6 replies to this topic

[Dennis David]

Dear Mr. David,

A cousin of mine who lived in the early part of the 20th century was
apparently a successful motor racer of some sort. He lived in
Coatbridge Scotland and his father honored him with a poem written at
that time. The poem is the only clue we have to his racing
experiences. I have attached the poem with the request that you take a
look at it and see if anything in it suggests some events you may know.
I think, perhaps, the names of the other racers and the locales of races
might suggest something. Thanks for you help.

Barry Pavelec
Kingston, NJ USA

[Pete Stanley]

What will Ray Bell make of such poetry?

[Darren Galpin]

It sounds to me like the poem is talking about Bob Cleland, who sadly died this year. I don't know much about his racing exploits, but his son is John Cleland, who is a multiple British Touring Car Champion.

[Michael M]

The poem is talking about dollars and greenbacks, so instead of Scotland it looks more like the USA.

[Pascal]

And isn't "tire" the American spelling of tyre?

[Pete Stanley]

It seems the racing was in the USA. The poem mentions Boston and New York.

But I can more easily imagine the speaker with a Scottish accent than an American. Rhymes: behind/wind & Frey/Blensky

[Ray Bell]

Somebody called? .... and while I was away!
Perhaps he travelled to do his racing?