THE International Motorcycle Federation’s president visited the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum.

FIM president Jorge Viegas and Auto-Cycle Union chairman Tim Lightfoot came to the museum in New Milton to see its collection of 500 bikes and original memorabilia.

Three of the racing bikes from the museum were recently loaned to the FIM for the 75th anniversary celebrations of the FIM World Championship at the Monster Energy Grand Prix at Silverstone.

The machines that took part in the ’75 Years of Emotions’ exhibition at the track were the AJS 1947 Porcupine, the 1957 Mindial and the 350cc Norton Manx.

The first was the first 500cc motorcycle to win a world championship in 1959, the second placed third with Sammy Miller on board in 1957 and the third is considered to be one of the greatest race bikes ever made.

The AJS made it onto the start line for the playing of the national anthem.

During the visit to the museum, Viegas marvelled at the British makes and models on display, as well as Sammy’s trophy collection, which is among the most a single rider has ever won.

The pair were then given a visit to the workshop after the tour with museum manager Sharon and Sammy, with the latter speaking of this latest restoration projects.

The pair headed to the Matterley Basin for the FIM Motorcross of Nations after their visit.

Sammy is looking forward to support and working with the FIM, in particular giving assistance to their new museum project.