18 Apr 2023, 00:09
The Hogwarts Headliner, Issue #24
.April ISSUE No. 24 THE OFFICIAL HOGWARTS NEWSPAPER .........PAGE 01.═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════HOGWARTS HEADLINER
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North | Partly cloudy
Hogsmeade | Overcast South | Light rain
Central | Sunny
THE FULL MOON | May 5 / June 3
your source for all things magical and mysterious within hogwarts═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
┏
┗ UNITY
We’re All In This Together
● An Errand to Unite Us All ●
Cassandra Ironwoods ┓
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xx One thing that all of the students of Hogwarts agree on is how much fun we can have during one errand. Whether it was the Prefects or the staff team that held it, we - the ones that participate in the said errand - will definitely gain either new experiences or new friends from it.
Last January which was not so far from the new school year, an errand wasxx held by both the Prefects (shout out to Dealla Prince and Howard White) and our lovely Potions Professor, Méabh Regan. I am so blessed and lucky that two out of the three were able to be interviewed and I honestly had fun interviewing them.
Now, without further ado, let’s jump into the question!
↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓xx x────────────xxx x────────────xxx x────────────xxx x────────────x
Cash: Before we dive deep into why you held the Unity Errand, I want to say congratulation for filling the Potion Professor, Prof. Regan! My question is what makes you interested to fill the position and how was your experience so far teaching the said subject?
Méabh: Ah, thank you! (laughs) It's been half a year, this was unexpected. I've always been interested in Potions, but I also love working with people, and my old job mostly consisted of working alone in my lab. Getting to talk to the students here instead has been lovely, and the colleagues are certainly interesting! I'm always happy to try and infect some more people with my love for potions.xx Cash: What is the background, intention, or reason to make such an errand? Did it come out from your own experience or perhaps any other reason we should know?
Dealla: Howard and I came up with the idea ages ago. It's really based on his experience, not mine. I was talking to him because of an article I was writing about S.C.A.R.A.B. and it sort of just happened from there. We were thinking that other mixed-race students might feel isolated, and it can't be easy reading what the Prophet has─been─writing─about─xx them for the past few years. So the intent was both to get them together and show them some positivity about their heritage, and to get others to see that what the Prophet is printing is a bunch of Hippogriff sh- I'm sorry, that what they're saying isn't true at all.
Cash: The errand itself I can say it was a successful one - since I am partaking in one of the groups - and as the title of the errand it was to bring unity within the student bodies. But what if after the errand there were still some students that were being discriminated against or being racist towards one another? How or what is your advice to overcome adversity?↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓ x─────────────────xxx x─────────────────xxx x─────────────────x
Méabh: I'm glad you think so! It's nice to hear that some people experienced the positivity we were aiming for. I think the sad truth we have to accept is that intolerance and fear can't be extinguished this easily. We need to keep working on it, and we can't let it scare us into silence. I suppose the advice I have to give is to remember that those people are just a small, hateful minority. Be proud of yourself, and find those that support you! You're not alone.
Cash: Is there any new errand in the future that you’re planning that we should look forward to? If yes, could you maybe give Hogwarts Headliner a little sneak peek about it?xx Méabh: (winks) Oh, you can count on it. I had a lot of fun hosting this event, despite the small hiccups. For the next one, let's see... I won't be able to resist spreading some more of my love for potions. Maybe I can convince the lovely and knowledgeable Professor Blumenthal to help me out, what do you think?
