Bemsee early 1980s proddie racers

Talking of people with naughty bikes does anyone remember Mark Carkeek. He dominated 250 single cylinder racing at a number of clubs in the early eighties but I heard later that his 'BarrYam' was stripped after a protest and that it was a bit big, very big in fact. The thing is I don't think Mark knew as he just rode it and the prep was all done for him. Mark was a good rider anyway and I'm sure he would have still done as well on a genuine bike. On the other hand this could all be hearsay !

Hi Mick, I can honestly say hand on heart that my Fi Suzuki was definitely 997cc with Yoshimura pistons and ran on pump petrol. However .............. we did have handcut slicks cut to a KR124 pattern by a brilliant ex Dunlop guy from Solihull, cant remember his name but had a standup row with Fred Curry at the Marlboro round at Thruxton who wasnt too impressed, Rob Gourlay intervened and said " If there were money on this race then blood would be spilt !"
Top man and sorely missed !

Hand cut slick guy.... Les Stewart?

Back in the mid 80's I worked as Clerk of the Course at Bantam Club meetings and there was a 250LC being raced that was prepared by a well known tuner and was outrageously fast. The 250RG Suzukis were the top bike by then but this thing could easily stay with them. It wasn't unknown for it to the first bike lap after lap into the hairpin at the end of the long start finish straight at West Raynham. A couple of blokes on RG's approached me on more than one occasion complaining about it and all I could do was tell them to file a protest, unfortunately I also had to tell them that the club didn't have an ACU registered engine measurer or the equipment to do it and it would really be a waste of time. I felt pretty bad about this but the way the rules were written it was all I could do. The following season, in light of this, they did have a trained and licenced measurer at every race.....that bike never showed up again.

What really pissed me off about this was that at the end of the year, a bloke I knew who lived locally to me and was the father of a lad who raced told me that he had modified some 350 cylinders to look like 250 ones for the aforementioned tuner. You blokes who raced LC's will know more about this than me but I think that the only external difference was having 250 and 350 stamped on the base of the cylinder block. I know it was this that was changed. Once I heard that I had no doubt that it was a 350 being raced against the 250's.

I know that there has always been people who bend the rules as has been stated with straight cut primaries etc. but big motors are totally unacceptable.

Edited by Robin127, 01 January 2011 - 22:05.

What really pissed me off about this was that at the end of the year, a bloke I knew who lived locally to me and was the father of a lad who raced told me that he had modified some 350 cylinders to look like 250 ones for the aforementioned tuner. You blokes who raced LC's will know more about this than me but I think that the only external difference was having 250 and 350 stamped on the base of the cylinder block. I know it was this that was changed. Once I heard that I had no doubt that it was a 350 being raced against the 250's.

I know that there has always been people who bend the rules as has been stated with straight cut primaries etc. but big motors are totally unacceptable.

One trick I remember was to cut out the cylinder ident from a scrap 250 barrel and weld it into a 350 barrel, polish and paint, and...hey presto! instant power upgrade!

I remember a rider being caught out with this at Aintree in the mid-80's, I don't remember it being an official protest though, most of this was sorted in the paddock if spotted.

AIR he was clocked with the top end off and threatened with dire consequences if he continued...

One trick I remember was to cut out the cylinder ident from a scrap 250 barrel and weld it into a 350 barrel, polish and paint, and...hey presto! instant power upgrade!

I remember a rider being caught out with this at Aintree in the mid-80's, I don't remember it being an official protest though, most of this was sorted in the paddock if spotted.

AIR he was clocked with the top end off and threatened with dire consequences if he continued...

This sort of skulduggery went on in all classes... new LOCAL lad who ran a 350lc a full season in the 250s... Mind you he was shite, and I’m sure everyone new and just had a good laugh after!! :smoking:On the other hand I have seen tyre dipping cans in cans!! Swing arms way to long... And even one **** with the reg plate and doc’s as a 250 that had been bought that day

Edited by SADBATCCM, 02 January 2011 - 00:58.

