Fighting for quality news media in the digital age.

  1. Archive content
November 27, 2003updated 17 May 2007 11:30am

Dirt-bike magazine begins to rev its engine

By Press Gazette

A magazine for fans of motocross and dirt-bike riding is due to launch next March from 4130 Publishing.

Moto Magazine, from the company which owns Ride BMX and Dirt Magazine, is hoping to fill a gap in the market not covered by Dirt Bike Rider and Moto-X Magazine.

Managing editor Mark Noble said it would have a bigger emphasis on international coverage than the other titles, which tend to be UK-led.

“We can see holes in the other magazines and we know we can apply the quality and standard that would make them better. They focus probably too much on English stuff, whereas we want to bring the world scene to British magazines with global coverage,” he said.

The 132-page title will feature the latest news, including supercross, bike tests and interviews. It will be published bimonthly in the first year with a view to going monthly in 2005.

Noble said the widespread popularity of the sport could also generate sales abroad. “Big manufacturers are predicting growth, it’s going up and up. We have had a great success with our other magazines in Australia, where Ride BMX is now the biggest selling magazine in its sector.”

Moto will have a print run of 35,000 and he is hoping for settle down sales of 15,000, which he claims will put it ahead of its rivals.

Rob Walters, currently technical editor of DBR, is editor. Noble said there would also be a strong emphasis on photography, with contributions from freelance photographers Steve Jackson and Paul Bliss.

By Ruth Addicott

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

Websites in our network