Once again I want to say thank you to our lovely former Ravenclaw Duelling Captain, Dealla Prince, and Professor Méabh Regan for sparing me their time in the middle of their busy schedule. I myself, for one, cannot wait for what other errands will hold in the future! In the meantime, though, be kind to one another and stay safe, everyone! Until next time, Cash Ironwoods out! x───────────────────────────xxx x───────────────────────────x═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
18 Apr 2023, 00:24
The Hogwarts Headliner, Issue #24
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A Call to Reason
──────── Dealla PrinceDear readers,
When I started writing this article, I was setting out to give another review of S.C.A.R.A.B.'s activities since my last article on the topic. “S.C.A.R.A.B.: What have they been up to?” was the working title in my notes.xx Yet, while I do want to touch on news about the organisation, I feel there is something else I must speak up about, and that is the continuing trend of blatant anti-mixed-race speech present in other newspapers. I will not give names; everyone who has read the articles I mention will know. I have touched on this before: In my previous articles about S.C.A.R.A.B. I called upon you to think twice about what you hear,xx to question what you are told, and to wonder: Did they really do what they’re accused of? What would they gain? (For those who missed it, I encourage you to take a look at our issues #17 and #18.)
To my own shame, I must admit that I still read these other newspapers. That I consulted them again to research for this article, this time with a wary eye. Dear readers, my wary eye was horrified. x─────────────────xxx x─────────────────xxx x─────────────────x
We all know Howard White. He is the champion that represents Hogwarts in the Hexwizard tournament. He’s been interviewed in that role by myself and others. In articles published about him, he was called a “menace”, “possibly full Muggle”, and described as “a thin thread away from snapping and consuming some unfortunate innocent”, with “blood lust in his eyes”. Yes, these are quotes. No, I did not take them out of context to make them appear worse than they are. Dear readers, I know Howard White, and I would not use any of these words to describe him. He’s a friendly young man. A little blunt with his opinions, perhaps, and passionate about his situation, but no more or worse than I would be. Frankly, I appreciate his honesty. More people should be like him.
xx In other articles, the newspaper-which-shall-not-be-named once again criticises Hogwarts and its inclusion of mixed race students. “Think of the children” they say, and I agree. Think of the children: all the part-giant, part-goblin, part-veela children they would reject and expel from wizard society for no reason other than their heritage. Think of the werewolves and Dhampirs that they would refuse to shelter for something that happened to them, with no fault of their own. Think of all the children who grow up having to read what these newspapers write about them. They deserve better.
The next example is even more striking. “A Call to Old Values”, the headline reads, then suggests that the rise of Voldemort was to blame on Harry Potter. x───────────────────────────xxx x───────────────────────────x
Dear readers, Harry Potter was not even born when Voldemort rose. Perhaps it is a metaphor, but referring to whom? Half-blooded wizard children raised by abusive Muggle relatives? The fault they carry in the crimes committed by one of the darkest wizards of all time is unclear. The article rants against progress, against the advancements Muggles make, and requests a return to what the author seems to think are better times. I am not sure what possessed them to suggest that Voldemort’s regime was a “grace”, that the atrocious crimes that Muggle-born wizards suffered in this time were a “necessity”. It doesn’t stop there.xx Right after glorifying Voldemort’s reign, they bring up Grindelwald’s ideals, that the “greater good” justifies any crime. A call to old values—which old values? Do they suggest we return to discriminating against our own like Voldemort, to suppress Muggles the way Grindelwald wanted? This is not just a controversial take, it is an insult to those that suffered at the hands of either tyrant, and to anyone with a mind to think for themselves.
I could go on and bring up every example of the hateful propaganda being spread by one of the most influential newspapers of-xx British wizard society, which is now growing from our mixed race peers to include Muggles and anyone who shares their blood. I will not, because it does not deserve being read. I think it is past time that we all stop giving ear to their narrative.
I do not ask you to blindly believe me, I only ask that you don’t blindly believe the hate spread by others. Look around you with open minds and eyes. We know the mixed race students whom they would have us fear. They are our peers, our friends, our team mates. They study for exams, they eat meals, they play Quidditch; just as we do. In a world which curses them for what they x─────────────────xxx x─────────────────xxx x─────────────────xare because it wants an enemy it can blame its problems on, I am glad that Hogwarts provides a haven for them. I am proud to call them my friends.