I remember in 80 at a BEMSEE meeting at Snetterton, the old circuit had been revived for the day for some reason. A certain rider had turned up and proudly proclaimed that a certain well known "tuner" had just charged him £500 for a complete engine "upgrade" on his X7. He made all sorts of claims about the machine and said he was looking forward to blowing everyone off up the old Norwich straight. I informed him that I had just spent some money on my bike as well...£5. He obviously thought I was taking the pee when I told him my upgrade was producing another 500rpm(no lie). Anyway the race comes and this guy gets away well, as do I and about half way up said straight, as he was wringing it's neck, chin on tank and flat out, I pulled up alongside him and changed up into top. His face was a picture.

Hi All and a happy New Year.

Now this may turn out to be a bit of a rant but I'm going to get this of my chest.

MCN did an article last year called Hoax's Cheats and Swindlers and in one part Stan Stephens related the tale of the 1983 500k production race at West Raynham and in this article he claimed that he and Bob Farnham has worked miracles on a 250LC which made it like a rocket ship. This bike was passing nearly everything and with big old Stan on it. After practice even some of the top riders in the unlimited class were talking about it and some words were said to John Milligan who said the winners bikes would be stripped afterwards so if there was anything illegal it would be sorted then. However it seems Stan was not in possesion of this information until after the race whereupon the bike was withdrawn from the results and quickly stuffed in a van and scuttled off in the direction of London. Now the reason, that Stan put in the article why he wasn't going to strip his bike, was that I was going to be the person doing it and he didn't want me to see his work. Now this was, and still is, all rubbish. While I did help the BFRC with production checks for a few meetings, at this race I was only riding and nothing else. As Paul Kerry and myself had won the 500 class we had to strip out our own bike for inspection. Then he had a pop at me for changing bikes during the race. Yes my engine did go pop in practice and yes we did change bikes but the bike was cleared to race by the club before the race started.

After the article I wrote a reply which MCN declined to print so hopefully this forum will allow me one. What gets me is that even after nearly 30 years Stan still has to blame others for him being caught out and coming up with total squit. Can you believe that Stan could get that much out of a '250LC' and not make these motors for his riders ? The gossip at the time from the people who knew, including his own riders, all talked about the size of the motor. The poor old boy is 65 now and he still has a rattle. I'l leave you with Stan's last words in the artcle.

"This was one of my more extravagant cheats"

I find all the "twaeks" on X7s interesting. I represented the man who actually won the Avon 250 series on an X7 (Mick James) We were fortunate that our sponsor (a friend of mine who ran Mercury Motorcycles)was forced to buy X7 by the dozen once the old 250 gts were gone and because of road riding prats who regualarly ran out of oil etc. Ralph made numerous warranty appeals and we therefore had quite a few bits and pieces available when the bikes were still preety new on the market.
The great Peter Inchley tuned a set of barrels for us but they were found impossible run with the standard carbs and exhausts so were discarded . From then on ,all was regular Suzuki out of the box stuff .
Someone mentioned a certain mr Pole who could NEVER accept that anyone could ride an X7 better than himself . WELL , MIck James certainly did and the season long results prove that a good rider will get the best out of anything !
With help from H&S (D.I.D. importers) we progreseed through GS 750 running mainly against the late Robin Drury and Malcolm Hearn ,then on to GS1000 which again rewarded us with the ACU Prod.1000 class C/ship and at the same weekend at Silverstone ,the 250 prod.shield as well.
The late much loved Tommy Stoner then came into the picture with the ex Walter Villa "Harley Davidson" which MIke rode well winning the Cadwell Bank holiday 250gp race and a number of othe less well known events
H&S then came up with the ex Manship F! GS1000 and Micks best finishes on that were 15th in IOM F1 ,4th at the post TT race at Oulton beating Stan Woods and then a fine 5th at Snetterton British F1 during the Race of Aces .
It all went wrong at at Cadwell Park however when Joey Dunlop had been given a GS1000 F1 to race and he took Micks front wheel away coming to the bottom of the mountain. The bike was totalled and H&S pulled the plug . Some time after ,an ex. Champion plug man friend of mine came up with a GPZ1100 for Streetbike but as is well known all the cranks twisted and finally Mick lost interest so the bike was turned over to Tony Matthews from Lowestoft but thats anothe story.
What I started out to write was a simple disclaimer that the old 250 proddy bikes did NOT need to have the wheel invented ,just a bit more skill and effort put into to racing them oh, and a good organised back up team .
F1 was a different story as I know through recent experienceis the so called BSB Superstock and S/Bike EVO !
For my sins ,Ive had tha last two years with a 3 hour tag endurance team which we had the C/ship win in 2009 and second last season . This is MUCH more like the old BFRC 75ok races run by the only recently deceased much loved John Milligan and the same outfit will shortly embark on the new Ducuti 848 Challenge at BSB . Its far from the enjoyable scen one was used to back in the 70-80s though . Maybe its just me getting past it ?

