Graham, who has so much experience and success at Goodwood, and racing with Works Racing makes it a fantastic opportunity. Hopefully we can put on a good show and do the bike justice.”
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.