At least while they are at Hogwarts, do not let hateful narratives take away the little peace and safety they have.═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
18 Apr 2023, 00:24
The Hogwarts Headliner, Issue #24
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┗ FINDING TRUTH
● The Dhampir Attack ●
Ruby Cazares ┓
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xx Our long-term readers may remember a somewhat recurring topic in past articles – that of the assault of a young girl by a dhampir in our very own halls. This led to an article by T. Ruth about defence against dhampirs, which divided the student body and made a lot of people angry. Years later, after rumors have spread and damage has been done, the victim of the original situation that sparked some of this controversy has chosen to come forward and speak her truth. Here is an interview I had with Aurelia Notresvace disclosing her fullxx encounter with Howard White and the consequences this may have had.
So, Miss Notresvace, we’re here to get clarification on what really happened when you were attacked by a dhampir back in 2019. Could you tell us some basics of the situation, such as the date and who was there?
That would be early October 2019 in the early evening, a short while before the annual ball. It had been pouring all day, I was alone going up to the owlery to send off a letter. x─────────────────xxx x─────────────────xxx x─────────────────x───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
"I was on my own healing journey."
How do you feel about the November 2020 article in which T. Ruth talks about your attack and the danger of dhampirs?
While the advice on defence is helpful, to wait for but a year after the incident to write and publish the article did not sit well with me. Additionally, I would have appreciated that T. Ruth had consulted me first and foremost before writing about such an extremely delicate matter that pertains to me – an assault. I was on my own healing journey. For my own story to be merely put up and sensationalized indifferently was upsetting.
In March 2021, the Headliner published an article where your attacker confesses to assaulting you, but he also states that he brought you to the Hospital Wing.xx How does that affect your opinion of what happened – that your attacker was also your rescuer?
I know Howard better than most. We were classmates, perhaps even friends when he was still human. It took a while to figure things out. Despite the fact that I wouldn't be here had he not brought me there, what happened was and still is an assault to this day, regardless of whether it was in his intention. He had acted upon the drive of an inhuman bloodlust.
There are rumors that you provoked Mr. White into attacking via bloodbaiting him. I understand this will be hard for you, but wouldxx you be willing to tell us what actually happened that day, from your perspective, just to have full clarity on the situation?
While I did not bloodbait Howard, I had fallen and scraped my knee while climbing up the stairs to the owlery. He was waiting in the shadows for me. As soon [as] my owl was sent off, he attacked me from behind. Much of it is a blur, I’m sorry. I remembered... him tugging my hair forcefully to the side before he punctured my neck. I managed to cast Lumos, which made him release me. I was only thirteen, I hadn't experienced such excruciating pain, much less seen so much blood. Howard snapped out of his bloodlust and was trying to calm me down, but I remember being so frightened and in shock. I woke up in the hospital wing after that.
. x─────────────────xxx x─────────────────xxx x─────────────────xGive them the control.──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Why didn’t you tell anyone about the assault? It seems like a big thing to keep quiet about and to not get further help for, but I understand if you were still processing it.
I was afraid. There is no way else to put it. I was only thirteen then, and I didn't know what to do or how to feel about nearly losing my life to someone I knew then was a good acquaintance. Reflecting upon it now that I am older, I should have gotten help. It took years to heal alone. It wasn't easy but I wouldn't have known any better at such an age.
Is there anything else you would like to say about the event, or misinformation you’d like to correct?xx While Howard and I are on relatively good terms now, it took a while. I encourage anyone who’s been a victim of an assault to speak out on your truth. And for everyone else to simply be kinder. Rumours can be deceptive. You do not know the trauma a classmate, friend, or acquaintance has gone through, but it is their story to tell and whether they choose to or not.