Your story about the "LC250" run by Stan & Robert has some credence!
They were running the machine - riden by Bob @ Snetterton presumably to run it in. It may have been a Racing 50 meeting. In the first race he finished well behind me but in the second race he took me half way down the back straight. Now this is not altogether an unusual event as the bike at that time was running Standard engine barrells/crank/bottom end. Honestly guv** Plus at 6' tall and about 12 stone I was not very aerodynamic and I had wide-ish handlebars with "clock protectors"

I pulled up to him through the esses and was right behind him going into Russell which I all but took flat out on my bike. I was much quicker there than him and got into his slipstream when he opened the throttle and disapeared up to Riches at a rate of knots....

Never saw him again....

** The bike started as a 350LC which was being ridden by a quick guy from the midlands (no name/no packdrill) The bike seized at Snetterton on a cold practice day in March. Gosh was it quick but the engine was moreorless gash thereafter as the barrels where damaged very severly. Investigation discovered that the pipes had been cut and the engine was tuned for the modified pipes. At easter the crankshaft bearings went!!

Shortly after the seizure I had the fortune to be able to buy from an associate*** the engine and complete rear end of a 250 LC that he had clubbed into the rear of a car. I replaced the complete top end (then ultimately the bottom end too). So all that was left of the engine that I could use was the Cylinder head (which was certainly modified but it DID run with a head gasket - remember that issue?)
I will also admit to a modfied airbox. The engine was otherwise untouched until Stuart did some work the following season.... Reality was that the bike in this trim was as quick as the standard tuned "customer" bikes - as evidenced by a couple of mates of mine who ran Beckett and Stephens tuned machines but I had no hope in keeping up with those guys spending a bit more dosh or whatever.

For a few races before I could get the brakes sorted I ran in the 350cc class (I wasn't lapped!!!)

*** before you get the wrong Idea it was the boyfriend of the daughter of a works colleague!!

Finally I did enough to get a National licence before I gave up......

@Ilmaurice - ought to know you too! Mick James was a hard rider and his performances on all sorts of machinery will evidence his tallent. It was good to see a local rider mixing it with the bigger names (despite Snetterton being on the doorstep there were not too many of us)

Edited by LCRider, 02 January 2011 - 17:52.

Is not RC162 Stuart Matthews? or am I muddled again?

Edited by picblanc, 02 January 2011 - 17:45.

Is not RC162 Stuart Matthews? or am I muddled again?

It could be.. yes it is!!!

I Was confused a bit by some of the things said (not difficult right now..)- I'll get my coat and edit my post...

Hand cut slick guy.... Les Stewart?

Thats the Man Paul, he was an absolute genius with a tyre cutter !!

Superdreamracer in action

Couple of great photos Scott, Stan Stephens?

This is Silverdreamracer..AKA Essexboy. He ain't heavy, he's my brother.

He was also fast in the paddock....

