ABOUT US
Backfire Promotions is a small group of enthusiasts lead by the enigmatic Paul Garbutt.
Backfire Promotions creates events around anything to do with noise, bikes, cars, transport and vintage vehicles.
We have created unique events with an ethos only enthusiasts can achieve!
“The BACKFIRE Team is the greatest bunch of misfits life could ever have thrown together. Individuals most definitely but gentlemanly in their approach with an unbelievable desire to assist with the creation of something spectacular. Each person brings with them a unique talent and undefinable sense of humour which is so refreshing to work with. We are all volunteers and slaves to the cause presented.”
MEET THE TEAM
Paul Garbutt
Master of Ceremonies and Top-hat at Backfire Events
Paul is the ‘gofer’ at everything BACKFIRE Feel the Noise. BACKFIRE events were conceived and trade-marked following Pauls involvement in the 2016 Hornsea Bike Event, where he was asked to create the motorcycle show element for their second event.
The priority for the success of any event relies on the quality of the communications to engage both the desired event team and audience alike.
Paul has run his own motorcycle & garden machinery business for nearly four decades, where he has seen many changes but customer service and engagement is paramount, the same ethos he applies to the creating of his motorcycle social events too.
Mike Benton-Rose
Event Organiser, Event Marshal and Race Co-ordinator
Mike is a retired Telecomms engineer of 42 years service at GPO/ BT/ Openreach. He did a year learning the dark art of ‘Hometune’ mobile engine tuning, clever stuff in the days before motor electronics!!! He has been a bit of a petrolhead as long as he can remember (thats not long!!). A keen follower and occasional participant in the early days of grass tracking, drag racing around York. Also sports car racing at Rufforth airfield, real grass roots stuff late 60’s and through 70’s. Biased now towards motorcycles as they can be lifted on a table, once on the floor under a car or van he takes much longer to get up now! Looking forward to building or cobbling together something for his young grandson, too young for this year though!
Stu Coupland
Chief Scrutineer
Stu is a keen motorcyclist (Along with his Mrs) and runs SRCoupland Motorcycle Recovery & Transport, a York based company offering a bespoke service for all types of motorcycle. He is a mechanic and HGV Instructor by trade, ex REME, and has a range of interests including Land Rovers, railways and anything with an engine. Having restored a couple of old motorbikes, and a ‘fix anything’ attitude, Stu and his recovery van have become a regular sight supporting BACKFIRE eventsCKFIRE events.
Rob Huxtable
Safety Officer & Deputy Chief Marshal
Rob is a life long motorcyclist with a passion for Triumph motorbikes. He likes the retro style of cars and bikes and is a big supporter of the York Triumph Owners Club.
Alan Hemenway
Oily Tykes Marshal
Alan enjoys all classic motorcycle and cars. He has spent over 30 years in the motor trade and has owned several motorcycles over the years. He is a typical Oily Tyke always there to help in whatever way needed
Gordy
Shannon
Oily Tykes Marshal
I am a civil engineer with a lifelong love of classic cars and bikes, land rovers and any machines that go bang-pop-whizz. Somewhere in my genetics there’s oil and spanner’s, my father and uncle rode and raced BSA and Norton as privateers competing in road races including the IOMTT and even my grandmother rode very early motorcycles. My own adventures so far include spending two weeks driving and camping across the Sahara in a 4x4, doing Three Day Enduro in Spain thinking ‘how hard can it be’ - harder than I thought. I can now generally be found trying to injure myself either on a motorbike or a mountain bike, tinkering with spanner’s or playing loud sweaty heavy metal in the band. I really hate peas too.
The Oily Tykes are a group of volunteers that help run the events. It is an opportunity to get closer to the action and really enjoy the spirit of the events. We are always keen to have new members to help out with the general running of these events, You may even get a limited edition Oily Tykes overall!