---
The interview contains an important message – be mindful of what you’re saying, whether you’re a Headliner reporter or just part of the student body. Remind yourselves that you’re talking about real people and what happened to them. Give them the control. x───────────────────────────xxx x───────────────────────────x═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
18 Apr 2023, 00:24
The Hogwarts Headliner, Issue #24
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Chasing, Racing, and the Flick of a Wand by Edward Foxe
Hogwarts is full of sports, sports, and more sports; Quidditch, Broom Racing and Duelling. We’ve all seen the athletes play, race and fight, but now it’s your chance to meet the athletes themselves! For this issue of the Headliner, I interviewed Dan Palmer, captainxx of Slytherin’s Quidditch Team, and Hades Schweighöfer, a new member of the Hufflepuff Duelling Team. If you have requests for the future or want to be interviewed, drop me an owl. Now, enjoy the read! x───────────xxx x───────────xxx
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Part 1: Dan Palmer───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Edward: Hi Dan, thanks for taking the time. Quidditch has the longest standing tradition of the sports played at Hogwarts. Why did you choose Quidditch as a sport?
Dan: I dunno I was asked ta try it out, so I did. And I took a likin' to it.
Edward: Cool, so do you still remember your first match? How did you experience it?
Dan: 'Course I remember it. The first time I played it, how could I ferget?....What d'ya mean how? I experienced it fresh in me career, barely knowin' a quaffle from a bludger. The rules... they were a hot mess back then, lad.
Edward: But you seem to have stuck to it. What made you continue?
Dan: I jest bloody- Oh like what made it. Well, I was made Captain, an' I don't take that lightly. An' the more I played, the more I loved it.
xx Edward: And since your first game, I’m sure a lot has changed. What was the most important rule update in your opinion?
Dan: I dunno... Lettin' the Chasers do more was super important ta me. I could tell the chasers on me team and other teams felt like they weren't important ta the game none. Now, they're way more than just save mules an bludger fodder.
Edward: Oh wow, I didn’t know it was that bad before. I’m glad things have changed for the better! Now to my last question: What was your best and worst Quidditch memory?
Dan: Me best quidditch memory is definitely when I found the snitch in seconds and caught it me first try. Ended the match in two rounds, I did. Worst... Is when that right meat-headed bastard Jorah Moussa broke me Silver Arrow that ma' team'd gotten fer me. I got the best o' the best broomsmiths on that immediately. If he ever wakes up caked in lake mud, he'll know why.
Edward: Wow, only two rounds! I honestly also dream of that. Thank you for the great interview, Dan! x───────────────────────────xxx x───────────────────────────x───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Part 2: Hades Schweighöfer───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Edward: Hello Hades, thank you for the opportunity of this interview. You are new to the dueling team and just had your first match. Why did you choose dueling as your sport and what was your experience in your first match?
Hades: I chose the duel because I wanted to test my knowledge and skill when performing spells, but I also want to consider it as a challenge when it comes to dealing with rivals who are my friends. That leads me to have a kind of development because I have to choose between my friends or reputation.
Edward: Ah, I understand. It is certainly a difficult situation to duel against friends. So, who would you like to duel in the future and why?
xx Hades: With Damion! Him being my boyfriend will make me undecided because my heart will tell me that I should not hurt him. That will make me have a conflict of interest and I have to think about what’s best for me.
Edward: Oh wow, I didn’t expect that. So you directly chose your closest friend. Very interesting indeed. Now to come back to spells. You also said you want to test your knowledge and skill. Now, which is your favourite spell and why?
Hades: My choice is Blasting Curse, despite not having learned it or having the opportunity to perform the spell. Another option is Full Body-Bind Curse, which is anxx interesting spell that makes the target completely paralyzed. It’s one of my favourites because unlike most, it makes the target completely unable to perform a spell and that would give me an advantage.
Edward: You are really keen to win then, always on the lookout for your advantage. So as my last question, I’d like to know whether you’d say Duelling is a team sport or more an individual sport?
Hades: I think it’s both. Sometimes it can be considered an individual sport because you need to strategize and know what spells are best to fight them, along with other ways to demonstrate your skill and pronunciation. However, it’s also a team sport because it is based on communication and coordination.