Yep i believe it, i'm not being a kill joy but there is a time and a place for messing about and the track isn't it. I witnessed it first hand in 81 and it led to the death of Mike Downes. Hope i havn't put a dampener on the convo but it happened right in front of me and could have easily been avoided with a little common sense. Sorry.

HEY HANG ON A ****ing MINUTE........I was involved in that... WHAT ARE YOU SAYING?

HEY HANG ON A ****ing MINUTE........I was involved in that... WHAT ARE YOU SAYING?

Please gents /lady’s
Over the years many riders have inevitably lost their lives to the sport they loved!!
All well and good to have had a laugh at what we did or what we didn’t do over the years but please keep the memory of those who have been lost as it is!!
Its closure on facts that family needs... Not opening old wounds

This is Silverdreamracer..AKA Essexboy. He ain't heavy, he's my brother.

He was also fast in the paddock....

Dave Bexley?

Please gents /lady’s
Over the years many riders have inevitably lost their lives to the sport they loved!!
All well and good to have had a laugh at what we did or what we didn’t do over the years but please keep the memory of those who have been lost as it is!!
Its closure on facts that family needs... Not opening old wounds

Very well said , Timbo

Superdreamracer in action

Is that a CBX 6 >??

The name Andy key brings back memories, I remember having a right old ding dong with him at Cadwell Park in about 82, he was on a CB1100R and i was on a TZ350, neither of us was going to give in, he was quicker than me around Chris curve and I had the advantage on the brakes into the hairpin.

I eventually rammed him going into the hairpin on the last lap when he closed the door on me to stop me nipping down the inside, we both stayed on but another guy nipped through and won it.

I went to apologise after the race but he was laughing about it and said it was the most enjoyable race he'd had that day.

Ah Andy Key he has written of more bikes than Dave Croxford CB1100r,s GPZ,s he didn,t care he just got his sponsor to buy a new one!!!!!!!

this one is at the bombhole at snett!!!!!!

Mr McMillan!!

How the hell are you?

If I said 'Sprockets' or 'Zombie' would you have a clue?

OMG Paul Collins has told me about you lot,so I'm here! All the tales about proddie racing back in the 70s and 80s really brought bach fond memories,we had some fun then.All those illegal tuning mods,like cutting the padding out of the seats,removing generators etc., I remember it well!
I am still in touch with Colin Pole,he visited me when I was in hospital in Liverpool.He still retains an interest in bikes,but he has spent many years looking after his sick mother,who recencty passed away.He still lives in Birstall,Leicester.
I don't know if many of you will remember Hugh and Eunice Evans.Eunice was a seriously quick lady rider and she once finished 2nd to Neil Tuxworth in an international production race.John and I socialise with them regularly,together with Ray and Yvonne Knight,as we all live in the same area on the Isle of Man.Joan Milligan of British Formula Racing Club fame,visited us recently,following the passing of her husband John.Joan is keeping well.
Love the photos some of you are posting,so many good memories of Snetterton,West Raynham long distance races,and those super LCs.I even called a cat Elsie!

OMG Paul Collins has told me about you lot,so I'm here! All the tales about proddie racing back in the 70s and 80s really brought bach fond memories,we had some fun then.All those illegal tuning mods,like cutting the padding out of the seats,removing generators etc., I remember it well!
I am still in touch with Colin Pole,he visited me when I was in hospital in Liverpool.He still retains an interest in bikes,but he has spent many years looking after his sick mother,who recencty passed away.He still lives in Birstall,Leicester.
I don't know if many of you will remember Hugh and Eunice Evans.Eunice was a seriously quick lady rider and she once finished 2nd to Neil Tuxworth in an international production race.John and I socialise with them regularly,together with Ray and Yvonne Knight,as we all live in the same area on the Isle of Man.Joan Milligan of British Formula Racing Club fame,visited us recently,following the passing of her husband John.Joan is keeping well.
Love the photos some of you are posting,so many good memories of Snetterton,West Raynham long distance races,and those super LCs.I even called a cat Elsie!

