I think most competitors and spectators had a good day today. I few spills, and near spills but nothing serious AFAIK. Unfortunately, a couple of spills were in my first race, one just ahead of me coming out of the chicane early in the race, so I ended up been left behind by the majority of the pack as I had a near back of the grid start position, due to not having raced with BHR this year. Then the race was red flagged on the last lap, not that I know what caused it.
I also had to virtually start learning the circuit all over again, as having only raced a 500 twin previously, the 750, being that much faster, meant having to react that much quicker through the bends in order to stay on track.
Despite the thrupenny bit cornering in places, and probably not the quite correct gearing, and the less than pace setting progress, it was still an enjoyable couple of races.
The display of the 3 TT F1s, the Baines racer, and Eric Exley’s Jota definitely draw a fair bit of interest, with a mix of current and former Laverda owners coming for a chat. This included an old chap from Kent, who I think he said his name was Den Diggens, or something along those lines, who said a certain Phil Todd had supplied him with an engine, about 50 years ago, for a grass track outfit. He added that if it was wet he didn’t bother getting out the van as the rear wheel just spun up in those conditions.
I was also approached by a chap, who inquired, are you Andy Jessopp. Fortunately he wasn’t the police, but Steve Hands who I sold the Superbike Monty to in the late 80’s. We had a bit of chat and I brought him up to date with the current state of the bike. Apparently, he is on the look out for his old Monty, which is what he started his racing career on.
Former MGP Laverda racer, Keith Pierce also called by. Normally he would be out on track himself at these events, but said he hasn’t had a great year so far. He managed to have an accident, without crashing, on one of his modern road bikes when the front tucked under. He managed to control it, but the traction control then kicked in and launched him in the air and he broke a couple of ribs on the handlebar but somehow managed to stay on the oscillating machine. To rub salt in the wounds he then picked up a dose of shingles that left him pretty dehabilitated.
Thanks to Bob and Colin who also came out for the day to help.
Despite, my less than spectacular racing performance today I still came away with an award. I had been told by a friend in BHR the awards not collected in 2021 had been disposed of by disgruntled former member. Therefore, I was somewhat surprised when I called into the office this afternoon and was handed a box. See below….