Edward: Thank you very much for this interesting interview, Hades. x─────────────────xxx x─────────────────xxx x─────────────────x═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
18 Apr 2023, 00:25
The Hogwarts Headliner, Issue #24
PAGE 05.═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════Club Reports: Caught in 4K
by Dealla Prince
A new year at this school means new and exciting things! Errands, events, the upcoming Blossom Ball… and of course many new clubs to report on. Members of this issue’s highlighted club can likely be found at all of the events I mentioned above, most likely doing exactly what their club is all about. Maybe some of them would even be interested in helping out the Headliner, making our articles a little more… eye-catching?xx If you have not caught on yet, I am talking about the LUMOS! Camera Club, founded by none other than Hufflepuff prefect, broomracer, and school sweetheart Simon Kincaid. The name, Lumos, is not only reminiscent of the flash of light produced by a camera, but also an acronym for “Let Us Meet On Saturday”, because the group holds monthly meetings on - you guessed it - Saturdays.
x───────────────────────────xxx x───────────────────────────x───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
I could, of course, tell you a lot more about this new club, but who would be better to do so than its founder himself? Simon graciously agreed to answer a few questions.
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Dee: What woke your interest in photography?
Simon: I went back home to London for Christmas Holiday and whilst there, spent some time with my Aunt Maggie's boyfriend, a muggle by the name of Mark Prescott. He is very much into photography and explained some things to me about it, and then we went around the city and did a photoshoot to practise some of what I learned. It sparked my interest and I hope to continue learning more about photography itself and photography in the wizarding world.xx Dee: What impact do you hope to have with this club?
Simon: Photography is such a great hobby because it preserves memories, makes connections, allows one to express themselves, and so much more. I want members to find what about photography inspires them and to utilise it as a tool to grow and develop.xx Dee: I heard you're planning monthly meetings! How do your meetings usually play out?
Simon: We're going to learn the basics first - film photography, film development, printmaking, and from there we might hold some meetings on specialised topics. We'll have photo shares and photo outings as well. I welcome everyone to come check us out!
x─────────────────xxx x─────────────────xxx x─────────────────x───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Honestly, that sounds pretty interesting, and educational on top. If you want to try it out yourself - you know when they meet. You don’t even need your own equipment to get started. Just stop by!
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18 Apr 2023, 00:25
The Hogwarts Headliner, Issue #24
PAGE 06.═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ASK (Advice fromSimon Kincaid)
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[1] You will receive a body. You may like it or hate it, but it will be yours for your entire period here.
[2] You will learn lessons. You are enrolled in a full-time informal school called life. Each day in this school you will have the opportunity to learn lessons. You may like the lessons or think them irrelevant, stupid, or too hard.
[3] There are no mistakes, only lessons. You are made to grow, and growth is a process of experimentation – trial and error. The pains of "failed" experiments are as much a part of the process as the ones that ultimately "work".xx Greetings and welcome to ASK (Advice from Simon Kincaid)! I'm Simon Kincaid. Here you can submit your questions regarding life, friendships, student success, relationships, worries, and more! Contact me via owl!
Hello readers! I'd like to begin my segment with a sort of overview of advice. This is all paraphrased from a valuable bit of information I found reprinted in my local paper just before starting my journey at Hogwarts. I thought it would be useful along the pathway of life and hope you'll find it useful as well!
Here's 10 rules for being human:xx x─────────────────xxx x─────────────────xxx x─────────────────x
[4] A lesson will be repeated until it is learned. The same lesson will be presented to you in various forms until you have learned it. When you have learned it, you can then go on to the next lesson.
[5] Learning lessons does not end. There is no part of the process of life that does not contain its lessons. If you are alive, there are lessons to be learned.
[6] "There" is no better than "here", though the best thing always seems to be happening "there". When you do get to a "there" and it becomes a "here", you will yearn for another "there" that will, again, look better than "here". Always appreciate the "here".
xx
[7] Others are merely mirrors of you. You cannot love or hate something about another person unless it reflects something you love or hate about yourself.