Hello Hillary
I can't say how pleased I was to find out that you were doing well after the accident. A clip of you talking to your local news was posted on this forum and I have to say you don't seem to have aged a day. I hope you and John and all the family have a Happy New Year. How Gail these days ? Take care and all the very best.

Stuart Matthews

Is that a CBX 6 >??
[/quote]

Sure is matey - one of a couple that raced in the late 70s/early 80s

Is that a CBX 6 >??


Sure is matey - one of a couple that raced in the late 70s/early 80s

Seem to remember a German bloke (solo) on a CBX6 at the 82 TT brave man

Seem to remember a German bloke (solo) on a CBX6 at the 82 TT brave man

See my thread elsewhere about a NOVICE riding a moto-martin framed CBX
Plus there was a guy racing one in the Proddy classes too - not sure he was any good though

Evening all

Am I raving or did I once see a pic of Joey at Quaterbridge on a 750 6 Benelli?...now that was BRAVE!

Dont know where to start but I will have a look around

Evening all

Am I raving or did I once see a pic of Joey at Quaterbridge on a 750 6 Benelli?...now that was BRAVE!

Dont know where to start but I will have a look around

Hi

See this

http://www.benellifo...read.php?t=6839

Nice one Lc

Still dont fancy a spin on that yoke.

My Dad had a road going one in the seventies.........I drove the neighbours mad with my Renzo Pasolini impressions after school......that bike sounded the bizz even with the silencers.

Welcome from me also Hillary, I never raced in the Island but I remember you very well from my visits there and my intermittent club racing sorties.

Best Wishes for the New Year

Yes welcome Hillary, Happy New Year.

Mr McMillan!!

How the hell are you?

If I said 'Sprockets' or 'Zombie' would you have a clue?

Of course i would Bill ,what are you up to nowdays i heard you are living in cornwall or somewhere near there any way do you speak to Andy i think he is crazier now than he ever was

Yes welcome Hillary, Happy New Year.

Hi Hilary - welcome to one of the better forums!!

Hello Hillary
I can't say how pleased I was to find out that you were doing well after the accident. A clip of you talking to your local news was posted on this forum and I have to say you don't seem to have aged a day. I hope you and John and all the family have a Happy New Year. How Gail these days ? Take care and all the very best.

Stuart Matthews

Nothing like flattery Stuart! Thanks to you all for the welcome,there are some seriously knowledgable people here.
Gail has jumped ship to athletics nowadays,still loves the bikes but they are on the back burner.She is a serious veteran runner,an Isle of Man champion.We all still have bikes,John too.I will need stabilisers on mine,lol.I had better not mention stabilisers to Larry Devlin,he will know what I mean
Hilary M

Of course i would Bill ,what are you up to nowdays i heard you are living in cornwall or somewhere near there any way do you speak to Andy i think he is crazier now than he ever was

Hiya Ricky.
They were some good days down in 'Crooks Corner' at Snett, lol.
We moved to Cornwall, and then to Spain. I haven't spoken to Andy for some time. For some reason he seems to have forgotten me.
I think he's divorced now, but not sure.
He always was crazy, but that was part of his charm. We sure got through some bikes, though.
I remember when I was going to buy Alfie Mossell's bike, and Andy had a 'test race' on it at Snett.
Andy came back into the paddock grinning like a loon, Alfie was moaning that he'd worn a hole in the fairing, but was even sicker when
his Dad said 'He's just knocked 2 seconds off your best time here. Sell him the bike'.

How are you doing - I guess you must have had an accident, judging by the few posts I've seen.
Do you still see Zan?
Did Nic-Nac go to the States?

20 questions, lol.

Hiya Ricky.
They were some good days down in 'Crooks Corner' at Snett, lol.
We moved to Cornwall, and then to Spain. I haven't spoken to Andy for some time. For some reason he seems to have forgotten me.
I think he's divorced now, but not sure.
He always was crazy, but that was part of his charm. We sure got through some bikes, though.
I remember when I was going to buy Alfie Mossell's bike, and Andy had a 'test race' on it at Snett.
Andy came back into the paddock grinning like a loon, Alfie was moaning that he'd worn a hole in the fairing, but was even sicker when
his Dad said 'He's just knocked 2 seconds off your best time here. Sell him the bike'.

How are you doing - I guess you must have had an accident, judging by the few posts I've seen.
Do you still see Zan?
Did Nic-Nac go to the States?

20 questions, lol.

Hi Bill I have been racing classic bikes for a few years on a BSA r3 and a P&M built by Richard Peckett and the chain snapped on the line and some one hit me i have got 10 pins and a fixator on my leg at the moment . Yeah Nick went to Florida 4 or 5 years ago we still speak on the phone ,I havn't seen Zan for years but we have been in contact on facebook i also speak to Andy on facebook as well so he is on there if you want to get in touch we all post our old racing pics on there as well i have got the one on there of me and Zan jumping the mini-bike over that home made ramp Rick

Sorryyou hurt yourself ricky. As you get older its harder to recover. i spoke to Nick nac , via email . also zan, he has had a nasty accident but is recovering. speek to Andy on arse book also. He is still mental !! ha ha . will never forget you riding nic nacs bike. we used to call it the two litre cortina. fast as hell.

Hi all, was directed here off of a group on facebook.

Bit of a long shot, but wondered if anyone has any pictures of my dad, John Perrin, from when he was racing back in the 80's? He raced on the x7 for Andy Blueman, then moved onto a 250lc when they came out. Think he had a blue mudguard on a white/red LC

Hi all, was directed here off of a group on facebook.

Bit of a long shot, but wondered if anyone has any pictures of my dad, John Perrin, from when he was racing back in the 80's? He raced on the x7 for Andy Blueman, then moved onto a 250lc when they came out. Think he had a blue mudguard on a white/red LC

Hi Zak, did you ever get the bantam project off the ground? As for your dad, not sure mate, which clubs did he race with and what years. I have loads of pics but unfortunately don't remember your dad. Mind you i can't remember what i had for dinner these days

Hi Zak, did you ever get the bantam project off the ground? As for your dad, not sure mate, which clubs did he race with and what years. I have loads of pics but unfortunately don't remember your dad. Mind you i can't remember what i had for dinner these days

Bantam never really got off the ground after working out costs etc. I am now racing my Dad's 350LC with CRMC

My dad raced with Bemsee, new market (i think) and a few derby phoenix meetings. i think either 82 or 83 was his last year after crashing out at snetterton and getting hit by his 250 in the back. can't remember what year he started. maybe 79 on the x7?

Bantam never really got off the ground after working out costs etc. I am now racing my Dad's 350LC with CRMC

My dad raced with Bemsee, new market (i think) and a few derby phoenix meetings. i think either 82 or 83 was his last year after crashing out at snetterton and getting hit by his 250 in the back. can't remember what year he started. maybe 79 on the x7?

I was 2nd in the Newmarket 250 proddy championship in 79 on an RD so I might well have shared the grid with him. I did BEMSEE meetings on an X7 in 80 so may have raced against him there, although I concentrated on winning the BRC championship after finishing second in 79 as well. I finished 3rd in the S67 championship as well in 80 but didn't do all the rounds. After that it was open 250 on a TZ and then on to F1 so I wouldn't have seen your dad much after 80 but i would be surprised if we didn't share the track once or twice.

Hi all, was directed here off of a group on facebook.

Bit of a long shot, but wondered if anyone has any pictures of my dad, John Perrin, from when he was racing back in the 80's? He raced on the x7 for Andy Blueman, then moved onto a 250lc when they came out. Think he had a blue mudguard on a white/red LC

Hi Zak
I found your dad listed in a Newmarket Club programme for Snetterton dated 15th March 1981. Some of the lads on this forum will know this date for tragic reasons. Your dad is listed as riding a 250 Suzuki for Warburton Motorcycles but in a later programme for April, again at Snetterton with the NMCC, the rider for Warburtons is listed as a Kim Akerman riding a Suzuki 250 and your dad does not appear in this programme. I have several programmes from this era but they are awkward to get to at the moment but if and when I can, I will try to check them out for your dad.