[8] What you make of life is up to you. You have all the tools and the resources that you need in your mind, heart, and body. What you do with them and what attitudes you form are up to you. The choice is yours. Nobody "makes" you.
xx
[9] The answers to life's questions lie inside of you. All you need to do is take time to look, listen, and understand.
[10] In the most essential parts of life, you will always get what you asked for. This happens because of your thoughts, choices, and attitudes. You may not get what you wanted, but it will be what you asked for.
Enjoy your month of March, Hogwarts – and be kind to one another. x─────────────────xxx x─────────────────xxx x─────────────────x═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
18 Apr 2023, 00:25
The Hogwarts Headliner, Issue #24
PAGE 07.═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════April Horoscopes
by Koko Riddle
With a new month (or, perhaps, a new season) comes new horoscopes, and this month is no different. April offers change for every sign, and this time, most of that change is positive. If there’s any time to work towards one’s goals, it’s definitely now. Without further ado, the horoscopes for April 2023 are as follows:
ARIESThis month, Aries natives will have a bit of extra luck due to favourable positions from Jupiter and Venus. You might find time to spend with a loved one, especially if this involves dinner or a fun film.xx xx TAURUSTauruses might find love this month – particularly romantic love, but love nonetheless. Try not to be worried about your interpersonal relationships; instead, focus on being yourself, and your relationships will likely flourish. x─────────────────xxx x─────────────────xxx x─────────────────x
GEMINISimilarly to Tauruses, your interpersonal relationships will flourish, but in contrast to their romantic success, you’re more likely to find growth and success within your family. Consider showing your appreciation for your family members, and you could be surprised by how much closer you and your family might get.xx xx CANCERFor Cancer natives, April will bring help in your career or academic life. Perhaps there’s something you’ve been putting off for far too long – don’t fear too much, since you’ll get the motivation to finish such a thing. Remember that your career isn’t all you are, and don’t be afraid to remain involved in your relationships./size] x─────────────────xxx x─────────────────xxx x─────────────────x
LEOAlthough life might have recently been hectic for Leo natives, April should bring a much-needed respite from that. You’ll likely find a bit of financial calm, and that will help you organise other aspects of your life. April looks relatively positive, but do ensure you remember your obligations this month.xx xx VIRGOFor Virgo natives, your career might provide a bit more difficulty than usual, but this negative aspect of April may be countered by increased opportunities for socialisation. Everything works best in moderation, so keep that in mind as you navigate this month. x─────────────────xxx x─────────────────xxx x─────────────────x
LIBRAThis month will bring Libra natives countless opportunities for romancing and socialising, but despite these positives, there is a chance you might experience burnout. Remember to take some time to yourself to keep your mental health the best it can be.xx xx SCORPIOFor Scorpios, April brings positivity. You might receive money or find your finances more manageable, and you might find more comfort in your job. You’ll likely find many opportunities for socialisation, and with the advent of spring, you might find your health improving. x─────────────────xxx x─────────────────xxx x─────────────────x
SAGITTARIUSWith anything regarding love, April will provide. This can be any form of love – familial, platonic, romantic or another form of love. You’ll likely find yourself feeling happy and perhaps rejuvenated throughout the month of April.xx xx CAPRICORNYou might see some shifting in your finances during April. This could be positive or negative, but no matter how this affects you, you will likely learn from your financial experiences. Keep an eye on the values of any of your assets. x─────────────────xxx x─────────────────xxx x─────────────────x
AQUARIUSAlthough you might not notice immediately, April will sow the seeds of change. Pluto is moving into Aquarius, albeit only for a short time, but this allows for the beginning of a great change in your life. Changes might seem small, but it may be beneficial to keep an eye out for any effects they could have in the long run.xx xx PISCESFor Pisces natives, the month of April will bring opportunities to spend money, but these likely won’t all be about you. You might buy gifts for your loved ones or pay for an evening out with some friends. Socialisation might come more easily than before, and you might find yourself feeling a bit luckier, especially in terms of motivation. x─────────────────xxx x─────────────────xxx x─────────────────xWith the advent of spring comes new beginnings for everyone, no matter which sun sign you fall under. April will bring love and better finances to most signs, but it’s most important to remember to keep an eye on one’s health. For now, at least, enjoy the warmer weather and beginning of spring.═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
18 Apr 2023, 00:26
The Hogwarts Headliner, Issue #24
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THE MOTORCYCLE
DIARIES ~ 6 APRILby Marius Brown
In 2013, the United Nations declared that starting the following year, 6 April would be the day to celebrate the power of sport in fostering social change, community development, and peace and understanding. The day was baptised International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.