One of the people you could try to contact for photos is Phil Masters. He was always taking shots at Snetterton at this time so he may have pictures of your dad. Where he is I personally don't know but there may be people on the forum who do.

I hope this helps.

Stuart Matthews

http://www.philmasters.co.uk/index.php

Try here

If he was riding the X7 in 81 i definately wouldn't have been in the same race, i was on a TZ then.

Edited by MickJones, 14 January 2011 - 21:09.

thanks for the response guys.

Stuart, that's the one, Warburtons motorcycles on the x7 I asked my dad about the 15th of march, and he told me about it. He was good mates with Terry. Don't know why he didn't race in April. I need to find out what date his crash on the LC at Snetterton was too.

Mick, nice one for the link. much appreciated

Edited by ZakPerrin, 16 January 2011 - 00:35.

I was 2nd in the Newmarket 250 proddy championship in 79 on an RD so I might well have shared the grid with him. I did BEMSEE meetings on an X7 in 80 so may have raced against him there, although I concentrated on winning the BRC championship after finishing second in 79 as well. I finished 3rd in the S67 championship as well in 80 but didn't do all the rounds. After that it was open 250 on a TZ and then on to F1 so I wouldn't have seen your dad much after 80 but i would be surprised if we didn't share the track once or twice.

Found a link to an old Bantam Club programme - the annual 50 miler in 1980 - http://bsabantamraci.....er 1989.pdf##

Mick's listed in the 250 race - did you win? I was in the 500 proddy race, and Kenny Irons was in the same race. He got excluded from the results for some reason promoting me to 3rd.

Found a link to an old Bantam Club programme - the annual 50 miler in 1980 - http://bsabantamraci.....er 1989.pdf##

Mick's listed in the 250 race - did you win? I was in the 500 proddy race, and Kenny Irons was in the same race. He got excluded from the results for some reason promoting me to 3rd.

No Lee, didn't ride mate, me and a few others, Paul Siddons included if i remember right, boycotted the meeting because we were excluded from scoring points due to the seat stuffing saga. Funnily enough i won the championship in the pits because Colin Pole broke down for some reason and i had enough of a lead points wise to wrap it up.

Here's an early 80's Bemsee proddie racer tyre testing at Daytona earlier this week.

http://www.amaprorac...id=317887#photo

Edited by Robin127, 22 January 2011 - 16:52.

Hi
Here's a really short bit of film taken in 1980 at Snetterton. Pete Beale makes a brief walk on in the yellow yamaha jacket, the rider on the air cooled RD is Roger Flaxman and when we are going into the assenbly area I'm sure the guy in the glasses carrying a helmet is Kevin Fawcett. The 'boy' in the soon to be scuffed leathers on the X7 is me.

 

Surprised nobody got these two 11 is Gary Thrush 64 is Andy Green

I showed this photo to Thrushy - I thought someone had got the year wrong because he raced a 350LC in 84 and didn't change to the YPVS until the following year. He told me the YPVS in this photo belonged to Dave Crampton, who couldn't race himself that weekend due to injury but took both his 250LC and YPVS to the meeting for Gary to use instead. The first race on the 250 he finished third - he was a bit surprised at how fast the 250 was compared to his own 350, and how well set up it was too - and he went on to win the two other 250 races on it that day. He had three third places on the YPVS behind Stu and Gerry - you can see from the photo that he isn't tucked in at all on the bike compared to the other three, but this was the first time he had ever been on a YPVS and it was all set up for Dave too. Plus of course Stu and Gerry didn't exactly hang about

Edited by markhoopy, 24 November 2013 - 12:14.

Nice one Mark & welcome.