In line with this, today’s Motorcycle Diaries thus put the spotlight on motorsports! The International Motorcycling Federation (FIM, abbreviated from its original Spanish name) classifies the sports in four categories, each of which has several subcategories. What are they?xxx ================= ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─
ROAD RACING ─────
Road Racing is perhaps one of the most famous forms of motorbike racing. In this category, a race is held on paved road surfaces, be it a purposely-built closed circuit or a closed public street; the latter is currently only utilised in the subcategory of traditional road racing. Supersport racing, composed of the AMA Supersport Championship, British Supersport Championship, and Supersport World Championship, is also a part of this category.
As ‘prestigious’ as the name may suggest, Supersport is arguably less globally well-knownxx than endurance and sidecar racings, particularly the former. Endurance racing, especially popular in Australia, Japan and many European countries, is designed to test the racers’ endurance and their equipments’ durability.
However, the two most sought-after races are probably Superbike racing (particularly World SBK) and Motorcycle Grand Prix, commonly abbreviated as MotoGP. The difference between the two is that Superbike employs mass-produced motorcycles which are modified, whereas the bikes used in MotoGP are prototype machines not based on any production motorbike. x────────────xxx x────────────x
─────────────────────────────────────────Motorcross shown below![]()
xx
Road Racing shown above ─────────────────────────────────────────═══════════════════════════
MOTORCROSS ─────
Motocross, an off-road equivalent of road racing, is another popular category worldwide. Its circuit is composed of dirt, mud, grass, sand, and similar. Unlike road racing, the combination of the motorcycle technology and the track employed in motocross enable the bikes to get airborne, therefore creating a ‘flying’ effect. On a side note, motocross is a popular form of training among road racers.
The two most well-known subcategories ofxx motocross are Supercross (SX) and Supermoto. SX is interesting as it takes place indoors, in contrast to what most people think when they first get to know motocross. Not very successful in Europe, it’s proved to be popular in North America, leading to its new term ‘the outdoors’. Supermoto may also be considered interesting in the sense that it combines motocross and road racing. Whereas its motorbikes are motocross types, the tyres are similar to that of road racing’s bikes. Similarly, its track is a combination of road and dirt courses. x────────────xxx x────────────x
Enduro and Cross-Country
The term ‘Enduro’ refers to both a category and subcategory, an off-road motorcycle sport that focuses mainly on the racers’ endurance. Other subcategories include Hard Enduro, which features tougher courses than Enduro; Hare Scramble, a name given to a form of off-road motorcycle racing; and cross-country rally, whose arguably most famous example is the Dakar Rally, with its starting line traditionally positioned in West Europe and its finishing line Dakar.
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That’s about it for the four categories! Surprisingly, there are actually a couple of other categories which are not classified by the FIM. However, due to space limitation,
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xx Track Racing
In this category, racers compete around an oval-shaped circuit. Each subcategory is based on the surface type used in the race: Auto Race (asphalt), Board Race (wooden planks), Grassway (grass), Ice Speedway (ice), Indoor Short Track and TT Racing (indoor), and Speedway (dirt or loosely-packed shale).
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it’s a pity that it is not possible for us to discuss them in this issue. If demands are high, though, I’ll cover them some time in the future. For the moment, let’s put this aside and start racing!
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